Monthly Musings: July
I feel for all the women out there who, like me, feel hopeless.
Monthly Musings is a section of All Around where I share my reflections, what I’ve been up to, and what I’ve been loving each month. You can look forward to reading one of these updates every month!!
I decided to allow myself to question my career journey and explore new experiences. I’ve always been curious about the art of floristry, and thanks to my ability to connect with people, I dived into it this month—and, wow, I loved it!!
Floristry is such a beautiful art form. Creating with nature feels like a wonderful gift, and I had the chance to assist one of the florists in Vancouver whom I admire most. By allowing myself to learn new things, I discovered that I can truly achieve whatever I set my mind to. I reconnected with myself, and it was wonderful to realize that I am passionate about creating and connecting with amazing people—creativity drives me. Who knows, maybe I'll open my own flower shop in the future. I even have a name in mind for it!
ALSO, I decided to return to music. For those who don’t know, I loved playing the guitar when I was in high school. Honestly, my guitar accompanied me through some difficult times—sadness and heartbreak. I believe that’s why I avoided my guitar for years, associating it with that phase of my life. But that changed this past week.
My friend Victoria came to visit a few days ago and picked up my guitar to play it. As soon as I heard her play, I felt nostalgia, and my desire to play again was rekindled. Now I'm re-learning to play. it's been over six years since I even took it out of its case.
My best friend is expecting her second child, and two weeks ago, we celebrated her baby shower. It was wonderful to spend time with all the women in Susi's life. All of them are incredible, empathetic, and empowered—strong, amazing girls. The energy in the group felt powerful. Despite our different backgrounds, we had so much in common.
That afternoon, we talked, laughed, cried, and shared. It made me realize how valuable these conversations among women are—they heal us, inspire us, and give us a sense of belonging. I can’t even begin to describe how I feel about having all these wonderful women in my life.
If thrifting counts as a hobby, then it’s definitely my favorite! I recently thrift some of my favorite pieces, and of course, I have to share them with all of you!
I've been wanting to write about thrifting in general—my outfits, my process—but I can't quite figure out how to start. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please send me a message here on Substack or email me at danielalopezcm463@gmail.com! I’d love to hear you out!!
What I’ve been reading
Cherry Bomb. This newsletter is one of my favorite discoveries from Substack.
Amani’s post confirms that women’s health is not taken seriously, PERIOD. Men doctors and surprisingly sometimes women doctors are vague and unsympathetic.
As someone who suffers from severe menstrual pain, it's reassuring to hear about other women’s struggles. Why? Because it helps me feel less alone and validates that my pain and experiences aren't imaginary. Ever since I started menstruating, it's been a nightmare: migraines, vomiting, nausea, brain fog, back pain, joint pain, anxiety before, during, and after my period, and even being unable to walk or do anything... among other symptoms. And doctors often dismiss it as stress or anxiety. Seriously?
The last time I visited a gynecologist (a woman), she mentioned that my uterus was inverted. "Is that normal?" I asked. "Yes," she said but added that it could be a sign of endometriosis. For a moment, I felt relief at finally having a potential diagnosis, but then she told me that to confirm it, I would need surgery—which I'd have to wait until my husband and I wanted children. Well, fuck…
So now, I'm just a woman in pain, potentially suffering from a disease, and still with no answers or solutions. I feel for all the women out there who, like me, feel hopeless.
Not too long ago, I bought the book Hashimoto’s Protocol by Izabella Wentz because I also have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Surprisingly, this book has helped me with both my menstrual cycles and my thyroid condition. If no doctor can give me answers, I guess I'll find them myself?
If you have thyroid disease, please go to the bookstore and get this TREASURE!
No one asked by Jordan Santos.
Apartamento 710. My friend Flor is such an inspiring woman. We met this year through Instagram, and I’m so happy she’s in my life. I 10/10 recommend every single post she has written. Go check her out now!!
Á la Carte by Ali Labelle.
What I’ve been listening to
Obviously, the new Charli XCX song with Billie Eilish!!!! What in the world?!!!!
I don’t know—everything about it: the concept, the lyrics, the music. I don’t even go to raves or clubs anymore, but this song makes me want to dance all night.
Cleo Sol has done something to my soul. Her lyrics and soothing voice literally calm my anxiety. Her album Gold is my favorite. I want to learn all these songs and play them on guitar!
Thank you for reading! I saw some new subscribers join over the past month, and we’re now at 125!!! Honestly, thank you. I love sharing my thoughts, likes, dislikes, and wonders. There’s no particular outcome I’m aiming for, so take it as inspiration—maybe you resonate with some of my posts or read my newsletter with your breakfast. Whatever it is, I’m happy and excited to be part of your journey too!!
Until next time!
If you’d like to support my newsletter re-stack the post with a note, send the link or screenshots to your friends, or leave me a comment! My comment section is always open for you. Let’s keep the conversation going 🌀
I love all the colors of the flowers 😍
I’m sorry you have such bad period pain. I am in a similar boat of not being able to get answers from doctors to the point of thinking what’s the point of going back 🤷🏻♀️My main issue is heavy and very prolonged periods (like a majority of the month) and all the ultrasounds, tests, and biopsies come back normal so they just tell me it’s normal…I also have an inverted uterus as well as a fibroid which can cause lots of bleeding, but for some reason they don’t think it’s because of that so I’m left with no answers after 10 years. I recommend reading the book It’s Not Hysteria by Dr Karen Tang. I haven’t finished it yet, but I feel so seen that it’s not all in my head and that my symptoms are in fact not normal.
I loved the audio - I hope you do more! Also obsessed with the flowers, please more about your floristry journey too 😍