Meno Mix Tape Vol. 8 Listen to Your Heart
Meno Tip - Listen to Your Heart
In 2023, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure—and honestly, it felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. I was devastated.
For so long, I’d done everything in my power to avoid chronic conditions like hypertension. I felt like it was my job to stay ahead of this—to be the example, the educator, the one who "knew better." So when I heard those words, it didn’t just feel like a diagnosis. It felt like I had failed—myself, my clients, and the mission I’ve built my life around.
But here’s the truth: for about two years leading up to that moment, I noticed small signs. My blood pressure—once a steady 120/68—was inching upward. I told myself it was just stress, coffee, rushing to an appointment. Nurses said “white coat syndrome,” but deep down, I knew. Then one day, at a random blood drive, my blood pressure was so high they wouldn’t let me donate. It was my OH-SHIT moment.
Fast forward to now—two years on medication. At my recent cardiologist visit, my numbers were still a bit high. Despite my exercise routine, being mindful of my habits, and truly trying—the numbers told another story. My doctor mentioned increasing the medication. Cue the spiral of self-doubt and negative self talk.
My cardiologist could sense my frustration and said gently, “I know this is hard. But this is not your fault.” (Yes, it was a total Good Will Hunting moment.) He reminded me that bodies change and genetics play a role.
He also shared high blood pressure is a symptom, not a character flaw. Left unchecked, it can lead to serious consequences like heart disease or stroke. And that’s what we’re working to prevent. So yes—medication is part of my wellness plan. But so is movement, sleep, stress management, and nourishing food.
I’m sharing this because maybe you’ve been putting off a check-up, or maybe you’ve noticed something that doesn’t feel quite right. Please don’t ignore your intuition. Your body is talking to you.
Sometimes we need extra support. That doesn’t mean we’re failing—it means we’re human.
So if you’ve been wondering, worrying, or waiting—this is your sign. Listen to your heart. And most importantly, be kind to yourself through it all.
Quote of the Week
“If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won’t have to hear it scream.”
Recipe
I have been playing around with salads this summer. A friend of mind share with me a yummy salad that consisted of feta, pomegranate seeds and castelvetrano olives. I have been enjoying that for weeks. This past weekend I experimented and added a few more ingredients. Here is my latest summer salad:
Arugula
Pomegranate seeds
Garbanzo beans
Pickled red onion
Feta
Splash of olive oil
Splash of champagne vinegar
My Mix
This week’s playlist is dedicated to the heart. Hit shuffle and enjoy a trip down memory lane with some classic tunes!
Wishing you a week filled with a healthy and happy heart.
Stephanie
