Hello and Welcome!
This week? Whew. It's been one of those weeks.
I’ve cried over a commercial, yelled at a cabinet for not closing right, and forgotten what I was doing halfway through doing it. I’ve had moments of clarity followed by moments of complete “what is my life even?” And honestly, a few days ago I would’ve just chalked it up to being overwhelmed or too busy or needing to get it together.
But now I know better.
I’m in the luteal phase—the 7-ish days before my period starts—and everything I’m feeling isn’t random. It’s actually right on schedule.
The Storm Before the Flow
If you’re not familiar with the phases of your cycle, let me give you the Cliff Notes version: the luteal phase is your body’s version of prepping for either a pregnancy or a period. Progesterone rises, estrogen dips, and your brain decides to go full introvert, full feeler, and—let’s be honest—full "brace yourself."
Some common hits during this phase:
- Feeling scattered or emotionally fragile (hi, that’s me)
- Increased cravings (everything salty. everything sweet. everything now.)
- Trouble focusing or staying motivated
- Sudden need to clean everything or do nothing
- The creeping lies: “you’re falling behind,” “you’re not doing enough,” “why are you like this?”
Sound familiar?
But This Time, I Knew
Here’s the thing: I used to just push through this phase. White-knuckle it. Drink more coffee, make longer to-do lists, get mad at myself for not being “on it.”
But now, I’m learning to ask better questions—like:
- What is my body trying to tell me?
- How can I support it instead of fighting it?
- What would happen if I actually gave myself permission to slow down?
My Faith + My Hormones
I used to separate my hormones from my holiness. Like one was a “me” problem and the other was a “God” solution. But lately, I’m learning that both matter. God designed my body. My cycle is part of that. So maybe this phase isn’t a flaw—it’s an invitation.
Maybe it’s God’s built-in rhythm to remind me to rest.
To stop performing and listen.
To get quiet and recalibrate.
To lean into grace instead of pushing harder.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Some months, those words hit harder during the luteal phase than any other time.
How I’m Navigating It (Instead of Drowning in It)
So what does luteal self-care look like for me right now? Here’s a peek:
🥘 What I’m Eating:
- Warm, grounding foods (soups, roasted veggies, eggs, sweet potatoes)
- Less sugar and caffeine (hard, but worth it)
- Electrolytes + bone broth in the morning
✍️ What I’m Doing:
- Journaling instead of spiraling
- Slowing down my schedule—on purpose
- Saying no to things I could do, and yes to things I need to do (like rest)
📖 What I’m Reading:
- Short, powerful scripture like Romans 12:2 and James 1
- Devotions that speak truth to my scattered thoughts
- Reminders that I’m not failing—I’m just human
❤️ What I’m Reminding Myself:
- This is not permanent.
- I’m not broken.
- I can love and lead myself well, even here.
You’re Not Lazy, You’re Luteal
If this week feels like a mess and you’ve been tempted to beat yourself up—pause.
You’re not lazy.
You’re not behind.
You’re not broken.
You might just be in the luteal phase.
So instead of pushing harder, try pausing deeper. Let your body lead. Let God meet you there. You were never meant to go full speed, all the time.
And if you're ready to explore this rhythm more intentionally, I created a tool just for this:
✨ Sync Your Cycle: Aligning Faith with Flow — a digital journal designed to help you connect your cycle with your scripture intake, prayer life, and self-care. Because holy rest is still holy.
Final Thought:
You are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to soften.
God sees you in the storm before the flow—and He’s not asking you to outrun it.
He’s just asking you to walk through it… with Him.
Now go pour some tea, wrap up in a cozy blanket, and do one gentle thing for yourself today. You deserve it.