Getting Real About IBS (Because My Body Always Tells the Truth)

I’ve had digestive issues for a long time, and at this point I’m pretty open about it. If you listen to my podcast, Lighten Up! The Art of Living Clutter Free, or follow along on this blog, you already know I’m very open about living with IBS.

Most of the time, it’s very manageable. I know my triggers. Apples, pears, mango, cherries, grapes — basically all the delicious fruit with a pit or a stone. High fat, high sugar foods are another big one. I’m also careful with both natural and artificial sweeteners, drink a ton of water, and do my best to keep my stress and anxiety in check.

And there’s the key phrase: do my best.

Because here’s the thing. Sometimes I know I’m stressed. And other times, I don’t recognize it at all. I think I’m just busy. Productive. Getting things done. Being a solopreneur doing solopreneur things.

Meanwhile, my body knows exactly what’s going on.

This week was one of those weeks. Waking up in the middle of the night, back and forth to the bathroom. (Too much detail yet? Probably. But I promised to get real, so here we are.)

With only three weeks left in the year, I feel that familiar pull to get everything done. Tie things up neatly. Get ahead of the new year. Add in holiday stress, end-of-year pressure, and—if I’m being honest—maybe a little more fat and sugar than usual on Sunday… and well, my gut waved a giant red flag.

Message received.

So here’s my reminder to myself (and maybe to you, too):

Write in my gratitude journal daily.

Meditate daily.

Manage stress proactively, not reactively.

Make sure I’m eating gut-healthy foods — kimchee, sauerkraut, and yogurt high in probiotics.

And maybe don’t go all-in on the ridiculous holiday food.

I say all of this just days before Chanukah.

Yes. The fried food holiday.

Irony is alive and well.

But if IBS has taught me anything, it’s this: my body always tells the truth. Even when my brain is pretending everything is “fine.”

And listening sooner is always easier than learning the hard way.

Want to start the new year feeling calmer, clearer, and more supported?

If this post resonates — if your body has been sending you messages you’ve been brushing off — I’d love to invite you to begin January with me.

On January 1, I’m hosting a live Lighten UP! Start 2026 Clutter Free workshop, where we’ll focus on clearing mental, emotional, and physical clutter so you can actually hear what your body and mind are asking for — without judgment, pressure, or “new year, new you” nonsense.

If your nervous system could use a reset, this is for you.

Regsiter Now

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is pause, listen, and start gently.

Not sure if this is right for you?

Schedule a 30-minute free (and not salesy) strategy session.