While those who I’ve worked with know that what I teach you is something I ascribe to, for those who I may not have worked with just yet (you see what I did there!), I am a firm believer in practicing what I preach.
That includes everything I do – whether it’s EFT (aka Emotional Freedom Techniques aka Tapping); meditation; hypnosis; talking to a professional and going to therapy, etc. As the teacher, I once was the student. I only believe it’s right to try those things out, or actively do those things prior to, or even while, suggesting it to others.
That being said, I have recently discovered the power of Hemp Oil. I had heard a lot of buzz around this hemp oil and its benefits. From many different health issues people are dealing with, to even mental and emotional concerns. Whether through social media, documentaries, or just people speaking of the power of the hemp plant, I was intrigued when approached about it. Once I learned of all of the potential benefits, I quickly wanted to find out more.
You see, I am constantly seeing people in therapy who are dealing with not only emotional issues, but physical complaints as well. Whether it’s physical pain – back, knees, shoulders, etc; or dealing with the side effects of the medications they are on; I see so much pain in my practice that at times it can feel overwhelming and as though I’m going up creek without a paddle.
So when the opportunity to try this hemp oil presented itself to me, I immediately became curious. I wanted to know what this plant had to offer. While I thought to myself “I don’t really need this since I don’t experience much anxiety or depression (and even if or when I do, I have the tools to help myself through), I’ll go ahead and give it a try.” Again, if I was going to suggest it to anyone else, my thought process was that I better know all about it and be able to back up what I’m suggesting.
Fast forward to just last week. I’d be remiss to mention that in the past year, I’ve been dealing with health concerns on my own. Last January, just after the new year (what a way to bring in 2017!), I was admitted to the ER for heart issues. I was given a topical solution to put on my chest as well as a statin to address my cholesterol which was off the charts. Hereditary, they say. I also had to check my Blood Pressure multiple times daily since my BP at that time of admittance was somewhere around 160/110, plus or minus.
During all of 2017, I continued to take these medications and follow-up with my doctor every three months as she monitored my progress. Blood work was taken throughout the year with minimal progress. At some point during the year, I wanted to do things more naturally, address these concerns through a more plant based diet. I also had a daily meditation practice that helps with blood pressure as well. Regardless, I became a believer that there has to be a more natural way to address this issue. What solidified this thought process was when I went for my on-boarding physical for my new job in May 2017.
I went to a local university’s hospital, and the nurse who was doing my physical asked what, if any meds, I was on. I told her a statin. She was an African-American nurse, and immediately began speaking about some of the negative side effects of statins for African-Americans. She recounted a time where after years of taking the medication, she became horribly allergic to it, to the point where she was admitted to the ER after being unable to breathe. Her whole throat swelled up. The doctor told her that this happens often for people who have been taking statins for a while, especially African-Americans.
Well, needless to say, at that point I was sold on the fact that I didn’t want to die from the same medication that is supposed to save me. Wasn’t where I saw my life going. Six months later, I came across a lady who is in a local networking group I’m a part of, and her and I sat down to learn more about each other, what we do, and why we do it. Her infectious energy about Hemp Oil (for herself and her teenage daughter) immediately piqued my interest! The rest, you can say, is history!
I received my first bottle in November and have been ‘pumping’ ever since. I recently went for another three month follow-up with my doctor. The results? My blood pressure was 106/68. My cholesterol (the bad one) has come down by about 50 points. I feel a sense of calm, clarity, and focus that I did not have previously. My energy is consistent throughout the day. My doctor wanted to know what changed in the last three months. I came clean and admitted that I stopped taking my statin (which I am not suggesting you do without consulting your doctor first!) and started on this Hemp Oil. She was intrigued and wanted more information about this product! Not only that, but she took me off my medications officially…and told me she would see me in a year!!!
What a turn-around! I was elated after this appointment. I didn’t even start taking this product with that in mind. My primary reason was to help others in my life I care about. I just didn’t realize that the health benefits for myself would be so tremendous! And not to mention, by helping myself I am helping others. I am so much more clear, focused, present, and energized throughout my sessions, it’s amazing! I have had some of my better sessions than I’ve had in my 17 years as a psychologist. Part of that may be experience; but part of it is that my sense of calm and clarity has allowed me to tap into creative and confident aspects of myself I wasn’t able to access previously.
While I am not claiming this is a cure-all, nor am I suggesting people stop taking the medications they may currently be on, what I am stating is that there is power and healing in this natural plant. That being said, I share with you that the time is now to take care of yourself and your health. What is your why? Why do you want to improve your health? Is it for you, your family, for freedom, for clarity, for focus, for creativity? What is it? There are so many reasons. I am so ready for you to achieve those things, because when one of us gets to that level, all around us benefit! The time is now!