I find myself playing Tic-Tac-Toe with menus and losing these days. It seems most restaurants either don’t have the foods that I can eat or they don’t have the healthiest versions of the foods I can eat. You see, for the past few weeks, I’ve been on a vegan kick, and though this is not for the first time in my life, it is for a new reason. 

Five years ago, I had a procedure to remove fibroids from my uterus. For the uninformed, fibroids are benign tumors that can grow on a woman’s uterus. Data shows that by the age of 50 around 80% of Black women and 70% of white women will suffer from fibroids. Those alarming rates indicate that this is clearly a women’s health issue.

When I was diagnosed, I was told only of my medical health care options by my medical health care professionals (understandably so). I had, however, heard fleetingly from a friend that there were more natural ways to heal, but since the main surgery option offered didn’t seem too risky, I went ahead and got the surgery.

I was blessed that my doctors were not trying intentionally to sterilize me as I’ve heard so many other Black women have experienced and how many in our history have experienced.

“Both North Carolina and Mississippi passed forced-sterilization legislation. On two separate occasions, in 1957 and 1959, the North Carolina Assembly pursued sterilization laws that largely targeted Black women.”

It breaks my heart to know that our country is that vindictive, however, I understand that we are influenced by spiritual principalities and powers. That’s why it’s so important to have people in government positions with hearts that genuinely desire to protect and serve their citizens. 

But anyways, I digress…

The issue of fibroids was only temporarily taken care of when I received the surgery. I was told upfront by the doctors that for them to remove all of the fibroids they would have to give me a hysterectomy, which would prevent me from having children. They were so delicate in their wording and didn’t even use the official term, only saying that I wouldn’t be able to have children. I appreciate their care. I’m also grateful I had doctors who gave me the choice and did not take it upon themselves to choose for me as I mentioned previously has happened and is still happening.

So even with the surgery, I knew that the fibroids would not be gone for good. Still, I had always had mild symptoms compared to others, so when I started hemorrhaging last month, five years after my surgery, I was shocked. I had never had a menstrual cycle last that long! I had never lost that much blood. I discussed possibly getting a hysterectomy (b/c that was the only option I knew of) with a good friend, and she sent me some clips of a few holistic professionals who offered natural solutions. Going vegan is a part of that solution. I jumped on it and have been stumbling through this new lifestyle change for the last three weeks now.

I say stumbling because, as I mentioned previously, although there are vegan restaurants and meal options for people like me when I’m out and about being the introverted social butterfly that I am, they are usually not very healthy.

You can be vegan and still have diabetes. 

I’m a unique breed though because long ago, I was taught healthy eating habits by my spiritual mother, a licensed health coach. So I know what ingredients to look for in my meals, especially pertaining to veganism. I also know a thing or two in the kitchen. Although this culinary ability does enable me to stimulate my palette with tasty animal-voidless products, it puts a greater burden on me to be a chocolate Martha Stewart in my farmhouse-decored kitchen. 

This weekend I shared all of this with my journalism team at The Cleveland Observer and they encouraged me to do a series on this health crisis happening right under our noses. I was pleasantly surprised at the suggestion. It hadn’t dawned on me that I could share this personal experience on a larger platform to help others. For the first time, I realized this negative happenstance could be used for good.

That is also why I’m opening up to you, dear reader. I honestly battled with telling my story because it does feel embarrassing, especially when speaking to men. But I was reminded of the power of vulnerability and how when we go through something, others can be healed.

I’m still on my healing journey and will be sending updates from time to time. I also want to send a special thank you to my beautiful sisters who jumped on it when I sent an alarmed text asking for prayer as my body was expelling so much blood. One, in particular, suggested the homemade remedy of Apple Cider Vinegar. And guess what? The bleeding stopped within days of drinking two teaspoons mixed with hot water twice a day, as she suggested. I have been drinking my own ACV tea every day since.

Thank you, Hope Gallon for that insightful suggestion which has been a literal lifesaver.

Do you struggle with health issues you find embarrassing? Do you agree that diet can affect our health? Do you believe in holistic healing? 

Feel free to chime in your thoughts below and even shoot me an email!

As always, thank you for your love, support, and encouragement on my personal journey to healing, health, and wholeness. My prayers are with you on yours.

In other news, did you know that I just dropped the pre-sale for my debut novel When Love Wins? You can check out more here! This time around there is an audiobook in addition to the eBook and paperback versions. Make sure you are subscribed to my email list to catch special offers, discounts, insider information, and more!

Are you on Instagram/Facebook? If so, please reach out. I have a series called “Word of the Day Wednesdays” where I share 5-10 minutes worth of nuggets that are on my heart, which I hope are encouraging to others on IGTV/FB Live! I have these also posted on my Youtube Channel.

And, lastly, if you have read “Stories for the (Urban) Soul, please put up an Amazon review here. I was SUPER encouraged and blessed when a new reader put up her review for my 2nd book which you can view here :).

As always, thank you for your support!

SHALOM