Dr. Jen Parsons, ND

01/28/2023

How much do you drink in a week?

The new Canadian guidelines are suggesting no amount of alcohol is considered ‘safe’ for your health. That is a stark difference from the messaging we’ve been marinating in for many years.

But this conversation is not new in my office. Alcohol has been linked to increased risks of cancer, heart disease, insomnia, anxiety, liver disease, hot flashes, pms, etc..

As a doctor, it is an essential topic to discuss. As a naturopathic doctor, I’m more interested in the root cause.

Why are you drinking?

This question is way more important than “how much are you drinking?”.

Are you drinking to celebrate? You love a beautiful glass of wine? Are you drinking to escape? Numb yourself? Fit in? Cope?

The goal of sobriety is not the point. It’s as easy and complicated as Why are you drinking? What is driving the discomfort? How can you heal THAT?

11/21/2022

11/19/2022

Space! I’ve been missing space!

I’ve been feeling in a rut. uninspired. languishing.

I am privileged to be able to give space for people in the middle of difficult transitions and help them find ways of staying healthy during challenging times.

But sometimes you need space when things are just ‘okay’. To find inspiration. To rediscover what brings you joy. To make sure you are moving in the direction of ‘more cowbell’.

For me, travel gives me this space. Every trip nourishes my soul and feels like a fresh start.

Where do you find space for inspiration in your busy life?

03/21/2022

This is a sound I hear most often in follow-ups. .wright.nd ‘s dad made this beautiful desk, and it gets knocked on every day.

“Knock on wood; I haven’t had a migraine since our first visit!” ✊🏼

“Knock on wood; my periods are regular, and no cramps!” ✊🏾

“Knock on wood; I’ve been sleeping through the night for the last month!” ✊🏿

Etc.

The theory behind the expression is that people knocked on wood to chase away evil spirits or prevent them from listening in when they boasted about their luck, thereby preventing a reversal of fortune.

But no luck or magic is happening here. Just identifying root causes and people sticking to the plan. ✨

It always makes me secretly crack up at how convenient it is to have wood so available at these visits. People just can’t resist the added knock

03/08/2022

30/30 days of delight 🦋

Delight in gratitude.

This is a picture of me fresh from my first degree and ready to take on politics and the corporate world. My undergrad was a double major in International Relations and Economics. I was all set to embark on adulthood, but something felt horribly wrong. The path I was heading down did not feel like mine.

Today, on International Women’s Day, it occurred to me that many women helped me find my authentic way. Through words or actions, women showed me that living my purpose equals a fulfilling and meaningful life.

So today, I emailed 5 women who likely had no idea the impact they’ve made on me:

1) A grade school teacher who encouraged girls to support each other

2) A professor who taught the importance of telling our story

3) A childhood friend who followed her heart to Europe

4) A colleague who’s practice I’ve always admired

5) A therapist who helped me see what lights me up

Writing each note was probably more delightful to me than to them. I am inspired and delighted by women who live in alignment every day and the women searching for their path. May we rejoice in each other’s successes and encourage living our truth.