Joeliviaé Journals Podcast

A mini essay on slow living & what it means to me. See Substack post for images, links and the written blog.

"I don’t consider slow living to be synonymous with soft life…

Perhaps you’ve come across these floating terms a lot in the recent year, I know I have. With slow living in my bio, admittedly in my hashtags too, and the odd interviewer asking me what it really means, I find that the perception of it is getting further from reality.

Here’s what it is not:

* an escape from hard things..."

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Do you sense this longing to be seen and heard in our struggles? To be helped in attempts to regain that well-being balance again, albeit an uneven one because something always gives… To know that a friend feels the SAME, is a love language, and for someone to go the extra mile in compassion is the star on the Christmas tree for me!

My next online women's circle will be held on Wednesday 14th December 7.30pm[ Women's Circle Chat : Video call link: https://meet.google.com/uuq-tqpf-sxm ]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joeliviaejournal.substack.com

Hello my lovely reader 💕 Don’t you think it’s funny how as adults, we have to schedule in a good old chit chat. Life is really life-ing for real!

Seriously though, I often notice that so many women out there are saying the same things surrounding menstrual cycle health and modern life/ homemaking in general - we don’t talk about this enough. So… lets…

Consider this my “lost-community’ activism. Because adulting isn’t easy and we could all do with a space to chit, chat & relax. Whilst being on my course, many women mentioned they hosted women’s circles and a variety of different things would take place during them. After around two years of thinking, being scared and wondering how i’m going to do it… I have taken then leap and given myself the push to start my own women’s circle!

You are one of the first people I wanted to reach out to, so I hope you don’t mind letting me know if you’d be up for it? Is this date okay?

You can reply or comment here, or DM me on Instagram :)

Dest x

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So I wanted to kick off my fave time of the year with a gorgeous Gilmore Girls-inspired, roll out of the coziest content. However, I was living life & I am only just getting my priorities in order again - anyone know what that’s like?

So much is expected of us during the summer I feel, from ourselves &/or others. Planning or attending events, weddings, birthdays, baby showers, holidays and motives. hot girl summer for days & heat waves… & then Autumn arrived. Things slowed as the leaves glow. Pumpkin Spiced Latte anyone? For a lot of us, the change of season is a sigh of relief, as cozy girl autumn/winter rises. I feel at home in Autumn 🍂 & this is reflected in my menstrual cycle’s inner seasons too! Which leads me to my first announcement:

my menstrual cycle coaching course is over! I still have my assessment to complete & I won’t get my certification until April, but I am well & truly in my MC Coaching/ Educating era! Can we celebrate?

I turned 29 on the 1st October, & it was lovely quiet birthday with my two fave people :). Streamlining life is just something I think we all do near our birthdays, it’s our personal new year. I did a lot of decluttering, and home revamps at the end of Sept. As usual I switched out the summer home decor & put the fall wreaths up. I made a housekeeping schedule so I can keep on top of the chores, in commitment to the modern homemaker role. I’m trying, because I want to show up in my career more than I ever have. In the past, i’ve cared about my work, but now, I’m doing something that is intrinsically important & cool, & I wanna give it my all!

Watch my birthday vlog by clicking below:

Oh also, I thought i’d try my hand at filming videos for Vlogtober so I’m on Youtube now yay! I’m enjoying it but we will see if I keep it up. I have a lot of creative freedom moving into this next chapter of my life - but I love writing & audio mostly. So thanks for being here x

For the rest of Autumn, I will be sharing a little on the relationship between the outer autumn season, & the inner autumn season. The for Winter, we will focus on the inner winter phase of the cycle & get cozy with it. I’ll be using @joeliviae on Instagram to direct you all to this blog, whilst my website is being worked on.

Second announcement: @joeliviae is live on Instagram! Give it a follow if you haven’t yet.

I don’t want to go too heavy on the content because I feel like Insta isn’t the place to learn. If we are serious about living a simple, synced & seasonal life, then I’d like to lean less on the app, just because it can be so distracting and impersonal. Nevertheless, it’s easy & cute, & it has it’s pros.

Let me know how you’re feeling right now. I’m almost anxious for October’s end, but what better lesson to learn now, than the beauty of letting golden leaves go, right?

Until next time,

stay blessed..

Dest x

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joeliviaejournal.substack.com

Happy July, to my lovely subbies! I’m currently on day 4 of my cycle, my period has been good to me, and so far, so has summer! I hope you can say the same ;).

Keeping It Cool, As We Bleed…

A few months ago on my Instagram stories, I asked do you suffer with hot flashes during or before your period? About 80% of you said you wanted tips on how to stay cool, so did some research.

Myth: Only menopausal women have hot flashes “objection your honour…currently sweating rn!”

The graph below shows the typical hormonal fluctuations which cause our varying symptoms and experiences during the menstrual cycle. This includes temperature waves.

It’s a hormonal “All Rise” for the ovulation phase. After which we enter into our luteal phase, where the leading hormone Progesterone takes centre stage. Progesterone is responsible for the increase of body heat here, and this is totally normal. My temperature goes from like 36.25 to 36.67 give or take. I used to sweat a lot during the latter end of my luteal phase, and through days 1-3 of my period, but i’ve been working on hormone balance for quite some time, and i’m going to share cooling tips that you might find helpful too. Keeping a cycle chart, will also be helpful in noting when exactly you feel this increase, what symptoms you’re having, and where. We will talk more about signs of hormonal imbalance, but if you’re curious now, here’s a trusted Podcast/Article.

* Staying hydrated is underrated! I shared on Insta how I struggle to drink water during my period- it’s getting better though. Try cooling cucumber water, cucumber salads, lots of fruits, light clothing & lots of herbal tea.

* Speaking of tea, Hibiscus (commonly known as sorrel) is a refrigerant herb, which means It’s cooling action works on bringing down internal temperatures. This is what we want not only in the summer, but during inner summers like ovulation, or hot flashes.

* Moon Tea is a hibiscus based blend you often see me drinking. It has calming, soothing and balancing effects for your cycle, so it’s a tea for all cycle round! I brew a big tea pot full and cool for iced tea (when i’m not bleeding)

* The Mint Family: Sage, Peppermint & Spearmint are also amazingly cooling herbs, and ones we might think of when adorning iced drinks. Try making a herbal infusion of sage with peppermint to sip as a tea, the herbs here will also help you feel more refreshed during your period. You could also keep it in the fridge in a spray bottle. 🌿 The Sage acts as an astringent, which means it may help you sweat less too! I often use peppermint and spearmint essential oils in a spray bottle for a quick spritz.

* Cooling Period Patches: If you experience menstrual cramps and you don’t want to use a hot water bottle, BeYou patches may be useful. You will have seen me using them on Instagram too because they are so good! Not the same as a heat patch but very effective and worth a try. ‘DESTINY10’

* Breathable Period Products: The last thing you want on a hot day, or hot period, is to be uncomfortable and sweating ‘down there’. I find that reusables are much more cooling, and comfy, and honestly, i’ve tried using a cup again because the less down there the better for me!

💕My Faves Period Wear💕

* COCORO ‘Heavy Flow Period Shorts (these are great for overnight, I wear size M for comfort as they come up a little small for, although i’m a dress size 8)

* NORA reusable pads (I’d buy maybe 4" “moderate or heavy” pads as I get the most wear out of these) 20% off when you spend £30: ‘DESTINY20’

* Saalt Menstrual cup (according to my research, this cup is the softest but do explore options!) ‘DESTINY20’ for 20% off your first purchase

However, you’re spending this summer, I hope you stay cool during your entire cycle! Let me know if you try anything recommended, and I will catch up with you soon x

PS. Do we want a little summer soireé soon? We could make that happen.. A herbal iced tea party…? Message me your thoughts ✨🧺🌺🌤🍇🎂🍷

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joeliviaejournal.substack.com

Cycle Check-In:

Hiya! How are you finding Spring? I’m currently on day 7 of my menstrual cycle, & my (non debilitating) period ended yesterday. It has been really good to see my healing progress, and I will share more of the details in these eJournals. For this cycle check-in though, let me rewind to last month….I’ve pasted a copy of my rather messy cycle chart especially for you to reference (please don’t share on socials).

Like this month, I ended my period on day 6 but I felt SO DRAINED. That particular phase, also known as inner spring or follicular, was NOT FUN. I have iron-deficiency anemia, and my levels dropped (of course due to blood loss), so I was so fatigued and dizzy. My Spring, was not springing, like I needed it to….

I often experience this 3-4 day grey season, especially after 1 or 2 days of medium-heavy blood flow on my period.

Here’s how I deal with it:

* Mental Health Matters: “you’ve just been bleeding so handle with care”. I try not to rush head first out of my menstrual phase, but I ease my way into more heavy work/tasks.

* Rebuild & Replenish: As much as possible during my bleed and after, I get in extra supplements & herbs like Moon Tea, nettle & ashwagandha herbal tonics and all the nutrient dense meals with beets, black rice, greens etc. I do take an over the counter Iron supplement too, because i’m that low. And If I need to sleep lots - then I will.

* Face The Sun: I make sure i’m getting fresh air & nature at every opportunity as this massively helps my lethargic feelings.

By day 10 of my cycle, I was on a high & back to sunshine - hello Ovulation phase! As you will see from my very messy cycle chart, I was feeling a lot more clear headed, energy was back and what a relief this was. My instagram stories usually see more of me doing lots of chatting during my ovulation/summer phase. Because of the rising hormone (estrogen) giving me the Beyonce vibe, I DEFO capitalise on this bad Bey! I spent that whole week from day 10-14 dancing, hitting the gym, cleaning and socialising. And on day 15 the road to my period began again.

'“Why the recap” you ask?

Well, I think it’s important to give yourself grace when pursuing a personal standard of health and wellness. The big red rule is this: YOUR CYCLE trumps the typical…You don’t have to be textbook perfect, and you must know what is normal for you. My low iron sometimes makes post-period pretty horrid, and my hyper activity (possibly adhd) makes ovulation a bit of a scatty jazz show, but at least I know..!

I always get my bloods tested and speak with my GP about my iron levels, hence the iron capsules she recommends. In addition to this, I spoke with a herbal consultant at Zen Maitri and Sara prescribed me an amazing blend of iron rich, nervine strengthening herbs to take as a tincture (a liquid, alcohol based formula) 3x a day. So with my foods, my teas, vits and sups I have managed to see myself much more alive and well compared to this time last month. Plus my bleed was less heavy too. Waheyyyy!

I’d love to get into cycle charting as a group, and i’ve shared this chart with some of you already. It’s a lot different to using a period tracker app! If you want to start using a chart like mine above, leave a comment or get in touch on Instagram!

The following content includes affiliate codes, which pay me a small commission if used at checkout.

* Shop Herbal Store Zen Maitri : Use code DESTINY20 for 20% off anything on this website including consultations.

* I’ve teamed up with the online Cycle Care store Unfabled & I’m giving you £ to shop site wide, via their friendly referral Give 10 Get 10 scheme : Get £10 Off

* Moon Tea has lots of cycle supporting benefits, including iron, and soothing/cooling herbs for your pre period and period phases. Use code DESTINY10 for 10% off & let me know how you find it :)

Stay blessed,

Dest x

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joeliviaejournal.substack.com

[ For my audio peeps, press play above to listen to this email ]

Hello Hello! One thing before we jump into today’s newsletter… I APPRECIATE YOU, & I appreciate you opening this email :)

On my mind… ADHD?

I mentioned on my Instagram stories a while back, that I spoke to my GP about the shadows was struggling with. Mainly in mood, management, and the ‘doing’ part of life in every corner. I have since found support thanks to those who reached out. In the video below, I share how I came to the point of being referred for ADHD, & it’s filmed in the forest - for a little naturescape chit chat.

Our menstrual and mental health are so linked, & impact overall well being, so it was 100% worth me considering the neurodiverse symptoms I experience. Watch the video for more details.

Sunny Updates

* My Cycle Coach training has begun! We started off slow, looking at menarche (our first period) and diving deep into our own menstrual cycle practice. This week’s lessons are very sciencey which I LOVE - who knew it!?

* Big Church Day Out 2022, are you coming with? This annual christian music festival should be such a lovely break out in nature, and full of amazing vibes. If you’re up for camping with me on June the 3rd & 4th then come along :) Big Church Day Out Info

* Lastly, something is brewing & it’s tea related. For now, that’s all I can say, but don’t tell, it’s a secret. You heard it here first…

The following content includes affiliate codes, which pay me a small commission if used at checkout.

* Shop Herbal Store Zen Maitri : Use code DESTINY20 for 20% off anything on this website including consultations.

* I’ve teamed up with the online Cycle Care store Unfabled & I’m giving you £ to shop site wide, via their friendly referral Give 10 Get 10 scheme : Get £10 Off

* Moon Tea has lots of cycle supporting benefits, including iron, and soothing herbs for the hibernation phases like pre period and during. Use code DESTINY10 for 10% off & let me know how you find it :)

Thanks for reading & stay blessed,

Dest x

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joeliviaejournal.substack.com

[For my audio peoples, Listen To My Voice Note Version above. ]

Hiya, Destiny Here - (Natural Wellness & Slow Living content creator & Menstrual Cycle Coach in training) Happy May to you! I know it’s not the warmest, spring vibes but the best is coming! And these eJournals should give you the glowy feels...

How my eJournals will work moving forward.

Side A will be the ‘as & when’ newsletter & updates bit. Sharing all of the events, offers, business BTS (hint) and all things Cycle Coach training and future courses info. I will also be sharing bits of my personal experience with potential ADHD, getting referred and how i’m managing myself, or trying to…

Side B will either be our monthly /Book Club journal, or my Cycle Care/Self Care rituals journal. Sharing tips on how to tune into & sync with your menstrual cycle and delving into some of the books & podcasts out there like Period Power, Moody, and more of the medical focused ones too.

I want everyone to feel engaged so I’m going to use the voice note tool to narrate my journals as much as possible, as well as film videos for you to watch too.

This is OUR newsletter, and if it aint working for you, then I’d like to know.

Lastly - Since I’m a full time content creator alongside studying for my Menstrual Cycle Coach certificate, I have been thinking of ways to allow you to support my journey financially. Side B of these ejournals may be made into a small paid subscribers-only feature, but for now enjoy it all for free ☺️💕

Thanks for chilling here,

Speak soon.

dest x

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joeliviaejournal.substack.com