Mind Over Migraine

Today, I have an appointment with a new neurologist at Dartmouth. Since my longtime provider at the Headache Clinic moved away, it’s been a bit of a revolving door—they’ve had a hard time finding someone permanent to fill her role. This will be the fourth provider I’ve seen since she left, and while I’m keeping an open mind, it’s hard not to feel a little weary of having to start over again with someone new. That said, there’s a bit of reassurance going in: my primary doctor actually knows this new neurologist personally. They’ve worked together in the past within the same hospital network, and he told me he thinks I’ll like him. I’m holding onto that hope. 

This visit is especially important because my migraines have been getting worse over the past few weeks. The Botox injections I receive every few months have worn off, and I can feel the familiar pressure building again. I’m heading back to Dartmouth on Wednesday for my next round of injections, and I’m hoping they bring some relief before things get even more intense. 

On a brighter note, I found out that my trainer will still be working with me for two more weeks! He’s transitioning into his new position as assistant manager, but because of some onboarding delays, I get a little more time with him. I’m really glad—our sessions have been such a steady and motivating part of my week, and I’m not quite ready to give them up. 

So, here’s to new beginnings (again), to holding out hope for a bit of relief, and to small silver linings where we can find them. 

— 

Wishing you all a good week—full of strength, support, and maybe a little less pain.


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🌈 God’s Image, Queerly Reflected

“So, God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

— Genesis 1:27

From the very beginning, Scripture tells us something radical: that we are made in the image of God. This verse from Genesis is often quoted, but too rarely unpacked in its glorious, expansive truth.

What does it mean to be made in the image of God? It means we reflect God not in uniformity, but in diversity. Not in sameness, but in difference. It means every gender, every orientation, every body, every soul bears something sacred—something divine. Yet for generations, many LGBTQ+ people have been told the opposite. That our queerness is a distortion, a rebellion, an error. But what if our queerness is not a flaw, but a feature of God’s creativity?

God is not binary. God is not confined. God is creator, relational, mysterious, wildly imaginative. And we—queer, trans, nonbinary, gay, lesbian, bi, ace, and all beyond—carry that same creativity, complexity, and relational beauty within us.mWe are not outside God’s image. We are part of its full expression.

Think about the rainbow—a biblical sign of covenant and peace. Its beauty lies in its range. Each color distinct, yet part of a whole. The same is true of humanity. Our identity, your body, our orientation, our way of loving—these are not obstacles to divine reflection. They are evidence of it. We are part of the kaleidoscope of God’s presence in the world.

Queerness challenges rigid categories. It defies the neat boxes religion and society often try to impose. But perhaps that is exactly what the image of God does too. It disrupts our assumptions. It invites wonder. In a world eager to limit God’s likeness to the familiar, LGBTQ+ people expand the canvas. We remind the Church that God is still creating, still surprising, still delighting in what is “very good.”

God made us in His image, in all our beauty and complexity—our queerness reflects His creativity. When others try to diminish our worth, He reminds us that we carry the divine imprint. Our lives should be a mirror of His love, a reflection of His grace, and a celebration of the diversity He called good.

We are not a deviation from God’s design. We are a beloved echo of the divine voice that said, “Let us make humankind in our image.” Our queerness is not too much. It is not too different. It is exactly what it was meant to be: a radiant, holy reflection of the God who made us.

Go forth this Pride Month not just with courage, but with the joy of knowing that when you live as your full self, you show the world what God looks like.

🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️


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Moment of Zen: 🏳️‍🌈 Flag Day 🏳️‍🌈

Today is Flag Day, a moment traditionally set aside to honor the adoption of the American flag and what it represents. But with the current administration using the occasion to stage a highly controversial military parade—one timed to double as a birthday celebration for Donald Trump—it’s hard to feel the usual patriotic pride. The event, laden with tanks, fighter jets, and political spectacle, has drawn criticism for politicizing the military, straining budgets, and veering disturbingly close to authoritarian pageantry. So instead of celebrating with stars and stripes draped in nationalism, I’ll be sharing images of flags that reflect the spirit, resilience, and identity of myself and many of my readers—flags that speak to inclusion, struggle, and pride in the face of adversity.


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One Last Rep

Today marks a bittersweet milestone: my last one-on-one workout with my trainer. Over the past weeks, he’s been a fantastic motivator, guide, and friend as I’ve navigated this fitness journey. He’s taught me so much—not just about exercise routines and proper form but also about determination, consistency, and pushing past my own limits.

When he told me on Monday that this week would be emotional, I understood exactly what he meant. It’s clear how much he loves training and helping people achieve their goals. Sadly, Planet Fitness doesn’t compensate their trainers enough, prompting him to seek a promotion into management. I fully support his decision—he deserves recognition and reward for his hard work—but I’ll genuinely miss our regular sessions.

Fortunately, this isn’t a total farewell. He’ll still be around as an assistant manager, offering advice, answering questions, and checking in on my progress. He’s even promised to write up a personalized plan summarizing what we’ve done so far and outlining how I should continue. It’s comforting to know I’ll have that guidance moving forward. I’m genuinely motivated to continue my workouts and keep improving my health and fitness.

And let’s be honest, I’ll definitely enjoy seeing him around the gym still—his cute little butt and the perfect way he fills out those sweatpants are perks I won’t easily forget!

Here’s wishing everyone a wonderful weekend filled with smiles and relaxation. Keep moving forward, and remember: every step counts!


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Migraine Fog

Sometimes I just don’t know what to write about. This week has not been particularly exciting—it’s been one of those stretches where the days blur together, marked mainly by their lack of notable events. On top of that, I’ve been dealing with a migraine since Monday. Though it’s better this morning, it’s still lingering, a quiet reminder that it’s not quite ready to leave.

Migraine fog has a way of clouding thoughts and making inspiration especially elusive. It leaves me feeling disconnected, struggling to find the right words or any words at all. I sit down at the keyboard, hoping something will spark—perhaps a memory, a piece of news, or a passing thought that might grow into a meaningful reflection. But today, the page feels particularly daunting in its emptiness, my thoughts muted by the dull haze of discomfort.

Yet, there’s comfort even in admitting the absence of excitement or inspiration. Writing honestly about these quiet, difficult moments feels genuine, relatable. It’s a reminder that life isn’t always about milestones or major events. Sometimes, it’s simply about getting through a dull week or coping with a persistent headache and its accompanying fog.

So today, I’m writing this—acknowledging the quiet, the uneventful, and the struggle to find words through the haze. It’s a small step, but sometimes, that’s enough.

Isabella Pic of the Week: Ever attentive, Isabella is probably pondering life’s great feline mysteries—or perhaps just wondering when I’ll go to bed so I can get up early enough to feed her.


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