This week was a solid one, not perfect, but steady.
I completed 4 out of 5 workouts, stayed focused throughout most days, and continued showing up even when things felt harder than usual. Consistency matters more than perfection, and this week reinforced that lesson.
On the professional side, I met with my marketing advisor, and we took a deep look at the website. We’re moving forward with a full overhaul, and I left the meeting feeling genuinely energized. It felt like true collaboration, thoughtful, creative, and aligned, which is exactly what I want as this project continues to grow.
Academically, I finished the edits on Chapter 2 of my dissertation and am now heading into round three. It’s a long process, but closing one round of edits before starting the next felt like a meaningful milestone.
Mornings, however, have been a real challenge. Getting up has been hard, and I’m actively experimenting with ways to make my wake-up and shower routine more manageable. With POTS, showers can be especially draining; the heat alone can wipe me out, so they aren’t exactly enjoyable. This week I’m trying a few accommodations: a nice-smelling shower oil and waterproof headphones so I can listen to music instead of focusing on discomfort. Small changes matter when your body has limits.
One thing I am proud of: this is the last week of Month One of the CHOP protocol, and I’ve stayed consistent. I can’t believe how fast the month has gone by, and showing up week after week feels like a quiet win worth acknowledging.
I’m also working through a pile of medical appointments and paperwork this week, and I’m hopeful I’ll finally get that fully organized. Anyone who manages chronic health issues knows how much invisible energy this takes.
Alongside all of this, I’ve been reading The Artist’s Way, and I’m loving it. This week is media deprivation: no books, no news, no podcasts, no social media. I’m on day two, and honestly? It’s rough.
I didn’t realize just how glued I was to my phone until I felt the withdrawal. With the current news cycle, I had convinced myself I needed to stay informed moment by moment. And while being informed as a good citizen matters, being perpetually activated does not. There’s a noticeable relief in not reacting to every headline, even as the urge to check remains strong.
This week has made something very clear to me:
We can’t make thoughtful decisions or meaningful change when we live in a constant state of emotional turmoil.
After this week, I plan to be much more intentional about how and when I consume news and social media. Information should serve us, not hijack our nervous systems.
So instead of scrolling, I’m choosing tangible, grounding tasks:
inventorying my emergency preparations, repotting a plant, and cleaning out my closet.
No background noise. No constant input. Just space to hear myself think again.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or constantly on edge, I invite you to try a version of this for yourself, even just for a day. Step back. Notice what comes up. Pay attention to what quiet gives you.
I hope you have a steady week ahead.
And if you’re feeling brave, feel free to join me on a social media cleanse.
Upcycled Human 