
Hey hi hello! Happy Saturday, everyone! ๐
Unfortunately, I am still not sleeping through the night. Although, the experience has shifted. I am no longer waking up drenched in night sweats (HOORAY! ๐) โ but now, instead of 3 AM, my body stirs at 4:45 AM.
At first, I chalked it up to the time change and my system still adjusting to my new sleep rhythm. But when it continued, I got curious โ and looked into what that time means through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
๐ฌ๏ธ The 4:45 AM Connection โ Lung Time
According to the TCM body clock, 4:45 AM falls within the Lung time, which governs breath, grief, letting go, and renewal.
So what does that mean for me? Itโs actually a good sign.
It means my liver is no longer stagnant โ the focus has now shifted to my lungs for deeper processing and emotional release. The energy is moving, evolving, and finding balance.
It feels like progress โ slow, steady, sacred progress. โจ
๐ What Iโm Doing to Support My Lungs
I asked ChatGPT to help me map out a gentle plan to support lung qi, and hereโs what Iโm incorporating this week:
๐ฟ Herbal Support
- Continue nightly tea (peppermint + milk thistle + dandelion root) for liver support
- Add morning peppermint tea to open and nourish the lung channel
๐ธ Breathwork
- Gentle breathing exercises when I wake up at night
- Deep, slow inhalations through the nose; soft, extended exhales through the mouth
โ Nourishment
- More bone broth, oats, and warm lemon water for moisture and warmth
- Soothing, comforting foods to nurture lung energy
๐ซ Movement + Ritual
- Upper-body stretching morning and night to open the chest
- Rubbing castor oil + peppermint essential oil on my chest before bed (using an old shirt or castor oil pack because castor oil stains!)
While Iโd love a full, uninterrupted night of sleep, Iโm also proud of how attuned Iโm becoming to my body โ learning its signals, honoring its wisdom, and celebrating each new layer of healing. ๐
๐๏ธ Healing, One Step at a Time
This journey has transformed every part of me โ physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Each small shift feels like a new chapter opening.
On Thursday, I reached out to a therapist whose profile deeply resonated with me โ and within hours, I was on a consultation call with her. We talked about trauma, healing goals, and approaches to therapy, and the connection felt instantaneous.
By the end of our call, I cried โ not out of fear, but out of relief. Because for the first time in a long while, I felt truly seen and understood.
It just felt right.
Now Iโm scheduled for my first appointment on Tuesday, and I couldnโt be more excited to continue this healing process with her guidance.
I know that Iโm doing a pretty great job with everything Iโve been doing on my own, but I also know I can only go so far solo. I need support, coaching, and encouragement for the moments when things get heavy again. So I used the positive momentum Iโm riding now to take care of the future version of me who might not have the energy to ask for help when she really needs it. ๐ซ
๐ Following My Intuition
Over the past few months, Iโve made so many intuitive decisions that have reshaped my life:
- Chiropractic Care: I reached out expecting a wait โ instead, I got in the very next day. Now I go three times a week, and my body feels significantly better. My chest feels more open; I literally feel like I can breathe easier. ๐
- Boudoir Photoshoot: A long-time dream I finally said yes to. I found the perfect photographer, booked the shoot, and every step of the process has felt like my gut saying, โYes. This is for you.โ ๐
- Therapy: I decided to find support now, while Iโm doing better, so Iโm prepared for the harder moments ahead. I did my research, found someone who checked all the boxes, reached out, and she was able to speak to me that very day. ๐ง ๐
Every time I show up for myself, the universe meets me halfway.
๐ My Daily Reminder
Each morning, after my Morning Pages, I write this affirmation:
โIf I keep showing up, life will reward me.โ ๐ซ
And itโs proving true, over and over again.
Iโm learning that showing up for yourself โ even when itโs hard, even when itโs quiet โ is the most powerful spell you can cast.
Life really does reward those who keep choosing to heal. ๐ฟ
๐ท If these words brought you comfort, consider sharing them with a friend who might need them too. Subscribe below to stay connected โ weโre healing, growing, and showing up together. ๐ซ
Love always, Bailz ๐
