The REAL Glow-Up Guide: Herbs, Healing, and Hell-No Energy!
One day I got sick of sitting in my own mess and decided that I would choose the better me. I didn’t know exactly what the better Gaberielle looked like, but I did know what she no longer held space for, so I leaned into that. I chose HER…so I embarked on becoming HER!
The Power of Self-Awareness, Discipline, and Holistic Health: Choosing Myself Every Day
Life is a series of choices, and each choice shapes the path we walk. For me, choosing a life rooted in self-awareness, discipline, and holistic health was not a luxury, it was a necessity. I was an anxious, depressed, and neurodivergent mess living with the shadow of a prediabetic diagnosis and the heavy weight of a mutated BRCA2 gene on my shoulders. After losing two cousins months apart earlier this year, my body and mind constantly reminded me that change wasn’t just desirable—it was critical for survival. But change is never easy ya’ll, especially when it requires unlearning habits, confronting fears, and choosing yourself in a world that demands so much.
This is my journey toward healing—a journey of struggle and triumph, guided by the principles of holistic health, the symbolism of the lotus flower, and the magic of choosing myself daily.
The Power of Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is the foundation of transformation. It’s the ability to see yourself clearly—the good, the bad, and the ugly. For years, I silenced the inner voice telling me something had to change. But ignoring it only deepened my struggles. When I finally came to terms with myself, I began to understand the root of issues that triggered the sadness and anxiousness. I saw how my mental and physical health were intertwined, how my relationships mirrored my self-worth, and how my choices affected my future. Self-awareness wasn’t always pretty, but it was liberating. It allowed me to see where I was and envision where I wanted to be.
The Struggle and Strength of Discipline
Discipline is where I continue to struggle—and yet, it’s where the magic happens. Discipline is what bridges the gap between intention and action. It’s the daily decision to move, even when the path feels steep. For me, discipline looks like waking up to exercise when I’d rather stay in bed. It’s preparing whole, nourishing meals instead of reaching for convenience. Ya’ll know I love me some fresh, hot bread and all the pasta and rice my tummy allow. It’s saying no to relationships that drain me and yes to the ones that uplift me. NOT internalizing the infractions of the ended ones. Discipline is my act of self-love, even when it feels like an uphill battle. Some days, I fail. But each failure is a reminder that discipline isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. Every time I choose myself, I strengthen the muscle of discipline, and with it, I come closer to the life I deserve.
Healing Through Holistic Health
Healing is not one-dimensional. For me, it’s been a journey of embracing whole foods, herbs, and mindful living. I consciously chose holistic health because I wanted to treat the root of my struggles, not just the symptoms. The side-effects from the prescriptions only gave me more symptoms to treat or cope with that made daily activities an even harder task. Sometimes I would find myself in the house for days at a time until I decide to get some sun, tea, and joy. So I turned to the earth for medicine, incorporating herbs like passionflower for anxiety, lemon balm for calm, milk thistle for detoxification, and raspberry leaf for reproductive health. Each herb represents a step toward balance, a way to reconnect with nature’s wisdom. I loooovvee my breads and sweet treats, but Whole foods became my nourishment, fueling my body with what it needs rather than what it craves. Healing through food and herbs isn’t just about the physical; it’s about honoring the relationship between what we consume and how we feel. It’s a daily act of self-respect.
The Spiritual Significance of the Lotus Flower
I began to struggle a lot with my mental health after enlisting in the Navy. After a failed suicide attempt I turned to any and everything that would help carry me through the storm. That phase of my life led me to coining the phrase “Living Life As It Takes Me”. I got it tatted on me with a lotus flower. The lotus flower became a sacred symbol, now a vessel for inhaling herbs and a reminder of resilience. The lotus rises from the mud, blooming in beauty despite its origins. Like the lotus, I’ve learned that growth often comes from the messiest, most painful places. When I inhale my herbs through the lotus, I’m reminded of the sacredness of my journey. It’s a ritual of connection—between body, mind, and spirit. It’s my way of grounding myself in the present and honoring the healing power within me.
The Hardest and Holiest Choice: Myself
Healing required more than herbs and exercise—it demanded I relinquish what no longer served me. Unhealthy platonic and intimate relationships had to go. Patterns of self-neglect had to be broken. Choosing myself daily is an act of rebellion against the parts of me that once said I wasn’t enough. I’ve learned that freedom comes from alignment—when my mind, body, and spirit are working in harmony. It’s in the way I move my body, nourish my soul, and protect my peace. It’s in the courage to say no to what hurts and yes to what heals.
Your Journey, Your Choice
This life I’ve chosen is far from perfect. I still stumble, struggle, and sometimes fall back into old habits. But every day, I rise. Every day, I choose myself. If you’re reading this and feel the pull toward change, know this: your journey is sacred, and your choices have power. Healing isn’t linear, and freedom isn’t found overnight. But with self-awareness, discipline, and a commitment to holistic health, you can build a life rooted in resilience, balance, and peace.
Like the lotus, you have the power to rise from the mud and bloom. The question is: will you choose yourself today?
-Love Yourz,
Gab