In 2008, when I was diagnosed with Grave’s disease, the endocrinologist suggested treating it with thyrostatics. He recommended a high dose for at least a year. Apparently, my thyroid levels were concerning.

However, as a trained dentist I knew the ins and outs of conventional medicine where the symptoms are treated rather than the cause of the disease.

I chose to interpret ‘dis-ease’ literally, sensing a message from my body. I had neglected an imbalance for obviously too long, and it became evident in a telling manner – through a thick neck. When I looked at the way my disease was behaving, it seemed like it was telling me I had suppressed anger, similar to how Germans say ‘to have a thick neck’ when you’re really mad.

I wanted to give myself a chance and opted to heal myself – without medication. Mentally, it wasn’t as easy as it may sound. The endocrinologist didn’t like that I wasn’t compliant and rejected his expert recommendation. When I left his office, he said that my choice was life-threatening. He wasn’t wrong as the thyroids are the main motor of the body in terms of metabolism.

Upon introspection, I recognized that I had ignored myself, my own needs, desires, and expression. This realization prompted a transformative shift in my lifestyle, diet, and habits.

Though I had begun searching for answers within myself in my 20s, this particular experience sparked a fresh enthusiasm for exploring my psyche and spirit.

Long story short: I was able to heal myself. Within two months my thyroid levels were back to normal.

Rather than relying on pills, I chose the long road (which ultimately proved shorter in time) and embraced discomfort. Without it, I wouldn’t have gained the insights I was meant to gain guiding me towards what I needed to know for my own growth.

Relying on quick fixes doesn’t really solve the underlying cause of a problem. It’s like putting a band-aid on without healing the wound underneath. It might work for a bit, but when the band-aid falls off, the problem comes back.

SHIFTING OUR MINDSET towards long-term solutions is key. Even if it seems tough at first.

Yours,
ljs