Growing Up

I have ​​lived in many places and met many different people. Along the way, I knew people who struggled with asthma and allergies — pollen, bee stings, and other triggers that made being outdoors difficult.

I was lucky. When I was young, I had none of those issues, so I spent as much time outside as possible. I loved running through the woods, riding my bike, bouncing on my pogo stick, collecting honeysuckles, and enjoying everything the playground had to offer.

I couldn’t wait to get outside.

Even as a young adult, I still loved the outdoors. I enjoyed getting in my car, rolling down the windows, and driving anywhere and everywhere. I went to amusement parks and the beach as often as I possibly could.

Because I didn’t grow up with allergies — and because this is a fairly recent issue for me, likely related to menopause — it never crossed my mind that the headaches and overall malaise I was feeling, the last three days, could be caused by tree pollen.

I was still hoping for a little more cool weather, especially since it isn’t officially spring yet.

It wasn’t until I did my weekly grocery shopping that it finally clicked. When I went out to my car, I could see the pollen beginning to coat it.

Yes, it’s not going to be fun dealing with the pollen this year – I can see it now.

Changing the Order of My Priorities

For three days, I just felt off. Because of that, I didn’t feel like doing much of anything — especially writing or creating content.

Now that I’m starting to feel a little better, I’ve made a decision: I need to change the order of my priorities.

Recently, I’ve been very focused on income. But this experience reminded me of something important. If I don’t take care of myself first, I won’t have the energy, or desire, to pursue anything else — including income.

At one point, during my career pivot journey, I even considered creating weight-loss or self-care content, though I’m still debating that idea.

What has now become obvious is this: if I don’t make myself — and my health — my first priority, I won’t feel like doing anything else.

Going Forward

I’m still not 100%, but I feel well enough to write today.

I have to admit that I am a little concerned about the pollen season this year, especially since spring hasn’t officially started. My hope is that if I focus on improving my gut health, these allergies — including some menopause-related food allergies — might lessen over time.

So I’m starting with small steps.

More fruits. More vegetables.

Yesterday I ate an apple, and honestly, I think it helped me feel a little better.

Sometimes the path to feeling better begins with the simplest choices.