My heart was aching.

My dogs died. Two months apart. A year and a half ago. I had them both as pups, mother and daughter. Over a decade, they’d been by my side - riding in the back of my Volvo wagon, through raising 2 kids, PTA meetings, hurricanes, long hikes and a divorce.

Four days after my second dog died, I got sick with a hellish ear and sinus infection that took 3 rounds of antibiotics to get under control. To add to my distress, the side effects of the 5 weeks of numerous medications I was taking also took a toll on my body.

As a yoga and wellness professional, I've always prided myself (cough cough ego) on being in tip-top health. Challenges to my health rocked and confused me. Also, for the first time, I realized the special role my dogs had played as part of my emotional support system. This “aha!” moment made the gravity of their absence weigh heavy on my heart.

I needed stress relief!

Yoga, meditation and my other self-care practices were definitely helping me to stay grounded, especially my daily breathing exercises (thank the heavens), but I needed a little something more. Therapy was an option, but an option that would take a while to put in place.

A close friend suggested that I try CBD (Cannabidiol). She explained that it would give me the relaxing benefits of marijuana without feeling high. CBD is totally legal and absent of THC the compound in MJ that gives you the psychoactive in-the-clouds-feeling.

So off I went to my local magic shop. I browsed through the colorful array of gemstones, racks of incenses, spell potions, metaphysical books and chakra candles until I came across the CBD section. There in front of me were cbd teas, oils, bath bombs, e-pens, candy gummies and prerolled joints. The attendant suggested I try the prerolls due to their more immediate effect. I went home, had a Falafel for dinner, smoked some CBD preroll and slept the night away. Ever since, I've been sold on the benefits of CBD!

You can easily find great places that sell cbd who offers online purchasing or curbside pick-up. Luckily, I came across a hemp store that buys from organic growers in our area. I love all the swagger names for the different strains . Like Tarantula for relaxation. Wifey for focus. OG Purple for insomnia. Sweetgrass for nausea. Through experimenting, I discovered that I can use CBD during the day to ease tension and still feel awake, aware, present - highly functional. As well as partake in CBD at bed time for extra support in getting a great night’s sleep!

If your interested in trying CBD, I suggest you do a bit of homework on the various strains or just go for it and experiment with what works best for you. Please, keep in mind that CBD does not replace mental health therapy and that my story is based on my experience. I am not a medical doctor or hemp professional, I simply enjoy sharing the self-care practices that work for me in the hopes that my experiences may help others on their wellness journey.

Be well,

~RR