Hormones are jerks, Part 1.

So, I wasn't prepared for the hormonal changes that are currently gracing me with their presence.

It's worth reiterating the fact that the uterus is one small-but-mighty power source. (Insert several emojis here, in the following order: clapping hands, devil face, sparkly star, punching fist, pink hearts.) Take it away, and everything goes bananas - who knew?! I've actually started thinking of my ex-uterus as that one neighbor that I had a few years ago... she was a little crazy, super-tidy, kept me mindful of post-midnight volume because no one wants side-eye on a Sunday morning, but... DUDE. Calm down; I can BEHAVE! Apparently, she kept things in check.

Welp, the crazy-neighbor-uterus is gone and things have gotten weird. I'm suddenly a bizarre teenage/senior citizen mash-up – my skin is a disaster, I'm crabby, irritable, puffy, have slept more in the past 4 weeks than I have in the past 3 months, and can't actually exist without my 3:00 nap. So, in an effort to keep this blog accurate and real, I'm delaying my previously scheduled positive post about how fantastic recovery is going, and will leave you with this, instead: if you are recovering from any kind of surgery or physical trauma, please... GIVE. YOURSELF. SOME. GRACE. 

Nap. Be crabby. Ask for a hug. Nap again. Drink your water. Don't stress about unreturned calls. Netflix. Return a text, if you're up to it. Nap some more. Return those texts and those calls when you've got some energy... and be comfortable that those same loved ones will still be there, a week later. Ask for MORE hugs. SLEEP more. IT IS FINE.

This is something I've been struggling with... permission to heal and recover. That struggle is ridiculous, and it is a struggle that I have decided to end, effective immediately. Because, seriously, how is anyone supposed to heal while exhausted?! Intuitive, in theory, but much harder, in practice. Healing is hard work, and I'm working on finding a balance of positivity, realistic expectations, and how things truly exist. In the meantime, I plan on snoozing a whole bunch more and doing a whole lot of face masks. (See? Silver linings!)

Somewhat related, though – I did find some really awesome sheets that any person on the planet should have, post-any-surgery! Because, sweating. Sexy, huh?! I know, it's not the best lead-in to the next post, but I've gone through some trial-and-error, and will share my findings with you. (Also, I'm pretty sure this post is about hormones and I already cried over a dead squirrel in our subdivision today and I have never shed tears like that so if you have anything to say about my final linen decisions you should really bring it up to me in person, to my face, I TOTALLY DARE YOU TO.)

(Wink emoji, cry-face emoji, middle finger emoji, kiss face. Heart, heart, heart.)

Photo credit: Benjamin David Photography. This photo was taken the day prior to my surgery, during a shoot where I was most definitely not the 'talent', and feels like a visual microcosm of current life - little cold, little IDGAF, and a lot of warrior vibes. He is a master.