The Heirloom Edit №4
On August’s reckoning, September’s reset, and the grace of healing.
September is my favorite month, and I’m so glad it’s finally here. I’m writing later than I intended because August wasn’t the kindest to me. I’ll try not to be too dreary, but the truth is, I hit a wall.
As some of you know, I live with autoimmune disease. The only confirmed diagnosis I have is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, but my doctors suspect more is at play (and that one condition alone is complex enough). If you’ve been with me for a while, you may remember my hysterectomy a few years ago in my late twenties. Between hormones and my immune system, my body is often unpredictable. August was one of those hard months.
I was so tired that I slept as many hours as I could and still woke up exhausted. My joints ached constantly, my mind felt foggy, and I struggled with stomach issues. I had looked forward to August—it was my first break from college courses in a year—and maybe that’s part of why I crashed. After running on stress for too long, my body finally demanded a reckoning. Thankfully, testing showed nothing alarming, just confirmation of an autoimmune flare.
The good news is, I’m feeling better now. I’ve adjusted to a new medication, made some nutrition changes, and with the kids back in school, life has slipped into a steadier rhythm. Oddly enough, I feel more grounded with deadlines and structure in place. Am I addicted to that cycle? Maybe. But for now, I’m learning to move at a slower pace, nourish myself well, and offer more kindness to my body.
Because if August reminded me of anything, it’s this: our bodies carry us through the seasons of our lives, even when they falter. And September—with its crisp air, golden light, and sense of new beginnings—feels like the perfect time for healing. 🍂
If you enjoyed this, please tap the ♡ or leave a note below. Your thoughts always make this space feel more like a conversation!
As part of that kindness, I’m skipping the round-up this month. But I may share more reflections here on Substack or Instagram about health and weight loss, since I know there’s been curiosity. (If that’s not your thing, feel free to skip—it’s a complicated topic.) This won’t turn into a health journal, though. There’s so much more I want to write about—home, memory, gluten-free baking, and the joy of fall—that I can’t wait to share in the weeks ahead.
Nina, it is good that you are on the way to better states. You have my solidarity, my cardiologist told me in the begining of August when I was passing through something similar to what you just described: "you stop and rest or your body will stop you". He could not be more right.
Nina, I am sorry to hear you've not felt well and happy to know you're on the mend!
Though retired, I understand feeling grounded by structure. Without structure, I feel I've flitted the days away.
Here's to new beginnings in September!