3000 Crazy Days to a Miracle

"My thyroid is none of your business."

In sync with winter solstice, a time of going within and seeking clarity and vision, I have taken some time to reflect and rest and receive, and lo and behold, a huge and unexpected gift shows up.

For those of you following this healing journey over the last year, a journey that began for me over 3000 blurry days ago, this health-seeker has received an important answer, a resolution of sorts. It is an answer that vibrates joyfully in every cell of my body. Let’s face it, it’s pretty darn clear that something has felt out-of-whack, besides my thyroid, since this all began—kind of like jamming a square peg in a round hole.

That discomfort, and the discomfort of being one voice in a mostly dark and empty room, has been alleviated.

Finally.

Things feel right—no more square pegs forcing and squeezing themselves awkwardly and painfully into places they don't belong.

I’ll tell you “the answer” now, and you can read on to see how this was revealed to me, or just enjoy the revelation for what it is, in all its glory.

Here it is, my answer, my gift:

It was NEVER the right or the responsibility of the medical establishment to treat my thyroid.

That’s it.

Whoa, eh?

Cool, huh?

Basically, it’s a simple matter of “Hands off, folks.”

This ain’t none of their business (just big business.) It never was theirs to treat. They don’t offer what I need. Simple as that.

How do I know this?

Well, if the fact that I have invested eight years of my life in a system that has proved itself to be totally useless to me, not to mention demoralizing and degrading, is not enough to convince you that I have been barking up the wrong tree, I’m not sure what more I can give you—another year of my life perhaps?

Let’s review the course of the last year, examine this colourful adventure, take in some of its twists and turns, zero in on truth and meaning as we go, and you’ll see how I have arrived at this freeing, and now very obvious, conclusion...

·         We recognized that where we put our faith ( meaning what we say “yes” to) has created everything we see in our world today— our medicine, schools, food supply, and on and on.  It is all part of our (unconscious?) collective agreement, a thought process that we participate in, a set of values we (unconsciously?) have adopted and the not-so-pleasant manifestations that have resulted.

·         We identified that empathy is in short supply, and not just in the medical system. As a professionally trained actor, I have spent most of my life asking “what if” and “how does that make me feel?” This would be a good place for everyone to start, especially those trying to help others. To endeavour to understand another’s situation by listening and paying close attention is the first step to becoming an empathetic individual and being of service. However, it requires a great deal of personal trust and confidence to do this as it ultimately leaves the empathizer with the troubling question: will I be able to handle this information? That said, I have learned that unless one has been faced with the challenge of restoring one’s own health and vitality, it’s impossible to really comprehend all that that means. It is only speculative, a sensing from the outside in, and all the more reason for health-workers to really get serious about becoming empathetic and responsive. (My book was written to help alleviate this problem as much as possible. Interestingly, those needing to develop the empathetic response the most, such as endocrinologists, have a very hard time embracing it.  It seems it is like taking yucky medicine for them, complete with squishy faces and gagging. I am hopeful that that will change, in time.)

·         We met Jerome, the dude who drives a gigantic truck “just because.”  From him we learned that “why” is a gorgeous 3-letter word and is quite possibly our most important tool to pack with us on this path to healing:

You’re not feeling well.

Why?

You have thyroid disease.

Why?

We don’t know.

Why?

We’re going to medicate you.

Why? If you don’t know the cause, why do you think this will help me heal? Why? Huh? “Just because” you have nothing better? “Just because” it pays the bills? “Just because” you’ve stopped honouring the body’s intelligence to heal? Why, oh why?

·         We learned that we accept a lot of stuff based on outdated slogans, like “put some spring in your step.”We recognized that these are only slogans, empty words, with empty promises, representing a lifestyle of apathy and ignorance. It challenged us to ask, “What’s real?” and to take the blinders off and see things for real, with the heart, not the tired, unimaginative brain.  From there, slogans that matter just might spring up.  It showed us that it is a time to “be impeccable with your word” (one of the Four Agreements from Don Miguel Ruiz’s book of the same title, and an all-time fave of mine.)

·         We heard how my dear friend was suffering so much, for so long, not getting any clarity, no support, no forward motion in terms of healing her thyroid condition. I told her that if I was her doctor, she would not feel “less than.” I just wouldn’t allow that. If I wasn’t able to help her, I would tell her. That would be the greatest help of all. At least it would be real and respectful. In my imaginary world, she would always leave my office feeling “more than”—more supported, more cared for, and more hopeful than ever. Because, if I signed-up to be a health practitioner, I would know “First, I WOULD DO NO HARM.”

·         I eventually stopped taking Synthroid.  This was the first step towards honouring my inner wisdom. I knew intuitively this drug was not right for me, but the brainwashing of the system that I was brought up in had such a firm hold on me. It took a great deal of courage for me to finally make the break, and move to desiccated thyroid hormone as a natural alternative for my body to more readily process (and hopefully, if it’s not too late, I’ll break free of that soon.) Believe me, when one is feeling like crap, foggy-brained and just plain icky, the task of following one’s intuition and making the necessary life-giving switch was daunting and I needed to be very clear about how I would make the transition smoothly. It took the kind of time and effort that those who are ailing should not have to endure. This sort of thing will end, as we all step more fully into our deeper awareness, find true answers and avoid mishaps like this. This process begs the question, “Why is it so challenging to do the right thing?” It comes down to a society that doesn’t easily allow for access to that source of light, knowingness, and connection— we’re just too busy, too toxic, too distracted, and ultimately, we just don’t see the “value” in such seemingly abstract, and possibly unattainable, things. What’s the payoff? It is only when we are faced with a diminishing life that we see the payoff to these life-giving ways.

·         We laughed and frowned simultaneously at the disturbing fact that thyroid issues are mostly affecting women, and that if things were reversed and it was men who were struggling, the rally cry would be heard loud and clear throughout the Universe. Women would never stand for such a catastrophe to befall their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons. They would harness their female powers and heal the situation. It is that female power (in all creatures) that nurtures and heals—but extra difficult to harness when so many women on this planet are ailing. (Hmm, is this an unconscious silencing and diminishing of such astonishing, non-patentable, healing power...?)

·         We saw that endocrinologists, and everyone for that matter, with arms crossed, stuck in the world of rigidity and arrogance, do not carry the energy of inspiration and innovation.  Keeping the channel open ultimately pays more. Bravery is most needed in times like this, and will rock this world.  The posted image of the modern dancer, Martha Graham, with arms outstretched and open, reminded us all that we’re ready to dance...right?

·         The innovative “clear toasters” that hit the market reminded us that “just because something ‘is’ doesn’t make it right” and we shouldn’t accept anything as the final answer. When someone has the courage to step out of the box, and the passion to imagine something new, things can be made better, even though we thought things were “just fine as is.”

·         I made the startling discovery that I was vitamin D deficient. I’ve no clue how long I was wandering about with this deficiency making my symptoms significantly more pronounced, but I’m guessing it was going on for a very long time, and should never have been left untreated. Turns out that vitamin D deficiency is frequently in cahoots with thyroid issues, and is often suspected to be the initial culprit in setting the system off course. Besides this fact, we learned that test result ranges are often shifting and changing so, as a general rule, if you don’t feel right, even when tests say “normal”, don’t buy it and keep digging. (As an addition to this point, gluten intolerance is also extremely common for thyroid patients. Look into it. It can be dealt with through diet and naturopathic support and if addressed properly can result in relief from many uncomfortable symptoms such as digestive troubles and joint pain and stiffness.) These pointers should be standard information given to all thyroid patients as soon as their condition is diagnosed to give them the opportunity to, at the very least, boost and support their system as much as possible.

·         I also made the point that ANY MISTREATMENT OF THE VULNERABLE, FROM PEOPLE IN POSITIONS OF “POWER,” IS NOT OK.  I guess the fact that a statement like that shows up in a health blog speaks volumes. (I will remind all bullies that only those feeling powerless feel the need to wreak havoc on others.)

·         And the following little gems came up:

- Be clear about what you stand for, and then ask yourself, “Can I really stand for what I stand for?”

- Admit that change is scary. Growing upsets people in our inner circle.

- After that initial period of shifting and moving into “the new and improved,” everyone settles into a new normal, and they all benefit. It’s a cool thing called “evolution.”  

- Being touched and connected is right and feels good.

And then, if you stay the course, things like this happen...

Via a series of synchronistic events, events that only show up when I am open, willing and paying attention, I came across the work of Alejandro Junger, M.D. He is the beautiful cardiologist who authored the revolutionary and timely book, “Clean.” I cannot tell you how freeing it was to hear him say that "the body can reset itself," and “to kill the symptoms without changing conditions that caused them is insulting to the body’s intelligence,” and “unconditional love heals.”  

This came to me like a miracle. Truly. My faith has been restored. Here is something I say “yes” to on a gut level.

It doesn’t get any clearer than what this enlightened fellow is talking about. Not only does he share what CAN happen, he explains WHY it can happen, and then he gives a comprehensive plan showing HOW this can happen. No one to-date has been able to offer me such a complete, honest and sincere gift.

So much of what he says I knew instinctively but, not being a scientist, it has been difficult to be heard and “believed” (by others as well as myself!) I love that this "science-medicine-mind" backs up everything that I (and probably you too) know to be true already. He really does! (Although, it is my personal belief that there will always be many mysteries beyond the scope of science—things that cannot ever be explained or proven and I really like owning that belief.)

Let me clarify something here. I believe the medical system does provide a very valuable service to many, for many different things. This just isn’t one of them. It never was. In the case of medical emergencies, we rely on this system, gratefully. Pain medications and antibiotics are magnificent discoveries. However, this is a case where the “the system” got overzealous in its need and greed to take over all the body’s ailments, took on matters that didn’t concern it, and along the way we ALL lost sight of this miraculous truth: the body heals.

Yes. Just show it how, remind it how, and let it do its thing.

When I was first diagnosed with thyroid disease, my doctor gave me the following two choices for my treatment options:

1.      Do nothing and see what happens, but you probably won’t feel better.

2.      Take this pill (Synthroid) for the rest of your life and you’ll be fine.

Now I understand that she missed an important third option:

3.      Let’s reset the body. You can “heal” this.

The problem is that she could never give me the third choice because she is not trained for such things. Nutrition, detoxifying, cleansing and healing are not in her field of study (yes, strangely and surprisingly.)

And so, I come to the end of 3000 days relieved and inspired, with a “clean answer,” a forward moving approach to improving my wellness that is very concise, very clear, very logical, and very liberating. 

And then, just in case I am not 100% convinced at this point, this newspaper article hits my radar (thanks to my well-intentioned mother). Among other disturbing things said in this article, the following piece of bullshit, yes bullshit, did not go unnoticed, and strengthened my belief in all that I know to be true.  Here is an excerpt from an endocrinologist, a “specialist”:

“When a thyroid is not functioning properly, the treatment is very simple, there are no side effects and it can correct a lot of the problems."  (Read more)

Simple!? Really? No side effects!? Really? If it’s all so simple and breezy, why all the books, blogs, and forums? Why are endocrinologists booked solid, with desperate, blurry people clambering to get in?

This is exactly what I have been protesting, and it is warranted. Because, as I write this, I know some unsuspecting woman somewhere is being given only two choices and I have to wonder how “simple” the next 3000 days will be for her—and her family—and her friends—and her career—and her heart dreams—and her whole life.

I hope that more and more people will get the opportunity to consider the third option.

Wish me luck as I get clean. 

It is MY right and MY responsibility to heal.

No more harm done.

The injustice is over.

A new year is upon us.

It is indeed a time to rejoice, a beautiful time to reset.

And it means everything.

Always,
Bea True

To lighten and soothe, here are my song choices for this story-blog, have a listen, you’ll feel good: “Straighten up and Fly Right” by Nat King Cole. A fun classic and a bit of a light-hearted protest to all concerned.

And, for some reason I was singing this in the shower this morning, and still can’t get it out of my head: “What the World Needs Now” by Burt Bacharach. Corny, I know, but kind of perfect, dontcha think? It opens the heart.

P.S. EVERYONE who is interested in health and vitality will benefit from the book, “Clean” by Alejandro Junger.  I highly recommend this inspired work.

Three Big True Gift Ideas

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WINTER SPARKLE

It’s fine and dandy to gift others this holiday season; makes us all feel really good to share and give and light up the faces of others. But, don’t forget to give something extra-special to that gorgeous "numero uno" in your life. You gotta light yourself up also!

Here are three inexpensive but truly rich gifts just for you: 

1)     Get in sync with the flow of this time of year, rather than going against nature and the season’s true offerings. All the hoopla and mayhem that “we have created” is actually counter to the rhythm of winter. The migraine-stimulating, dizzying, and often gut-wrenching hustle and bustle from the mall to the neighbours to the mall to the concert to the bank to the mall to the party to the mall to the friends to the bank to the mall to the fundraiser to the mall to the bank to the mall to the airport to the mall to the family to, finally, the near-emergency life-resuscitating scraps of REST AND RELAXATION, is not necessarily “in the flow.” Much of this rushed, expensive, stressful, exhausting nonsense is unnecessary, unhealthy, not mandatory, not the law, not written in stone, and more often than not, less-than meaningful.  

The shorter days and darkness we experience now are gigantic opportunities to take time for nurturance, self-knowledge and guidance: slow down, go within, ask why, and get answers.  

I learned that the sparkly lights at this time of year, specifically at Winter Solstice (December 22), date back to Pagan times when candles and bonfires were lit, to ensure the return of sun and warmer weather. In addition, others have written that during the solstice, the shortest day of the year, everyone would go inside their homes (it was cold and dark, what choice did they have?) to quietly reflect, meditate, and pray. On Christmas day they were “reborn” so to speak, and you would see homes lit up with candles aglow, as all the members of the community signalled that they had received their inner gift—clarity and vision regarding their calling and direction for the coming year had come to them. This was cause for dazzling wonder and awe and heartfelt celebration— which we have now attributed to comparatively empty distractions like electronic devices and fashion accessories! Yikes. 

Go for the big gift that keeps on giving, infinitely, no batteries required, with many happy and unexpected returns. Doesn’t get any better than that, does it? 

INNER SPARKLE

2)     Do yourself a huge favour and order a copy of the film, Foodmatters. Whether you are already well on your way to understanding self-care and “food as thy medicine” or have no clue what’s going on when it comes to that basic life-giving thing called “food,”  this film will inspire, motivate, and comfort you. It backs up all of the ideas expressed on my journey to health thus far, and strengthens my own conviction. I think I actually cheered out loud a couple of times when I watched this. I just felt such relief knowing that others are “onto the situation” and making the obvious truth heard so clearly. There are a few folks who have stated they sensed an agenda behind this, like some sort of propaganda campaign. Well, all I can say is if someone out there is propagating the ludicrous idea that we are all capable of getting back to health and vitality then “Amen and power to ya!” The strange thing is that a movie like this even needs to be made. You’ll know what I mean when you see this—what the heck have we created here? And why on earth have we moved so far away from all that nurtures and sustains life?  

Watch this and be comforted knowing that the paradigm is shifting, one enlightened human being at a time. Such an enormous gift for you to consider this holiday season, and one you can enjoy passing on to others you care about.  

3)     Here’s a really fun and creative gift you can give yourself. Go to Cafepress, and in the “design your own” section, choose a mug, frame, journal, or some other item available, and add a photo or quote or affirmation that resonates with you right now, something from this past year that you are grateful for, or words that are guiding you, or an image from an especially significant event, and have it delivered to you! 

A BOX OF SPARKLE

I love this company. From my experience, they are very prompt and the products are of a very good quality. How nice to be able to remind yourself every morning, when you drink that mug of coffee (oops! I mean green superfoods smoothie), that “Imagination is more important than genius,” or “The only failure is the failure to try,” or one of your own deep, spiritual, fun, or absolutely ridiculous sayings!  

"Create" a meaningful keepsake that will inspire you all year long. For everyone, but most especially for those dealing with chronic health issues, sometimes a few powerful words, some blazing humor, a special image that reminds you of the possibilites, goes a long way! Be forewarned: you might realize that you are so inspiring to yourself, you'll need to order a few more and share your huge vision with others!

Happy non-hustle and non-bustle sparkly season!

Always,

Bea True

Next up:  A summary of this year’s postings.  Jeepers, did we learn anything at all? Are we moving in the right direction? Is it all mumbo jumbo or could there be some merit to these musings? I think you'll be surprised at where we have been and how far we have traveled over the last year.  I’ll wrap it all up for you next time.