My Happy Place

I am currently three days in to our annual vacation at Drummond Island off the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All of the stress I’ve been feeling lately, the main reason for my lack of blog posts, was left in the Lower Peninsula, where it belongs.

Right now I am sitting under a tree at the yacht haven with my family and several friends who are like family. The kids are swimming, the ladies are reading and chatting, the dogs are sitting in the shade and a few of the guys are fishing. The breeze is balmy and it just doesn’t get any better.

After 2 weeks taking the Member’s Mark Probiotic daily I can also notice a discernable difference in how my stress affects my gastrointestinal system. There seems to be regularity about me, LOL. Where normally all hell could break loose the minute my workload becomes overwhelming, things in that area have stayed relaxed and normal.

Of course in the past I have made it through stressful times and then as soon as things calm down my body or stomach rather, retaliates. But I’ve been on vacation since Friday afternoon and so far so good.

My family looks forward to this vacation every year. So much so, that even the mention of not going can send my girls into a tizzy. But really why would we not come? Two-tracking through the woods, swimming off of fossil ledges, drinking “punch” from a garbage can, sitting under the stars in front of a warm fire, dogs playing, kids laughing, and it all takes place this one week of the year.

The Circle of My Life

I've been back in the advertising grind for three months now and I am recognizing the signs.  The signs of me becoming who I was before.  Irritable, tired, anxious, edgy, unable to enjoy the simple things and I am constantly reminding myself to breathe.

I haven't blogged.  I have read a book.  I have a stack of magazines waiting to be read.  And my stomach is a mess.

It's been a long time since I've had the stomach issues brought on by stress but they're back and in full force.  Of course there is the even more demented side of me saying "yay, maybe I'll lose some weight."  But yes, it's a problem.  I have to do more than breathe.  I have to be positive.  Why can't I be positive?  Why can't I not worry about everything?  Why can't I be more like my husband?  The only time his bowels are irritated is when he drinks draft beer.

A friend recommended I try probiotics for my stomach irritability (which blesses me with a host of symptoms) and I am hoping that I can feel less of my stress in my stomach so I am going to give it a whirl and see what happens.  I am trying Member's Mark 4X Probiotic and was fortunate enough to receive a six week supply to try.  I am also visiting Digestive Health for Me!  where there is a forum to discuss digestive health.

It seems I may be on the right track for my digestive issues, now I just need to work on my brain and maintaining a positive outlook, a good work-life balance, etc.  But I guess that's why I go to therapy.  Right?

I received a six week supply of Member's Mark 4X Probiotic from Collective Bias as part of a social shopper's insight study.  All opinions are mine and mine alone.

And the Chili's winner is....

Comment Number 16!!!! BusyWorkingMama!

Winner has been notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  Thanks everyone!!!!