Last night I had the sudden realization that I have not been sick, not even a sniffle, since last March. That is almost one entire year of never having to cancel a shoot due to sickness or miss out on a fun event because my body was dragging me down. I also realized that is was last February when I threw my back out so badly that I needed assistance getting my shirt on and off. It was in this moment, while my dear friend Lucy was lovingly helping me pull my shirt over my head and delicately arrange three heating packs over my broken body, that I made a command decision to put myself first.
Shooting at the rate and pace I do takes it’s toll. I’m often standing, squatting, and bending in awkward positions for hours at a time, usually out in the elements, sweating or freezing. Yes. This is the glamor of my chosen profession. I knew if I was going to continue at my chosen pace, I had to put some routines in place and allocate my financial resources to ensuring my body was well taken care of. So here we go, my list of self care providers that keep me going in every aspect of my life.
Shine Chiropractic - Dr. Rebecca Lake
I’ve got to start where it started. Dr. Rebecca Lake has been with me for the past two years of my health journey. She has been my doctor, consistent guide, the person thats lifted me off her table when I was in too much pain to lift myself and answered my urgent calls when I couldn’t move. With her consistent care and adjustment, I am now not only able to get on and off her table by myself, but I’m experiencing a relief from pain I’d felt for years. I can now sleep my shooting shoulder, which had been out of commission for at least a year prior to meeting her.
While the adjustments are now a necessity in my life, seeing Dr. Becca is more then just alignment, it is the impetuous to the holistic care I’ve sought on behalf of my body. She’s inspired almost every single one of the other health care practices on this list and she is responsible for gently forcing me to go by some supportive shoes. If you are looking for a guide on your journey to wellness, look no further than this brilliant gal.
Skin Body Soul - Angela Carter
Skin care is an obsession of mine. For years, I battled rashy, super sensitive skin that controlled my life. As I’ve progressed on my healthcare journey, I resolved so many of my internal issues causing my chronic hives (as it turns out i have epically bad allergies) but years of abuse left my skin worn out, sad and broken.
Meeting Angela was a blessing. I am now someone who people actively stop and comment on the quality of my skin and this makes me SO happy. I’m not one to mess around with superfluous beauty treatments. I don’t dye my hair or paint my nails, but I do lean into anything that is going to make my skin glow without makeup application. I’ve been seeing the ladies at Skin Body Soul for hydrafacials, micro-needling and good, old fashioned laser hair removal. I’ve also been diligently using their Miracle Mask in between visits. And guys, my skin looks phenomenal, I think we can all agree.
Also because I’m obsessed and like to share, click here to get an AMAZING deal on a hydrafacial. Add derma-planing on to this and you will not regret your life choices.
The Grateful Chef - Brandy Lueders and John Cornish
Discovering The Grateful Chef and their pre-prepare frig and freezer meals was a game changer. Brandy, John and their beautiful business are why I’m able to get as much done as I do. I don’t cook. Ever. I’m not joking. Their shop is one mile from my house. The food is delicious, healthy, there is tons of variety and I never have to go to the grocery store. In fact, there are now entire month spans where I don’t step foot inside a Hy-Vee and this brings me great joy.
If you need a capacity builder in your life, check out The Grateful Chef. These people are my super heros.
Adamantine Yoga - James Miller
In September of 2018, I joined Adamantine Yoga at the suggestion of my dear friends, Dr. Rebecca and Kelly Marble. These two ladies are long time members and I had actively observed their passion for this practice. I’d been searching for a yoga home for ever since moving to DSM but hadn’t found anything that fit me. I used to practice 5 days a week back in Rochester, but finding the right vibe and making class times became increasingly challenging.
Adamantine was the answer to so many problems I wasn’t even seeing. The practice is structured and I move through the same flow every day, allowing me to truly settle into my body, stretch my abilities and watch my progress, while also challenging me to grow. I can show up anytime I want in the morning or afternoon. I’m usually there between 5:30am and 6:30 am but sometimes, I may go at 8:07am. I arrive to peaceful room with humans deep in their practice, breathing to the beat of a metronome. Everyone is moving along a similar path at their own pace, being assisted and guided by the teachers who move about the room.
This place is my sanctuary. It is my space to stretch and sweat, reflect and recharge. It starts my days off with the knowledge that I come first, and that every person who enters my orbit will benefit from the peace I found on my mat.
Massage Heights - Owner Trisha McFadden and Massage Therapist Forrest
My bi-monthly massage is a necessity, although my tax accountant has informed me that it’s not an expense. I’ve been visiting Massage Heights on Ingersoll for well over two years and my massage therapist Forrest has been by my side through so many of my work related injuries. The team at Massage Heights takes amazing care of me and I love knowing I get to support a fellow female business owner and friend, Trisha McFadden.
Cyclebar - Calleen Hodges
My first Cyclebar ride was with our Hummingbird charm, and I can’t imagine a better introduction to a workout. I went mainly in my capacity as charm leader, but instantly fell in love with the pace and the rhythm of the workout. The instructors are energetic, uplifting and just the right amount of pushers. This workout is the perfect cardio addition to my routine. It’s so good that I’m completely willing to make the 25 minute drive to my house 2/3 times a week to sweat it out in a dark room with relative strangers. If you are looking for group cardio that’s easy on the joints (yes, I think about these things), look no further and let me know if you’d like to join me! It’s always best to try a new workout with a friend!
So there is is friends, these are the people and places that keep this body functioning at optimum level. I can’t explain why I haven’t been sick for the past year. There is no one reason. But there is a culmination of self care practices that have resulted in overall better health, and for that, I am so proud of myself.