Home, Sweet Home Office!

While I enjoy working from home, the changes in my routine are still, at times, causing havoc on my thyroid health. I know my TSH is “in range”, but that doesn’t equate to feelings of health and well-being bliss. Honestly, it ticks me off. It’s upsetting. So, my reset involves a few different nuances this year.

Candid Conversations 

I did a lab visit and reviewed my numbers, including Vitamin D too, with my endocrinologist. I was honest and candid about how I was feeling to ensure my current plan for managing my thyroid health is on point, so we could tweak it together. I also talked to my chiropractor about how I was feeling. My doctor recommended increasing my fluids; you’d be surprised how much water you actually need to stay adequately hydrated versus how much you have been thought you need. Standards have changed. Our bodies are all different. We have different needs. 

Movement Goal

Whatever you choose to do to get moving, exposure to sunlight and feel better is your choice. Just make it a goal and meet it. I started Barre563 again and it gets me moving and communicating with others in a small group, which breaks up my workdays! My goal was to get out of the house on workdays a few times a week, for my mental well-being, and my nurse practitioner helped me get back to it. I’m telling you, it takes a team, she too was someone I went to for a very candid conversation when I was feeling not so sparkly. I love her!

Check-in

Checking in on your strong friends, weak friends, family members, coworkers, team members, and check-in with yourself! It’s a mindset. Some people are on top of it. Others simply don’t do it because they say they are busy with family, but hey, think of a time when someone reached out to you when you least expected it and needed it. Be better. Be open. Be kind. I think that the more you grow and the more you become comfortable with your personal self, you will see yourself become more empathetic towards others. That is a beautiful thing.

I gotta run. Be well!

Shemeka 

New Day, New Attitude

Today is a new day. It is a good day. You may be well into your day, if you’re a morning person, or perhaps sitting at the airport like I am (ORD), awaiting a flight, or if you are in a different part of the world from me. Regardless, my point being, you can chose not only your adventure, but your attitude. You can own, your feelings. You can chose to do you and feel better about the choices you make in your life, one day at a time. 

One of the largest lessons I’ve learned with managing my hypothyroidism, in addition to living my life, after my encounters with multiple benign tumors over the years, is that I definitely have to take advantage of the opportunity to chose my attitude daily. What this means for me, is that I chose to be a positive person, energy, spirit and force, daily. My choice takes a hell of a lot of work. I just make this shit look easy!

Today, in my daily practice of positive thoughts and actions (and caffeine consumption), I wish that for every negative comment someone thinks or says about another, two positive comments and actions cancel them out. I wish that people pass less judgment on others, if any. I hope that the heatwave subsides so those that are burning up can cool off, and those being hit by tropical storms weather them well. May my thyroid healthy friends and family members take some time this summer to revisit their daily and weekly habits, rituals. I recently had to hit the reset button, y’all! I feel great!!

I leave you with this question: What do you miss? 

Find it, create it, seek it and if heathy and not absolutely gluttonous - treasure it! We went thru a lot last year, and we continue to adapt, adjust, change, evolve and grow. 

Be well,

Shemeka

2020...Buh-Bye

2020, what more can I say? A hell of a lot more than I have chosen to, and I’ll spare you many details and keep this as short and concise as I possibly can. 

I’m still hanging on to my crown as the queen of positivity, because everyday, friends, I choose my attitude. I have no time for BS and negative energy, but I did shed some tears this year, limited association with friends (some not due to social distancing) as the world was struck by a pandemic, friends lost family members and jobs, and parents gave commencement speeches and homeschooled their children. This shit is all super sad. Working from home, watching the news, canceling flights...SMH.

Our lives literally changed. I’m still shook. I’d be lying if I said this had no impact on me. I left my partner, rediscovered a part of my inner self, increased my vitamin D levels (woot) and got a promotion. My life slowed completely down. Completely! For every negative there is a positive. People always have shared learnings from their toughest experiences and moments in life. Have you ever noticed that?

I started the year off in the Alps, followed by a business trip in Germany, with high hopes for the year overall. Plans were delayed and canceled once I returned home, things happened continually that were completely out of my control and comfort zone. So, I started focusing on what was urgent and important, then I flipped the script and pushed the reset button. It works when I’m focusing on my thyroid health regimen, so why not apply my principles to my life during a pandemic?! 

I read a lot of books! Oh, check out Mark Pilja’s, The Hashimoto’s Handbook. Mark reached out to me during this time. It really made my heart happy. His book is a great resource. He took the opportunity to provide a resource to all. He talks about our immune system, which everyone now is enthralled with, and discusses how it reacts to foreign pathogens. He dives in a little deeper to discuss chronic inflammation too. It is intriguing! He also covers, in brief for those of you thinking about new year’s resolutions, tackling weight from a sensitivities perspective! Love it! Food lists, ways to unwind and manage anxiety - he provides what we all can benefit from - thyroid health issues or not! Please read! He is @healthjuvenate on Instagram. Thank you, Mark!

Virtual Happy Hours continue to be had, books continue to be read, and masks continue to be worn, in my world. I am blessed, well and thankful for 2020. But I would be lying if I didn’t say, I’m beyond ready for 2021. I’m just keeping it real!

Be well!

Shemeka

Aha Learning Moment @ SUNY

I really found this course and experience taking Exploring Emerging Technologies for Lifelong Learning to be enlightening on the tech front. The exposure it has given me to all the different resources, via the EmTechWIKI, is incredible. I enjoyed the collaboration, and found the Communication & Collaboration and Creativity modules to be my favorites. With regards to my lifelong learning goals and the program,  I feel as though this program has given me direction, a newfound affinity for exploring new tools and collaboration, during a pandemic, virtually.

My aha moment, key takeaway, was during the exercise for Communication & Collaboration and Creativity, when I realized the course modules were so entrenched in a multitude of technology from audio, to collaboration, to visual, and that I would be able to use and incorporate my LinkedIn profile and blog into my coursework = ePortfolios. Your ePortfolio can be creative, collaborative, descriptive, have a splash of color: It is what you make it! I will continue to create, develop and learn.

Lifelong Learner Reflections

Exploring Emerging Technologies for Lifelong Learning, a course I am currently enrolled in, is giving me the opportunity to reflect on this. For my entire life I have taken classes, from childhood development classes as a toddler to primary education, to undergraduate and graduate studies, in addition to developmental training courses during my career years. Why? Because I have an affinity for learning. I have a growth mindset. I am an instructional developer.  I love to not only teach others, but I love to be a part of the learning process. Not only do a feel a sense of accomplishment in learning, personally, but when I can engage others and share dialogue with them, and add to the conversation, that is when I have truly benefited from the knowledge that I have gained, and expanded upon.

I am a lifelong learner.

The Blog

Let’s Share Dialogue is a purse full of thoughts, inspiration, and pieces of me. 

21 Days of Mindful Eating with Healthline

It’s time to share a little health bite with you. Before my friend’s wedding, I did 21 Days of Mindful Eating with Healthline. It was a perfect way to press the reset button and focus on a new avenue of self-care. Sign up for a mindful and intentional start to your day for the next three weeks. Your body will thank you for it! 

If you want a shorter commitment, no worries, because Healthline’s got you covered! Check me out on Facebook to find out how!

https://m.facebook.com/shemekarsumrall/

Be well,

Shemeka 💛

ThyForLife

There is a new app, have you seen it? Have you used it? I have seen it, I haven’t used it, but I will as soon as it’s available for iPhone users. I won’t deny YOU the opportunity a moment longer though!

This is not a promoted post, simply an FYI, Google Play Store has launched ThyForLife, a new thyroid tracker app. This app allows users to keep track of their thyroid conditions. 

ThyForLife enables users to monitor their thyroid condition by inputting bloodwork, medication and weight data all in one place. The app will send reminders whenever it is time for users to take their medication allowing them to spend less time worrying about their health and more time on the things that matter. 

Natalia Lumen, Founder and CEO of ThyForLife, found out that she had thyroid cancer in 2017 during a regular wellness check. "Three years ago I was really busy building my career as a management consultant at Bain & Company and thyroid cancer has caught me by complete surprise, it came out of nowhere. Being on the operating table twice was a lot to deal with, but what came next was even more daunting". After struggling to keep track of numerous daily medications and monthly blood test results, Lumen decided to create an app to help herself and other thyroid patients have all of this information on their mobile device. This was shared in the company press release.

In the near future, ThyForLife is planning on adding additional functions so users will be able to connect with other members in the thyroid community and set reminders for doctor appointments.

I love health apps, reminders and always focus on self-care. Check it out and share your thoughts.

You can download ThyForLife's thyroid tracking app in the Google Play Store at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thyforlife.android&hl=en.

ThyForLife is a health-tech company based in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2020, ThyForLife has reached over 150 downloads on the Google Play store after its first week of launch and will be expanding coverage to the App Store in the next few months.

It’s 2020, Ha!

Laters 2019 ~ Clearwater Beach became my spring & summer beach destination, while I spent a chunk of fall in Texas, with a stop in Washington, D.C. in between. As always, lots of love, flights and football; a move happened in the mix too! iHeart all the memories, seeing Oprah, laughter with friends, my sweet babies (becoming an auntie again) & preparing for the next flight.

Happy New Year, it’s 2020!!

Greetings From Facebook

Let’s Share Dialogue is now on Facebook too! I’m sharing blog posts, what I’m reading and my favorite things. Pop over for a visit, and share.

https://m.facebook.com/shemekarsumrall/

Counteract Seasonal Affective Disorder

I have been working a lot, like most, and in need of a major reset. The winter in Iowa was been brutal. I’m not being dramatic or exaggerating, I’m staying a fact; speaking the truth. It was brutal. We had lots of snow and ice, it was a weekly occurrence, and it started months ago in November. Now, spring has sprung, and we are hoping for warmer days, sunny skies and looking forward to flowers blooming. 

Back to that reset...yes, I had a long winter, and managed to stay somewhat balanced. However, after my fall travels, I slowed down. With the change in seasons, I try to travel more to counteract the possibility of battling seasonal affective disorder. I’ve realized that for me personally, when I travel near, around or during our time change, I have a more positive experience with transitioning into the next season. Travel enhances my mood, gives me energy and life, and perks me up. Whether you take a weeklong trip to some place far away or an extended weekend outside of your hometown, getting away from the norm, and the daily grind is a great way to do us in you, and to press that reset button. 

May you find joy on your journeys and be blessed! 

Refreshed after my stay on Clearwater Beach Island ~ Shemeka 

New Favorites

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a few is my favorite things. I’ve been reading, reflecting and collecting, as usual. I’ll be writing in upcoming posts about what I’m learning from my readings, and what I’m doing for personal and career development in addition to sharing more about my favorite things. 

Teaser: My personal development involves seeing one of my favorite people - Oprah Winfrey! I’m screaming! Are you screaming yet?!?

Here are a few of my newbies. I love my finds from Anthropology. These tortoise shell hair clips are so cute. I love their floral jewelry travel case is beyond lovely. It makes keeping up with all my pretties easy while traveling. My new pouch is monogrammed. Who doesn’t love personalizes items?!! 

That’s all for now. Be well, and feel well!

Happy Thyroid Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Awareness Month. Just a quick note and reminder for all. Daily those who suffer from thyroid conditions live their lives, and may look like rockstars while feeling like a hot mess on the inside. Be mindful, love and be kind. Most importantly, if you suffer from a thyroid health condition, love yourself, and remember it’s okay to push that reset button. #justmeeks #raiseawareness
~ Shemeka

Sharing on Facebook

Let’s Share Dialogue is now on Facebook too! I’m sharing blog posts, what I’m reading and my favorite things. Pop over for a visit, and share.

https://m.facebook.com/shemekarsumrall/

Cheers!

Shemeka 

And Then I Remembered

Time, it comes, it goes. It slows, it speeds up, it's up, it's down, it's big, it's small...it's a lot like me living with hypothyroidism! Sometimes my vitamins are like time - they get away from me!

When my vitamin regimen gets away from me, I hate to say, it's not something I notice until I'm in bed, in my dress pants and blouse, curled up with my iPhone and laptop nearby right after work. Sometimes it's when a friend or family member asks, "Why are you so tired?" and it's in the middle of the day, or my body aches and I haven't lifted weights, run a mile or gone for a deep tissue massage at my favorite spa.

As time gets away from me, combined with my forgetfulness regarding my vitamins, the following happens to me: sleepiness, achy bones, lethargy, brain fog, and sometimes irritability goes up! Recently, I remembered, when my second consecutive week of post work naps came to an end, that I hadn't been taking my Vitamin D. I hadn't been taking my B Vitamins, probiotics, biotin or chromium. Sometimes it happens. Sometimes I forget. Sometimes like time, my vitamins get away from me.

Think about how you're feeling, and take inventory of your feelings. It might not be the flu. It might not be a cold, or even a virus. Something just might be missing. If you have thyroid disease, or another condition surgically induced, autoimmune or a birthright, do inventory of your feelings and make sure you add back what's missing in your life. Your body will love you for it! Consider also eating food sources that are rich in these great vitamins too!

Mind in Motion

Hi friends, last week, on Thursday, I had the honor of meeting Leigh Weinraub, acclaimed tennis athlete and catalyst for innovative therapy and positivity. Her message literally spoke to me. Her event at my corporate office, in honor of Women’s History Month, focused on heightened awareness, increased confidence and real results.

During the day, we have various “things” that pop up, are thrown at us, or that are simply scheduled on our Outlook calendars, agendas, and on floating sheets of paper that we carry in our purses, backpacks, pockets and vehicles. My message to you would be to make time for you. Don’t ever be “too busy” to take care of you, to read a chapter of that book, to walk around the pond, or to meet a real life tennis pro turned superstar motivator who genuinely cares for those she comes in contact with daily. Leigh, the gift you shared shall continue to be spread to those we come into contact with daily, which means that smile will keep on keeping on.

Have a great day, smiles,

Shemeka

Happy New Year!

Smile, because you have been blessed with a new day! Happy Thyroid Awareness Month!

Fatigue Be Gone!

This morning I woke up happy. I’m always happy when I wake up. I don’t always necessarily want to brave what the day has in store for me, but I’m literally happy for being blessed with another day in which I can choose my adventure. Today though, I was particularly happy because I snapped out of my extreme fatigue. 

Every September, since having hypothyroidism, I’ve been prone to an extended period of fatigue. It happens about twice a year, but in the fall it’s worse than in the spring. This year it lasted three weeks. If you suffer from a thyroid health condition, I KNOW you can relate. Pure exhaustion hits, brain fog stifles your speech and memories, and at times sleep doesn’t even feel like the answer. Usually I experience seasonal depression too. It just totally sucks.

This year was different, and I’ll tell you why. If you follow my blog, and you know me, I’m not about negativity. Regardless of how many shitty things that happen in life, no matter the endless battles many of us face with life in general, and chronic illnesses, we get to choose how we respond to our adventure. I love the Iowa State University (I’m an alumna) commercials, and each time I see them I smile because it’s a constant reminder that we have choices. In regards to our thyroid health, this means that we can control something in regards to our personal well-being. And if it’s regarding your career, do what you love and have a passion for, that’s living.

This year, instead of withdrawing completely from friends, activities, and just “resting” at home, I kept my commitments, and I made a commitment to myself. I did cardio four times a week, regardless of the day, regardless of how I was feeling; I powered thru it. If you have the right playlist, running happens, weight training happens, and you feel better. When you make personal commitments that impact your emotional, physical and mental health, you can go from feeling okay to good, good to better, and better to best.  

It’s Monday, TGIM! Smile and be blessed,

S

Beyond Thankful

It is with much joy that I share that healthline has recognized Let’s Share Dialogue for a second year in a row! It’s truly an honor to be on their list of best thyroid health blogs for the year 2017!! Their words of recognition, and acknowledgment of my blog, and positivity, make me feel included and understood.

May your days be inspired; may you continue to be encouraged, as I wish the same for myself, as we continue to share dialogue!

All smiles,

Shemeka

Fatigue, What Fatigue?

I have been enjoying my summer. I had the opportunity to spend some time in Disney World, which was truly magical. I clocked so many steps; you can’t help but to be active when playing at the Magic Kingdom and taking in all the lovely flower arrangements at Epcot Center. I went to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. It was truly amazing. I’ve included some pictures below.

Since being diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, and I say since loosely, because it wasn’t until after I had my thyroid removed that I actually got a diagnosis, I experience bouts with fatigue. This past spring was rough. I kept wondering when I would snap out of it. Two things I was mindful of during this time that may be easily overlooked when fatigue sets in:

• Stick to a sleep schedule
• Vitamin D

If you’re like me, you’re tired, daily, and going to bed nightly is like taking a long nap. During my last visit with my endocrinologist, my lap results showed that my Vitamin D levels were extremely low, so my dosage was increased. Vitamin D helps me to feel better when it comes to:

• Achy bones
• Tiredness and a general sense of not feeling well
• And it helps with the absorption of calcium, which is really important to me as a woman with lactose intolerance

I hope these nuggets have been beneficial and magical for you. Enjoy your summer!

 

 

 

Cheers,

Shemeka