My daughter has some food intolerances and the connection between diet and wellness is notable for her. She has spent a good part of her life feeling nauseous.

She has some autoimmune issues that are exacerbated by stress.

Diagnosed with food intolerances as a kid, thyroid disease in adolescence, PCOS in her early twenties, and recently an ADHD. Nothing life threatening, but all really annoying.

Bodies are bodies, yet we’ve been taught to treat them as if they function robotically. Well, guess what? That doesn’t work, for anybody.

The survivalism of the patriarchy has created a world in which nothing must get in the way of our performance. This mentality is both ableist and a disservice to the nature of our beings.

Even minor health issues like hers can be challenging. Her given body is always fighting inflammation. Her food intake and hormones are intricately entwined. Between the native stress of her body and the general stress of life, she is susceptible to being a blender of puffiness, irregular bleeding, and stomach aches. Medicine helps some, diet and an intentional focus on reducing external stress helps the most.

Attending to the needs of her body remains a trial and error experiment. I contend that her very real physical symptoms are a reflection of our humanity. Aren’t we all just trying to make it through a fucking day, being fucking human?

How we treat our bodies is the highly personal fuel for our quest to be in right relationship with our humanness.

Capitalism coupled with inequitable food, housing, and educational systems are all linked to colonization. So is the wellness industry. It’s all more connected than you may be thinking.

Nourish your body. Feel your soul. Expand your mind.

Awaken to what is your unique design. It’s complex and magnificent.