Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (3 John 2)

Many of my long-time blog readers know that I’ve dealt with migraines for many years—25 years, to be precise. For almost two decades, I was considered a chronic sufferer, meaning I had at least 15 days of migraine pain per month. Usually, I had around 25 migraine days per month, and I took daily medication to reduce the frequency and severity of those migraines. While the medication reduced the severity, I didn’t see a decrease in frequency for a long time. Even so, a reduction in severity meant I could function—albeit, not very well much of the time.

After working with a neurologist for over ten years, the number of migraine days eventually decreased to less than 15 per month, and eventually, I had just two to six migraine days each month—a fantastic reversal.

But the last few years have been difficult for all of us. Stress is one of many migraine triggers, and one of the first things my neurologist pointed out years ago was that it is my main trigger. Over the last few years, after a slow and steady improvement, I noticed a slow and steady worsening in the number of migraine days—once as many as 18 per month, but more often 10 to 12. When I started skirting the line to be considered a chronic sufferer again, I decided it was time to make a change. While I’m not opposed to taking medication again if I need it, I wondered if there might be another option.

I joined an online functional health coaching group called In the Balance that focuses specifically on helping women with migraines take charge of their health and make lifestyle changes that include water intake, food choices, sleep routines, and exercise, just to name a few. I’ve completed the second month of a four-month program and have already seen a decrease in the frequency and severity of my migraines by increasing my water intake, making healthy food choices, and maintaining a regular walking routine.

The truth is, change is hard, even when it’s good for us. I had to come to a point where I decided I didn’t want to suffer this way anymore, even if it meant changing the way I do a lot of things. It sounds like it should have been an easy decision, right? But following through can be hard, especially when we’re not sure we’ll get the results we want.

I’m at the midpoint of the program, and last month, I had only five migraine days compared to 14 the month before I started. To me, the benefits are worth it, and the sacrifice is small compared to the freedom I’m gaining.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the improvement in my health. Help me remember that any sacrifice I make is miniscule in comparison to the sacrifice you made for me to have eternal life with you. Help me stay the course and take care of the body you have given me. Amen.  

P.S. If any of you suffer from migraines and are interested in learning more about the functional health coaching program I joined, please comment and I will connect you with the health coach.