Welcome to the first day of our 30-day journey into self-care. Over the next month, we’ll explore a variety of self-care practices that are essential for maintaining our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Today, I want to share a personal story about why self-care has become even more crucial for me and my family over the past year.

In February of this year, I began experiencing what I initially thought were daily migraines. Each morning, I would wake up with a slight headache on one side of my head, near the temple. By late afternoon or early evening, the pain would intensify, spreading until it felt like my left eye was pulsing and watering from the pounding sensation. Every day was a struggle, with variations in the intensity and timing of these migraines. Some days, I could manage until 9:00 pm; other days, I was mentally incapacitated by 5:00 pm.

I felt like I was losing my mind. Time seemed to slip away from me. I stopped eating regularly, working out, and even completing my simple morning chores—routines I had followed for more than 30 years became insurmountable challenges. Some days started with a bang, meaning my head was already pounding; on others, the pain teased me, slowly building up to an unbearable level.

Realizing I couldn’t continue this way, I finally decided to make an appointment with my doctor. I managed to get one about two weeks later, by which point I was physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually drained. I couldn’t tolerate strong smells, bright lights, or loud noises. I assumed my doctor would prescribe something for the headaches and perhaps run a few tests. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Before I knew it, I was scheduled for an emergency MRI that same day. The news we received was completely unexpected, throwing our lives into turmoil. The next three months were filled with visits to neurologists, speech therapists, pulmonologists, and an endless series of tests. My routine self-care practices had to transform into an all-encompassing cycle of self-care to manage this new reality.

Throughout the next 30 days, I will share why each post topic is so important for self-care, drawing from both general knowledge and my own personal journey. I’ll discuss where I was at the beginning of this ordeal, where I am today, and what the future may hold for me.

This journey is not just about sharing my story but also about encouraging you to prioritize your self-care. Whether you’re facing similar challenges or simply looking to enhance your well-being, I hope these posts will inspire and support you on your path to a healthier, more balanced life. Let’s embark on this self-care journey together, and remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.