Wellness Wednesday with Akenya Seymour
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This Wednesday, I would like you to meet Akenya Seymour: a multi-genre singer, pianist, composer, and arranger. I met Akenya in Boston a few years ago and I'm still inspired by her journey to music creation and better self. She's now based in Chicago and releasing a NEW single tomorrow, don't forget to check it out at: http://www.akenyamusic.com/music/
Q: How would you describe your lifestyle (student/traveling performer/9-5 job/etc.)?
A: I'm a freelance musician, so my lifestyle varies. Sometimes it's very hectic with tons of traveling and performing, and sometimes it's slow and quite underwhelming for months at a time.
Q: What gets you out of bed in the morning?
A: Knowing that every day is an opportunity to create, to grow, and to try to make better than the last.
Q: What inspires you to do what you do?
A: Music is my passion - it's been my passion since I was a child and I imagine it'll remain that the rest of my life. I can't imagine my life without it.
Q: Describe a daily routine that makes you feel great.
A: Light exercise in the morning always makes me feel good.
Q: What is one habit would you like to change?
A: Honestly, due to my illness I've changed a lot of my bad habits. I would say I could still stand to eat less sugar, even if it is natural sugar. I'm currently addicted to plantain chips haha.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: Believing in my purpose as a creative to stay inspired, and inspire others.
Q: Do you exercise regularly? If yes, what do you do and how often?
A: I try to exercise at least 3 times a week, for at least 30 min. But, due to fatigue from chronic illness sometimes I don't. I'm not too hard on myself about it. Even if I get out and walk for a few minutes, I feel good about that just to know my body is moving and capable.
Q: How to you manage your anxiety or daily stress?
A: Deep breathing, making music, journaling, talking to family or friends, giving myself reassuring pep-talks. Also, allowing myself to feel what I feel and move through it rather than repress it.
Q: What was the most important mantra/lesson/idea you learned in the last couple of years?
A: Patience, Positivity, and Proactiveness have been the words I use to guide me through navigating my disease.
Q: What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
A: My doctor told me when I was first diagnosed with lyme disease that "there's a part of you that knows nothing about lyme or its suffering." and that provided a sense of tranquility for me and in a way it has helped me stay in tune with the core of who I am.
Q: Before going to bed, what do you do to wind down?
A: Sometimes read novels, or look at blogs, I sometimes sing myself to sleep too.
Q: I know you've been diagnosed with lyme disease recently. Any tips for others who were diagnosed with it?
A: There are people who have literally been making funeral arrangements who have come back from this disease! You can overcome! Stay diligent, keep trying new methods of treatment, don't be afraid to tackle this thing from every angle - western medicine, eastern medicine, holistic naturopathy, herbalism, meditation, diet, exercise: anything that can and will help, try it! And don't ever give up.
Q: It's super frustrating to face such a big change to your health. How did you pull yourself out of most frustrating moment?
A: By trusting in my intuition, by asking the Universe for all of its help and guidance, and by understanding that this is a chapter in my life, and not one that defines me. I've actually learned so much about health and wellness throughout this journey, so I have to say that even amidst all of the struggle and turmoil, I'm grateful for all that lyme has taught me. I feel that once I overcome this, I'll live an even better life than I was living before I got sick.
Q: What are the main changes in your lifestyle now, after being diagnosed? Any changes to your performing routine and habits?
A: I can't eat a lot of things - I've been on a strict autoimmune protocol diet that helps A LOT, but I can't eat out. Although, it's restrictive, it's inspired me to get more creative in the kitchen, and I appreciate that. I have to take medicine all throughout the day, so traveling is not really optimal right now. I was never a big drinker, but I DEFINITELY don't drink now; don't really party much. It's a very quaint, simple lifestyle, but it can be nice to have that kind of peace and regeneration.