Life can be full of curveballs. While, admittedly, this can be very frustrating, it is important to remind yourself that “shift happens.” And, as someone who likes to properly prepare and have a significant level of control in most areas of her life, it is not necessarily easy for me to adapt. When these moments arise, I try to remind myself that it is human nature to adapt and adjust to change. Without change we can never learn more about ourselves and grow.

Recently, I had to experience a change that is short-term in nature; but, quite honestly, has been a nuisance to deal with. While I am still going through this adjustment, I think it serves as a good example for this blog page.

What’s the change? Emergency. Wisdom. Teeth. Removal.

I know, I know. This is a common procedure with minimal horror stories (for the most part); however, I was not prepared for how this procedure would impact my nutrition and fitness! To add a little more complexity to the situation, I should probably note that negative impacts to my nutrition and fitness also affect my mood in a somewhat significant way.

Since this procedure, I have been tailoring my diet to eat mainly soft foods and foods that do not get trapped in my extraction sites. If these sites were initially craters it would not be as bad; however, thanks to the nature of the procedure two of the extraction sites are like coin clots. Basically, it is easy for food to fall in the slot but not so easy to irrigate food out of the slot. Narrowing my eating to soft foods and foods that do not easily trap inside the extraction sites has been a terrible experience for a self-proclaimed hedonic eater.

Why? BECAUSE I LOVE FOOD!

But more importantly? Tailoring my eating in this way has significantly impacted my calorie count in that I am always at a deficit. For those looking to lose weight, I get it… there’s really no problem. But for those striving to maintain or build, I know that you understand my struggle!

Rant over… back to the lesson. Adaptation. While I am still healing and recovering, it is important that I do not create even more of a caloric deficit by exercising vigorously. Although this is a bit difficult for me because I enjoy weightlifting and dancing, this is something that I must adapt to for the moment so that I do not wither away to the ground (*cue dramatic music*). For now, I am participating in very simple, low-impact, movement for shorter durations of time as movement is vital to my wellness and keeping my mood pleasant (remember – wellness is personal!).

When you are experiencing any type of change that comes your way it is important to remember a few things.

1.       Change is inevitable and is a viable force in learning, growth, and progress – without change we could never strive to be better people or live better lives.

2.       Not every change is permanent – learn to control the things that you can while adapting to the things that you can’t.

3.       Ask for help if you cannot adjust to the changes that are in front of you – there are many professionals that are willing to help (and you may be surprised at how willing your loved ones are willing to help, too).

4. Self-care is important in both nourishing yourself and knowing your limits – by taking time to get to know yourself you will learn how to self-soothe when moments of change are on the horizon. You’ll also get a great gauge of when it is time to ask for help.

Shift happens,

CC.