Finding Balance: My Journey with Herbs, Mindfulness, and Self-Care
The Long Road: Struggling with Alcohol Dependence
Taking care of ourselves isn’t just a luxury—it's essential. My own journey taught me this lesson, and I want to share some of what I’ve learned with you, like an older sister who’s been through some really hard shit and has come out stronger. My journey to wholeness continues, only now it has become joyful.
For many years, I was trapped in a cycle of alcohol dependence. I tried to numb my pain with drinking and partying, but it only led to more despair. Depression and anxiety were constant shadows, and I found myself hitting rock bottom over and over again. I even had a suicide attempt and was baker acted in December 2000.
For 25 years I moved around the country, constantly on the go, searching for a better life. Each time, I thought it couldn't get worse. But it did. Every. Time. You know the saying, “wherever you go, there you are”. It took me over two decades of spiraling down before I finally declared that I had had enough and found a way to climb out.
Finding the Path to Healing
Surviving the darkest times didn't mean immediate recovery. It was a slow, challenging process. I sought out many different alternative healing modalities, techniques, therapists and workshops to help me heal, and they would work for a while, but pretty soon I’d be back to my old ways, never really sticking with it and putting in “the work”. I was stubborn like that. I chose the hard way to learn life lessons, over and over and over again. Making poor choices and bad decisions. Having no boundaries. Attracting users, narcissists, and sociopaths.
In October of 2019 I realized that something had to change and I declared out loud that I wanted to experience life differently. There is power in the spoken word. It sends out a vibration. I didn’t realize it at the time but in order for me to experience another, better reality, I was going to have to become a different person. A better version of myself. Within 6 months I found myself in a sober environment, with a friend who didn’t drink and by October of 2020 I quit drinking completely. I began using the different herbs, tools and techniques I had learned over the years to support my mental and emotional health and detox my body from 30+ years of daily drinking. I incorporated daily self-care practices, took up new hobbies, and learned new skills.
The Power of Herbs: Nature’s Gentle Support
Herbs became an essential part of my journey and I began an extensive medicinal and culinary herb garden. Daily herbal infusions became a part of my routine and helped me calm my overwhelmed and frazzled nervous system. Ginger Turmeric Chai, with its mix of cinnamon, green cardamom, star anise, nutmeg, and clove became a soothing ritual that helped calm my mind and lift my spirits. Holy Basil picked fresh and steeped in the sun with chamomile is divine. These plants became my herbal allies, providing a gentle, supportive boost to my emotional health.
I also started making hydrosols, distilled from the healing herbs I grew. They’ve had an enormous impact on my mental and emotional well-being. Rose, Lavender and Chamomile hydrosols quickly became my favorites, offering a gentle aromatic support that helped ease my mind. The whole process of distillation requires one to slow down and be present with the process. I found that when I would distill Rosemary my focus and creativity would skyrocket! Lemongrass would ease a headache and I’d soon feel refreshed. Rose would soften any frustration I was having. Lavender would ease my tension and help me relax.
Embracing Mindfulness: The Art of Being Present
In our hectic lives, slowing down can feel impossible, but it's absolutely necessary. To help myself slow down and be present, I incorporate mindfulness practices into my daily routine, and the effects are life-changing. Simple techniques like helical breathing, EFT Tapping, meditation, hypnosis, and mindful gardening are my anchors. When I encounter a challenging feeling, I quickly begin using a mindfulness technique that helps me stay centered and present.
Every morning, I spend time in my garden, meditating with the plants, focusing on my breath and letting go of my worries. This practice helps me stay centered and present, reducing anxiety, boosting my self-esteem, and deepening my relationship with my herbal allies. It’s incredible how these small, intentional moments can create a ripple effect, transforming your entire day. We think something has to be hard for it to work, when the opposite is true. Simple techniques have a profound effect on the nervous system, helping you become mentally and emotionally resilient.
Self-Care: A Daily Commitment to Yourself
Self-care isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a daily commitment. I learned to listen to my body and mind, recognizing when I needed rest, nourishment, or simply a break. I embraced activities that brought me joy and relaxation, from distilling plants to hand-tying brooms and taking long breaks reading herb books and drinking tea.
Self-care is more than a break from the chaos; it’s an essential practice that replenishes your mental and emotional reserves. By prioritizing self-care, you affirm your worth and create a foundation for lasting well-being. Taking time for yourself isn't selfish—it's a necessary step toward living a balanced, healthy life.
This is why I created the Holistic Harmony: 10 Weeks to Balance Signature Program—a guide, community, and mentoring resource designed to help women navigate their own paths to wellness.
Immediate Steps Toward Change
Change is possible, and you can start right now. Begin with small, simple steps—learn about calming herbs for nervous system regulation and techniques to help you stay centered and balanced, or write down your thoughts in a journal. These things might seem minor, but they have a profound impact over time.
My journey to sobriety, balance, and health was long and hard, but each small step added up to significant change. You don’t have to follow the long, hard path I took. You don’t have to wait to hit rock bottom to start taking control of your mental and emotional health. You can begin today, right now.
Consider me your big sister, cheering you on. I’ve been through the depths and have come out the other side, and I believe in your ability to find balance and well-being. Start with simple, powerful steps daily, and watch how they transform your life. I have free and paid resources available on my website. www.highmoonfarm.com
Feel free to email me if you’d like to know more at deidra@highmoonfarm.com