PCOS, Discipline, and Self-Trust: Learning to Listen to My Body

Listening to the omens is creating a focus I’ve missed in myself. I have been able to take the time and evaluate the whole chessboard, especially regarding my health. I finally accept my health is a constant priority. There have been some hard lessons along the way while navigating PCOS. Being predisposed to numerous diagnoses that affect my mental and physical health and quality of life felt overwhelming this year. But y’all should know by now, I reviewed the chessboard of life from a different perspective. 

Let’s go back to when I was diagnosed with PCOS. I had to advocate and demand that my hormone levels be tested. I knew for years I had it, but never trusted myself until the evidence was overwhelming. Being diagnosed was the confirmation my gut always knew. The diagnosis planted a seed. I developed a terrible habit of second-guessing myself and avoiding unpleasant realities; waiting for some form of permission to live a life that’s not like most. Slowly, I am learning to trust myself and my instincts; I’m rarely wrong, mostly misunderstood.

Yes, PCOS comes with plenty of adversity, but it has taught me to be resilient and lean in towards the punches. The sooner I face the impact, the quicker I can pivot to the solution. As a result, I am mastering flowing through life and slipping through the unpleasant realities and unknown, and creating an intentional lifestyle instilled with discipline. I have a clear direction and goals, that no matter what happens, I am going to keep going. My anxiety seems to be constant this year, and I remember my blueprint: priorities, time, and choices. 

I know my priority is always my health, but a lady has goals with deadlines. Time management is my best friend, and I give myself all the time I need to properly make the choices that will best aid me on my journey. I wasted a lot of time second-guessing myself, gathering evidence, when the truth is always right in front of me, just unpleasant. As a result, I keep showing up for the gym, for my self-care, for the brand, and for my goals. Each day has a different priority, but they all contribute to my overall quality of life.

This is the year I fully break the bad habit of delaying the unpleasant truth. I will save time and trust that I know the choices that suit my lifestyle. Similar to being diagnosed with PCOS, I didn’t need that as permission to live a disciplined life. I’m no longer seeking a mask or excuse to live life the way I want to. Accepting that I live with multiple conditions may be the cause, but it is no longer my why.

I do the intentional most, because I love it. I enjoy structure, routines, and discipline on my own terms. I believe in freedom and autonomy over my priorities, time, and choices, regardless of whether they are misunderstood.