By Sarah Pirie-Nally
Have you ever had that nagging feeling that something just wasn’t right? You’re functioning, but not thriving. For me, that feeling hit like a whirlwind during my experience with perimenopause—a time when I felt less like myself and more like I was trying to operate on half-charged batteries.
But what changed everything for me wasn’t just the experts I consulted (though they were critical), it was my own curiosity. Curiosity became my superpower—a guide that not only helped me identify the root of the problem but also work collaboratively with experts to find the best solution for me. And let me tell you, that solution included a neurochemical boost I didn’t know I needed.
Curiosity: The Best Troubleshooting Tool
When I started noticing symptoms—low motivation, foggy thinking, and just an overall feeling of being stuck—I didn’t just accept it as a new normal. I asked myself questions:
• Why do I feel like this?
• What’s missing?
• Could there be an underlying reason?
And, most importantly, I didn’t stop at the first answer. I dove into research and consulted experts, not just to confirm my suspicions but to understand. I approached the process with the mindset of a designer troubleshooting a challenge: What’s the root cause, and what’s the best way to prototype my way to a solution?
Collaborating with Experts: Curiosity in Action
Here’s the thing about working with experts: It’s not just about showing up and expecting them to “fix” you. It’s about being an active participant in the process. I worked with my healthcare team to test my theories, gather data, and narrow down the options.
For me, the missing piece of the puzzle was norepinephrine—a neurochemical essential for focus, energy, and motivation. The day I started on the prescribed treatment to address this imbalance was like flipping a light switch in my brain. This was what I had been missing. I suddenly felt alert, motivated, and ready to take on the world.
From Curiosity to Action: How I Got My Glow Back
What I didn’t expect was how quickly this shift would snowball into positive change. Once my brain started firing on all cylinders again, I had the energy to run (literally). Exercise became a key part of my daily routine—not just for my physical health but for the mental clarity and momentum it provided.
And as I kept moving, everything else in my life started aligning. My work felt more creative, my relationships more fulfilling, and my sense of self stronger than ever. I felt vibrant, glowy, and alive.
What Can You Learn From This?
1. Listen to Your Inner Designer
Treat your challenges like design problems. Ask questions, gather data, and be open to trial and error. Trust that your curiosity is a compass pointing you toward solutions.
2. Be an Active Participant
Experts are incredible, but you know your body and mind best. Approach appointments with curiosity and courage. Ask questions, share observations, and work collaboratively to find what’s right for you.
3. Never Underestimate the Snowball Effect
Sometimes, the smallest tweak—like addressing a neurochemical imbalance—can set off a chain reaction of positive change. Trust that one step forward can lead to incredible transformation.
Designing Your Own Solutions
For me, this journey was about more than just solving a medical issue. It was a reminder of how powerful our curiosity can be when paired with collaboration. It’s about designing solutions that fit your unique needs and creating a life where you feel vibrant, alive, and unstoppable.
So, if you’re facing a challenge—whether it’s in your health, career, or creativity—ask yourself: What can I learn? Who can I collaborate with? And most importantly, what’s the first step?
Your curiosity just might be the key to your next breakthrough.
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