Do you consider yourself a disciplined person? I don’t. HA!
Let’s be real for a second: discipline doesn’t exactly scream fun. It sounds like early alarms, things you should do, food you should eat, and to-do lists that never end.
But what if I told you discipline could actually be… exciting?
Okay, hear me out. I didn’t always feel this way—especially not last year when menopause snuck in like a thief in the night and zapped my energy, my motivation, and yeah, my waistline too. I wasn’t just dragging—I was dragging myself while carrying 50-pound bags of apathy. Running a farm and being a single mama of three is already a full plate. Add hot flashes, brain fog, and not wanting to get out of bed, and I was ready to throw in the (organic cotton) towel.
The Menopause Plot Twist
Here’s what menopause threw at me (and maybe at you too?):
- Energy crashes that felt like hitting a wall by 2pm
- Mood swings that turned me into a spicy jalapeño one minute and a soggy Brussels sprout the next
- Slower metabolism (like way slower)
- Sleep disturbances (read: staring at the ceiling at 3am wondering if I remembered to collect the eggs)
- Brain fog so thick I’d forget what I walked into the room for
Yeah… not the best time to be running a farm solo or wrangling teenagers and a new relationship….
Meeting My Wellness Wingwoman
Then last summer, fate stepped in. I met Jennifer Bull, the amazing functional health practitioner behind WOW Wellness, at the Hereford Farmer’s Market. She stopped by my booth for veggies, and we ended up chatting about hormones and health (as one does with a complete stranger when you’re desperate for answers and holding a bunch of kale). A week later, I signed up for her free consultation—and WOW is right.
Jennifer is the real deal. No fluff. Just knowledge, compassion, and a plan. She helped me understand (through a lot of testing, habit, sleep and diet tracking) what my body needed and what it was missing. Spoiler alert: I take a LOT of supplements now. Like, I could open a small apothecary. But I also eat a LOT of organic veggies, grassfed meat, and good fat—because nourishing your body from the inside out? That’s what builds true wellness.
Eating the Rainbow (and Loving It)
Jennifer helped me remember that discipline isn’t just about rules—it’s about intention. My meals are bright, colorful, and full of life. I eat the rainbow, not because it’s trendy, but because my body feels the difference. Truth is I had to reduce some favorite items too..like sugar, gluten, dairy and wine. But I’m here to tell you-it is doable. And even enjoyable. I focus on what I can eat that helps me feel good.
I never get tired of a farm-to-table plate loaded with:
- Protein (usually pastured or grassfed)
- Brightly colored squash, carrots or sweet potatoes
- Something green like salad mix (my fav), kale or cauliflower
- And maybe some beets or red cabbage slaw for good measure
- And this time of year-turnips and radishes
It’s taken time and effort to become the eater I am today. But now, my diet revolves around whole, colorful foods packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Organic vegetables are the foundation of most of my meals—even breakfast.(Let’s be real, if I don’t eat enough veg, who does?)
Because veggies = fiber.
Fiber = healthy digestion + balanced blood sugar + a thriving gut microbiome.
A thriving gut = more energy and less mood-swingy madness.
The Fun Side of Discipline
Now back to that word: discipline.
I’ve always been a pretty disciplined person. I get things done, run a business, raise three amazing humans, and manage a lot of moving parts. But I’m not perfect. Sometimes I wish I exercised more. Sometimes my to-do list grows legs and runs away from me. But overall? I’ve made discipline feel fun and rewarding.
Take seasonal eating, for example. It requires discipline—but not in a “can’t eat that” way. It’s more like a seasonal treasure hunt. Every week, I get to play with what the farm gives me—those first strawberries in spring (cue the angels singing), juicy tomatoes in summer, earthy squash in fall and all the fun stuff in between. And let’s not even talk about winter strawberries from Chile. (Cardboard, anyone?)
Eating seasonally has taught me to slow down, tune in, and trust nature’s rhythms. It’s made me a more mindful eater—and a more grateful human. Because when you grow your own food or support someone who does, you feel the connection. You appreciate every bite.
Final Thoughts (and a Veggie Pep Talk)
If you’re in a tough season—whether it’s menopause, overwhelm, or just life being life—I see you. I’ve been there. I’m still in it some days. But what’s made the difference for me is choosing to view discipline not as deprivation, but as devotion—to myself, my body, and my well-being.
So ask yourself:
- Is your plate colorful?
- Are you eating food that makes you feel alive?
- Can you get excited about nourishing yourself like you’re someone you love?
I’m still a work in progress, but I’m finally feeling excited about discipline—because it’s what’s helping me thrive again.
And if you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to get help. Seriously, check out WOW Wellness and Jennifer Bull. You might just find your sparkle again—one rainbow plate at a time. 🌈
WOW wellness is having an open house Wednesday June 4th 4pm-8pm at their Timonium location. 2069 York Road, Timonium MD.
