The World of Woman – with Katy Lawryk

“I feel there is something unexplored about women that only a woman can explore.”

And it is true..

Women are complex human beings.

Our bodies are designed differently.

Our system is hardwired differently.

Our emotions can be like flood gates.

We feel. Express. Create. Explore. Move. Dance. Be.

We are unique. We are different. And our bodies are made to bring life to this world.

Whether or not that is with children, or just simply the centre of creation of all things.

It starts with us. It starts with YOU.

So, how well do you know your body as a woman?

Do you know its flow and rhythm?

Do you feed and nourish it so that is flourishes and thrives?

Do you understand the complexities of your hormones and menstrual cycle?

Are you connected or disconnected to being a woman?

Have you experienced sensitive or unpleasant experiences which have shaped your reality as a woman?

Let’s meet our expert guest for the month, Katy Lawryk:

“I started my health journey due to my own health needs not being met and having no idea who I even needed to talk too. I constantly struggled with weight my entire life, I went from 100kg at my heaviest to 49kg at my lightest, I was extreme to say the least. It greatly impacted my family and friends by my way of living. I was an ultimate self-sabotager, just when I would be on track to looking after myself in my world, I would stuff it up. I would train at the gym 2 x a day, sit ups on my floor every morning and night and restrict and punish myself with food for more years than I can remember. I never thought I would ever figure it out. All the media around me and women I knew where on some kind of diet, it seemed as though no one in my life had it figured out. So who was I to look too?

I was diagnosed with Polycystic ovarian syndrome at 16 years old and had the doctor tell me it would be difficult for me to ever conceive. That was something I carried with me for many many years. I was prescribed the pill and cast off into the world with no more information other than that 10-minute consult provided me. 

I chose to study exercise science and nutrition at university (even though I wanted to be a wine maker and got accepted into a Bachelor of Viticulture), because I thought if I became a professional at exercise and nutrition, I would finally be able to solve all my problems. Little did I know this sliding door moment in my life would lead me to studying and practicing as a naturopath that would see me helping people with the very things I struggled with my whole entire life. I came to realise that sometimes our struggles are our greatest teachers and the lessons learnt can be the greatest help for others. 

I ended up graduating with a Bachelor of Exercise Science & Nutrition and a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences with a double major Complementary therapies & Naturopathic practice. With this information now a big part of my life, I ventured out to test my skills and theory in many industries. My first “real” job out of University was as a rehabilitation specialist for the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services (CRS Australia) in Alice Springs, NT, working in Indigenous health. Wow was I in over my head. 

During this time, I was accepted into a Masters of Research Program at Central Queensland University back in my sports world, researching the topic of injury management strategies for high collision sports, where I picked up a position with the Australian Rugby Union, Queensland Mens Rugby Union division as a high performance coach specialising in rehabilitation. I stayed in this role for many years, and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. 

This is where I was given the freedom to test my working theories on groups of players and a range of athletes and non-athletes, bringing in all my skill sets together in nutrition, exercise science, sports performance, rehabilitation, naturopathy, supplementation & natural medicine (herbal medicine & homeopathy). This was where I learnt the most valuable lesson which I carried with me into private practice. Everyone is different, even if they have many similar traits and characteristics. Surprisingly enough, not what I learnt when working with some naturopaths and health professionals when I first started. Too often, I worked with professionals across many specialities who had their own protocol and applied it to everyone that walked in the door. 

Thinking back to my utter frustration at not being able to find someone who really looked at my symptoms, my body, my physiology, my biochemistry and who understood the way my body responded to stimulus in how it regenerated or degenerated in and as a product of my life, I vowed I would learn as much as I could about meaningful forms of health care and apply it in a way that respected all those points of difference and more. 

When I truly stepped into that model of health care, I was able to understand my body and my health for the very first time. It was the culmination of my experience in working with a wide variety of people spanning age ranges, that allowed me to look within with a whole new set of eyes and understanding. 

My life’s education, training and passions at this time includes modalities covering Exercise Science, Nutrition and Naturopathy, specialising in  Men’s Health, Woman’s Health (women are more proactive in seeking out health support), Sports Performance, Recovery Strategies, Injury Management, Sports Nutrition, Hormonal Imbalances, Physical and Internal Biochemical Rehabilitation, Neuromuscular Health, Early Childhood Development, Depression, Anxiety, Digestive Issues, Skin Conditions and finally, I gained the confidence to practice in Weight Optimisation and more.”

We will be discussing the following topics:

• Menstruation & ovulation, how to tell when your body is experiencing both and how to use this information to build stronger levels of health.
• What should your body experience during these cycles, some symptoms they may not be great, and how to discover where your body needs more support.
• Conventional contraception, the pill and natural methods of contraception. What can happen when you come off the pill/synthetic contraception.
• What to expect, what to do and how to best support yourself through miscarriage &/or termination.
• PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids and more. What options may be available to you outside of medication and surgery.
• Libido, pain during intercourse and orgasms, what can go wrong and how to navigate your way to experiencing better sexual health.
• Open questions time to ask the questions you’ve always wanted to know more about, or never really got a great explanation on your health and what signs and symptoms mean when it comes to women health concerns. 

As you can see, we will be covering some sensitive topics which not a lot of information or support comes easily available, leaving you feeling terribly scared and alone.

We are here to support you, guide you, and love you all the way though!

You are not alone, and you can master your world of being a woman.

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Details

When: Friday March 23rd 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Where: Meraki Whole Food Kitchen. 55 Brooke Avenue, Chirn Park. Qld 4215. Plenty of free street parking available.

Cost: $50 + booking fee via HUMANITIX, link below.. All profits from booking fees are donated to the charity of our choice “Women’s Community Shelters”.

Ticket price includes your dinner!
Delicious Pizzas + Salads. Vegan + Gluten Free pizzas available.
I will need to confirm your preference before the event to provide the kitchen with our numbers. Here are your options:

• Dukkha Pumpkin: Tomato, spinach, red onion, and herb and garlic, tomato base with mozzarella and beetroot hummus.
• Pesto Pollo: Chicken breast, basil pesto, avocado, cherry tomato, rocket, and feta.
• The Italian Job: Pancetta, spinach, sun dried tomato, pesto, feta, tomato base,
• Garlic Goodness: Garlic and mozzarella.
  

* PLEASE NOTE: Tickets SELL OUT. To ensure your seat, please register and purchase your ticket now. No refunds or exchanges available. Women’s event. No tickets at door.

Bonus: Oooodles of LOVE, SUPPORT, CONNECTION, PLAYFULNESS and LUCKY DOOR PRIZES!

And remember…. Together we are stronger so please spread the love and bring your soul sisters with you!

Alana Arvanitis ♥
Leading Self-Love Ambassador and Founder of The Self-Love Movement
www.theself-lovemovement.com