A Journey with High-blood Pressure: Learning to Prioritize Health and Balance
I want to share something personal with you—a journey I’ve been on that has reshaped the way I approach health and wellness. It’s a story that started not too long ago, and one that I’m still learning from every day. For a long time, I was proud of my health, especially my blood pressure. I would go to my checkups, and my doctor often commented, “You must be a runner,” because my blood pressure was consistently low. It was one of those quiet accomplishments I carried with me, a sign of my body’s resilience and strength. My ego just loved going to the doctor and hearing that I was doing well.
All changed after I had twins. They came into the world very early, and we had an unexpected stay in the NICU. Suddenly, the calm and steady life I was used to became a whirlwind of sleepless nights, constant worry, and deep fatigue. I was trying to be strong, but underneath, I was stressed, overwhelmed, and honestly, under-supported. I was juggling the emotional toll of having newborns in the NICU with the exhaustion that comes with being a new mom to two babies at once. My whole world felt like it was hanging in the balance.
At my next doctor’s appointment, the same one where I used to hear compliments about my health, I got a shock. My blood pressure was high—so high that my doctor started talking about medication. I remember feeling stunned and, honestly, a bit defensive. I explained to him what was going on: I had just had twins, I was hardly sleeping, and I was navigating a level of stress I had never experienced before. He listened and suggested that I come back in a few months to see if I could bring it down on my own. Otherwise, he was serious about trying medication. I couldn’t leave my blood pressure this high for long.
Since that day, my blood pressure has become almost a compass for my life. It’s a reminder every morning of how I’m genuinely doing—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. I’ve come to realize that I can’t ignore my body’s signals and that my health deserves my attention and care, even in the midst of life’s challenges. I started taking my blood pressure every day, and it became a form of accountability. Each morning, as I check those numbers, I get an honest reflection of how I’m managing my life.
This journey has forced me to make changes that I might not have made otherwise. Now, I prioritize my rest like never before. I’m mindful of what I give my energy to, asking myself questions like, “Is this worth the stress?” or “How much do I care about this?”(This video changed my perspective. Watch it!) I’ve learned to set new boundaries and let go of things that don’t serve me. I’m no longer willing to compromise my peace for things that don’t matter in the bigger picture.
I’ve also reprioritized going to the gym and nourishing my body with foods that work well for me. It’s been a journey of trial and error—discovering what feels good in my body, not just what’s considered “healthy” by general standards. I’m learning to listen to my body’s unique needs and honor what it’s telling me. This has led me to explore foods that support my health, routines that help me de-stress, and a balance that feels sustainable.
As I approach my 40s, I realize that health isn’t just about checking off boxes like eating well or exercising. It’s about living in a way that honors my body’s needs, respects my boundaries, and brings me peace. Health, is deeply personal, and it’s a journey that requires patience, compassion, and honesty with ourselves.
I share this with you because I know many of us have those wake-up calls, those moments when our bodies remind us to pay attention. Whether it’s blood pressure, energy levels, or sleep quality, these signals are our body’s way of asking for care. I invite you to listen to what your own body is telling you, to be gentle with yourself, and to make choices that support your well-being, no matter what season of life you’re in.Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Here’s to choosing health, balance, and self-compassion every day.
With love,
Adrianne Pinkney
