Hello, beautiful people! I hope everyone's doing well. As for me, I'm okay. I'm still feeling a bit crushed due to some saddening news I received last week. On the other hand, I'm feeling very happy and proud of the accomplishments I nailed in my first 10 days back in HIVE (counting from the first post). A lot of the time I've been browsing on community feeds, on LEO finance, on Twitter, looking to absorb as much knowledge as I can. A successful crypto journey demands, first of all, great self-education. Don't you agree?
In the days to come, I'll slowly build up my HP with my earnings, and I'll save some liquid HIVE to invest in current and future projects on the blockchain. As a content creator, I feel encouraged by this environment. I hadn't written in a year or so and it was a pleasant surprise to meet again with my beloved characters and their stories. Also, I conquered my fear of making a fool of myself and started drawing and painting again. My techniques need a lot of improvement, but the results I've been having express exactly what I wanted, which is great.
On the topic of my title: I've decided to get off the pill. I've been on oral contraceptives for almost two consecutive years. Every doctor I've seen or heard about preaches birth control as the magic solution to each feminine issue; from PCOS to mere acne or irregular periods. I'm tired of that, and I need some real answers, not just a pill to hide the root of the problems.
Besides, the side effects are terrible. No one talks about that, so I've been trying to ignore them, but no more. I now have high blood pressure, worse migraines, severe depression, and really painful cramps when it's that time of the month. My libido used to range between 90%-100% and now it's a zero to 5%, 10% if I'm lucky. I just don't feel like myself anymore, and I'd like to figure out how much is due to the damned pill, and how much to other mental health issues.
📷 by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash.com
Another BIG reason why I won't take hormonal birth control anymore is that I'm almost 28 (my birthday is in less than a month). I want to have kids, and I want to do it as healthy as possible. When I'm ready to get pregnant, I'd like to have been free of exogenous hormones for at least a year or two years. So yeah, it's about time I stopped taking the thing. Financial freedom, extensive therapy sessions, and top-notch nutrition and exercise are also on my checklist for getting ready.
On other topics, I'd like to share with you my weekly self-care routine to wind down and reset. For the past few months, I've been trying to take life very easy on Sundays. My partner works Monday through Saturday and always has this day off, so I plan my week ahead to have free time as well. Meal prepping, for example, has been a lifesaver. On Sundays, we avoid setting alarms for waking up. Oftentimes it's the hunger that does the trick!
📷 by freestocks on Unsplash.com
Our public water supply tends to be cut off on weekends, which I seriously dislike, but we have developed a system to work it through by storing the vital liquid in several containers. Right now, I'm very happy because this is one of those rare occasions where there's running water on a Sunday. I just had an awesome shower, with an extensive skin & hair care routine. Despite the extremely difficult, restless nights I've had this week, today I feel (almost) as good as new.
📷 by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash.com
In a few minutes, I'll start making lunch: some delicious penne pomodoro! I love Italian cuisine, with my own personal twist. Afterward, we might indulge in some (lots of) popcorn, and since I'm crazy for sweets, we'll end up having some hot chocolate. Maybe I'll even make some oatmeal topped with a local chocolate cereal called Flips. This is our signature dinner and it's freaking delicious (yeah, we're crazies and always eat breakfast for dinner, join the club).
My partner has to study for a college course, so I'll give him plenty of space for that after lunch. Meanwhile, I'll be studying forceful verbs, as the use of adverbs is a weak point in my writing. I'm all about self-improving, and the internet is an amazing place; for those who seek, they shall find.
Our evening will conclude with some very much appreciated quality time, criticizing the latest movie since our favorite series are yet to premiere their next seasons. We are looking for recommendations, by the way! We love bingeing content till 2 a.m. if it's worth it.
📷 by Derek Sutton on Unsplash.com
This little Sunday routine has been doing wonders for me. Most nights I'm caught by the desire for Monday to arrive, can you believe that? In a society where that day is despised, I've discovered the formula to receive the working week with a smile and renovated energy. I'm so thankful for that!