The Poor Mom Revolution

2024 for me was all about being intentional!

-Being intentional with those I allow into my life and around my family

-Being intentional with my choices and allowing myself to say no if it doesn’t suit my mental, physical or emotional needs.

-Being intentional with our finances and allowing myself to experience trips and traveling more with the kids.

-Being intentional with my self-talk and focusing on keeping it more positive.

-Being intentional with my health so as to not take things for granted because tomorrow isn’t promised.

-Being intentional with letting people know how much they mean to me and/or complimenting others often.

With that being said, I almost didn’t write a blog this week. I had been going back and forth debating whether or not to. This was a passion project of mine that I started in October. It was a way for me to get my thoughts out on paper and allow others to feel heard and understood. I wanted to reach out to other parents and moms that are in a similar boat or struggling with the everyday to let them know I hear them and they aren’t alone. I’ve reached so many more people than I would have on my own. I’ve had old friends reach out, rekindled past relationships, helped others verbalize how they’ve been feeling and it has been therapeutic for me as well. This week, the flame I had felt disappeared. The joy I had previously felt when I wrote and shared what was on my mind diminished and it kind of broke me if I’m being honest. I’ve written 40 blogs to date with over 40,000 words with over 2300 views. I unfortunately had given someone the power they didn’t deserve so here I am… on Monday sharing my truth just like every other week.

After a lot of back and forth action, in my head of course, I realized I wanted to share something specific that has been on my mind for a while now. This year has been about being intentional with as much as I possibly can. For years, I’ve been feeling tired, sluggish, brain fog, ups and downs and couldn’t figure out what I was. I had gone to numerous doctors who repeatedly told me that I was tired from working full time and from being a mom. That answer, no matter how many times I heard it, wasn’t enough! This exhaustion wasn’t normal and I wasn’t being heard. I hit a big slump at the beginning of the year. My anxiety and depression was at an all time high and I couldn’t shape the notion that this wasn’t normal! I had changed doctors and finally had one that heard me! She asked if I had my blood work done recently to which I responded yes! She asked if I had my vitamin levels checked as many times the symptoms I mentioned can be attributed to Iron, B12 and D deficiencies. I mentioned definitely not as they aren’t part of the routine blood work, go figure. I immediately got a script and was told to go within the week.

I was so nervous to receive the results. I so desperately wanted to know I wasn’t crazy, but also didn’t want anything to be wrong. The results came back with some significantly low results in all these categories. I was Iron Deficient (anemic), and had a Vitamin D and B12 deficiency. Thankfully I was able to take a daily vitamin for them and also needed a B12 monthly injection shot. Can I just tell you that within 3 days of the daily vitamin supplements and the shot… I felt like a new person! My energy went up and my anxiety/depression feelings went down! I felt more alert and it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. The absolute worst part of all of it was that I was struggling, asking for help and wasn’t being heard. I was dismissed because being a “mom” is difficult. I was dismissed because working full time and wearing so many hats is exhausting. I was dismissed because my feelings couldn’t have been rational. I was dismissed because the vitamin blood work isn’t standard and therefore not a necessary option.

I’ve been doing research on vitamin and hormone deficiencies and it’s amazing how prevalent it is, but how it is barely spoken about. I’ve been making it a point when someone has similar feelings to simply ask for the test to check your levels. I never realized how something so little can hinder your life! The blood work cost me about $130 which wasn’t ideal, but it gave me all the answers I needed. I’m going to stand on my pedestal here for a second and remind you that you know your body best and to not give up when someone doesn’t listen or acknowledge your needs. We are all fighting silent battles and know that you have a community rallying behind you. Have you been feeling similar symptoms? Have you been in the same boat?Throughout this year, I’ll be circling back to my goals of being more intentional and appreciate that you’re holding me accountable!

Did you decide on your word of the year? Have you been feeling similar symptoms? Have you been in the same boat? I’d love to hear it!