What if taking better care of your body started with changing the way you connect with it? In Part 2 of my conversation with Tatiana Slezak on PCOS Unfiltered: Nourish, Heal, Thrive, we continue exploring a side of women's health that doesn't always get talked about: our relationship with our bodies, the patterns we carry, and what it looks like to nurture ourselves with the same attention we so freely give to everyone else. Tatiana shares her personal spiritual perspective on connecting with parts of the body we often ignore, including the ovaries, and why appreciation, meditation, imagination, and intentional quiet have become meaningful parts of her own wellness journey. We also talk about generational patterns, losing pieces of ourselves while caring for others, and why our wellness toolbox may need to change as our bodies and lives change. Tatiana also opens up about the point when years of heavy bleeding began having a more serious impact on her health, including her ferritin reportedly dropping to 1, and how that became a wake-up call to pay closer attention to what her body needed. Throughout the conversation, one message keeps coming back: Your health doesn't have to become another thing you do perfectly. Sometimes Body Wisdom is recognizing that your body has changed, your life has changed, and the tools that supported you before may need to change too.
Listening is a great place to start, but lasting change happens when you begin putting these ideas into practice.
Join us inside the Healthy Ever After app, where you'll find:
✨ A supportive community of women on the same journey
🎙️ Every episode of PCOS Unfiltered
🥗 Healthy recipes and meal ideas
📝 Weekly challenges and Body Wisdom practices
🎁 Free guides and exclusive resources
📅 Live trainings, Q&As, and special events
Download the Healthy Ever After app today and join us!
This week, I want you to practice something incredibly simple:
Appreciate your body for something it's doing for you.
Not what it looks like.
Not what you wish it would change.
Not what you think it should be doing differently.
What is your body doing for you right now?
Tatiana talks about how easy it can be to overlook parts of our bodies until something goes wrong. Her practice is an invitation to create a different kind of relationship—one rooted in awareness and appreciation.
So sometime this week, place your hand somewhere on your body and simply say:
❤️ I see you.
❤️ Thank you.
❤️ I'm listening.
You don't need to make anything happen.
Just notice what it feels like to relate to your body with appreciation instead of criticism.
Tatiana Slezak joins me in this episode to share her personal experience with PCOS and the inner and spiritual practices that have become part of her wellness journey.
Her work explores topics including self-awareness, meditation, energy, inner work, generational patterns, and creating a deeper connection with yourself.
Want to learn more about Tatiana and her work?
🌐 Website:
http://tatianaslezak.com/
▶️ YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TatianaSlezak
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/iamtatianaslezak/
(0:00) I would like women to realize how powerful they are, that we can, we have energetically, (0:10) and physically of course as well, but energetically we can really impact our body, (0:16) but that's also ripple effect on other people. So I'm a big believer on working on yourself (0:21) and doing all this inner outside work, but without feeling I have to do it. And (0:29) we are much more powerful than we think we are.So a bit of appreciation to ourselves would be great. (0:39) Welcome back to PCOS Unfiltered, where we help you understand what your body has been trying (0:44) to tell you all along. I'm your host, Lindsay, nurse turned health coach, two-time author, (0:50) and body wisdom guide.Here, I help you understand the messages behind your symptoms (0:55) so you can stop fighting your body and start working with it. Before we jump into today's (1:00) episode, I have something special coming up that I want to make sure you know all about. (1:05) So on September 30th, I am hosting a free online workshop called Stop Starting Over.(1:10) If you're tired of trying harder, starting another plan, or feeling like you're doing (1:15) everything right and still not feeling like yourself, this workshop is for you. (1:19) We're going to look at your health through a different lens, one that starts with understanding (1:23) your body instead of blaming it. So no new diet, no complicated plan, and no more rules to follow (1:29) perfectly.It's completely free and you can find the registration link in the show notes. (1:34) I'd love to have you there. Now, today's conversation is a really interesting one.(1:39) My guest is Tatiana Slezak, and she shares her own lifelong experience with PCOS, (1:44) now PMOS, and hormonal symptoms from painful, unpredictable periods beginning as a teenager (1:50) to years of being offered hormones and eventually being told that this was simply something she'd (1:56) have to just live with. But Tatiana's journey eventually led her to start asking deeper (2:00) questions and exploring the emotional, energetic, and generational patterns that she believes played (2:06) a role in her own experience. We talk about generational trauma, the expectations women (2:11) have carried for generations, the way we speak to ourselves, and some of the simple practices (2:16) Tatiana has used in her own life, from journaling and quiet time to becoming more aware of the (2:21) language she uses toward herself.And I really love one of the themes that comes through in this (2:26) conversation. Your inner work doesn't need to become another thing you're trying to do perfectly. (2:32) Sometimes it can begin with a few quiet minutes, a breath, a journal, or simply noticing how you're (2:38) speaking to yourself.Some of the ideas we explore today reflect Tatiana's personal experience (2:43) and beliefs and aren't necessarily established medical science. So as always, I encourage you (2:48) to listen with curiosity. You don't have to agree with everything you hear.Take what resonates, (2:54) ask questions, and let the conversation invite you to think about your own story in a different way. (2:59) This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be (3:04) medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, (3:09) exercise, or treatment plan.Now go ahead, settle in, grab your favorite beverage, and maybe have (3:15) something nearby to take some notes. And let's dive in. Here's my conversation with Tatiana Slezak.(3:27) And you actually inspired me because I on my YouTube channel, I recorded the session to (3:34) actually connect and talk to your ovaries. You can do the general thing, checking with the (3:43) balls and stuff, but you can actually check in and connect with the certain part of your body. (3:52) And our whole female area, let's call it this way, I feel it's quite invisible.Even for us, (4:00) we tend to, I don't want to generalize as we, but I speak to many women. So in that sense, (4:11) basically, ovaries, it's quite weird. They look weird.You don't really think about what you (4:21) have there, and how important it is, and how supportive it is, that it's working. It's as (4:29) of for you. And we got to imagine something else this way, you go to work, and you're both like, (4:38) yeah, do the best job you can.But basically, I hope I don't see you. That it is a little bit (4:45) like that, right? We, we are women, but we, we can connect with our hearts beautifully, (4:52) we can connect with our hair and eyes. And, you know, we see that we can start working on our (4:58) femininity.And there's more and more happening in the sensual moves and women's circle. Love it, (5:06) love it, love it. What about your ovaries? What about your vagina? What about everything that (5:14) is there that we don't really fully connect? I recently had met the woman who started and she (5:23) really inspired me connected with her boobs.Because like really talking to her boobs, (5:32) I said this is freaking amazing. So after talking to you, I said, I really would like to talk to (5:39) the ovaries. Why we ignore them, we look out, we put beautiful body balms and everything more and (5:49) more these days.But it's like they do the hardest possible job. But we don't treat them, we treat (5:58) them not maybe not bad, but like they invisible, just be there, do what you need to do. Connection (6:09) and as crazy as it may sound, appreciation, sending love, putting your hands on your ovaries and say, (6:18) I see you.Thank you for doing such a hard work for me. And I'm sorry for not being there (6:28) for you. And when I did this recording, I had tears in my eyes.I felt that there's so much (6:40) suffering there that it's happening and also happiness of being seen. And I know it may sound (6:48) crazy for some people, but I think with such a simple things, we can really, really heal (6:58) these parts of our bodies. Of course, it's not the medical advice or anything like that, (7:05) but through connection with certain parts of our body, but especially those invisible ones, (7:13) we can, as women, we are so bloody powerful and lots of us, we have no idea how powerful we are.(7:21) We basically can set up the energy of the whole household. So imagine what you can do internally (7:28) when you just connect to your ovaries, let's say. Yeah.Yeah. Yeah. I mean, and I love this.(7:37) There is some stuff out there that says, there is a connection to traumas, (7:46) different types of traumas and how those manifest in the body. And so from what I've learned and (7:53) a little research and talking to some women, a lot of the times it's tied to a loss as to why (8:01) these, I don't know if you've heard that before as well, probably, but that these cysts can develop (8:06) and they're not even usually true cysts, but they develop to replace that loss. And for some women, (8:15) they're like, oh my gosh, yeah.Like when my very first client actually, she had just lost her (8:20) grandma and then ended up getting diagnosed and having all these issues. I've heard of even (8:26) somebody saying it was a loss of like a pet. It could be the loss of an idea, but then others that (8:35) are like, no, that doesn't really apply to me.Well, maybe that's where the generational piece (8:39) comes in. Maybe it's a loss, you know, from their mom or their grandma that, that has been carried (8:45) down and now they are carrying it in their body and, you know, and they're replacing it. And that (8:50) can go, if you, if you do some research on it, of course, for anybody listening and I'm sure, (8:55) you know, you probably have to, but this can be for PCOS.It can be for lots of things. I mean, (9:03) cancers even, you know, there's research out there that I don't want to say it's probably (9:08) super scientific approved research, right. But, but there is some stuff out there that says, (9:13) you know, certain cancers are even tied to, you know, to certain traumas.So, yeah. (9:22) And imagine if we could connect all those things together, not that this is my way and that's the (9:29) best way. And now we either have to go energetical way or mainstream way.What if we actually (9:38) connected together? And I love that more and more research is happening. And I truly agree with what (9:48) you said about loss. This loss could be also connected with women say, well, I haven't lost (9:56) anything.In many cases, we lose ourselves, our true identity, our femininity and relationships, (10:07) and also in giving so much to others. And we tend to look outside, right? Okay. I haven't lost (10:16) anyone, but are you sure that you haven't lost yourself in the process of wonderful process of (10:24) being a mother, right? But you still could grieve inside of losing some parts of yourself as well.(10:37) And it's very natural for us to nurture and we nurture everyone else. But it's also very (10:45) important to start nurturing ourselves as well. I love what you said about loss.Absolutely. (10:58) Yeah. Yeah.And I agree too, you know, what you were saying about the, (11:01) you know, kind of combining the traditional sense with, you know, with stuff like this, (11:06) right? Like that's part of why I have this podcast is because I was in that traditional medical side (11:13) for almost 20 years, you know, as a CNA, as a nurse. And so I saw it and I always said there (11:20) was something missing. Like why, you know, why are people just doing all the same things and getting (11:25) the same result? And why are we just putting Band-Aids, you know, you can say Band-Aid literally (11:30) and figuratively on things, you know, and nobody's actually getting better.Like nobody's actually, (11:37) you know, healing. And so I love like that we can share, you know, that I can share stories like (11:44) yours too, to let people know like, okay, that's fine. You know, if you want to do traditional (11:50) things, you want to take the birth control and you understand, you know, everything that's (11:55) happening with that, but you can also be doing something like, you know, meditation or having (12:01) a meeting with the boss, you know, and I think that goes a long way.(12:09) Yeah. And I'm discovering more and more, you don't really, even to heal a generation of trauma, (12:16) unless you really feel called to it, you don't need to go to the practitioner. You can do a lot (12:23) by yourself unless it's too much.And the great thing about this work is you don't need to know (12:34) everything that happened. I'm discovering more and more how we used to use imagination as a tool (12:46) to make our life better, like electricity, things like that. Imagination.But now, and (12:57) imagination from what I see can be also used as a healing tool. (13:05) But what we just said, connect with your ovaries, right? That's imagination. Kind of meditation, (13:14) you letting go, but often you imagine that you are on the field and you feel so much better, (13:27) right? So that's imagination.And it's not only about imagining stuff, it can be actually used, (13:35) and I love practical stuff. I really, whenever I see practical tools that imagination can be (13:43) used as a healing tool to our body, to our ovaries, we can start. Oh, but when I wanted (13:54) to talk about generational trauma, how to help yourself with that, because now someone can, (14:00) after this conversation, say, oh my gosh, so many women and I feel so overloaded.The first step (14:06) would be actually to thank them, to thank those women, what they went through, (14:14) letting them go, really appreciate them and have in your meditation or meeting with your boss or (14:21) in your journaling, have this conversation with those women and also give them love, (14:29) appreciation, because thanks to them, you are here, but it's time to heal this part. (14:37) And that could be the great, great beginning. And that's, I believe, is also part why (14:45) personally, I don't suffer so much anymore.And also why my kids touch wood, don't suffer, (14:57) because I really spent lots of time in meditation and cutting my issues from (15:09) them. It was very, very important for me. Coincidence? Maybe, but it's not going to hurt.(15:18) No, exactly. Exactly. However, I don't think it was a coincidence.I really don't. (15:29) From when you started, you kind of had your breaking point and you said, (15:34) you decided you needed to start doing the inner work. From when you started that to maybe when (15:39) you started noticing changes in regards to your cycle and maybe your body, do you remember what (15:46) that process was like? Basically, I've been doing spiritual work for quite a while, but I think the (15:57) biggest shift in me started about three years ago.And this is where I really started noticing (16:05) shifts in my mental health and how my body is functioning, in energy levels. Also, all of a (16:14) sudden, I see that I suffer less. Also, a big kick for me was when my kids got their period (16:25) and I noticed that it's okay.But I would say, because it's never gradual. Sometimes we have (16:35) ups and downs. But I think for me, the biggest shift happened two or three years ago, when I (16:45) actually started seeing energy in the body.At first, I thought I was losing my mind. (17:01) Then I started imagining things. I'm really down to earth, personally.(17:09) But then I got in touch with some people who helped me to realize I'm actually not imagining (17:16) because I have no control over what I see or what I feel. I can feel another person when they agree (17:25) and they want to. I can feel their energy as well.So, I started using it on me. So, (17:32) I think that was the biggest shift. So, the biggest shift was recent.I'm not fully healed, (17:42) but now I'm managing. I'm kind of waiting for the full-on menopausal time. (17:58) Because I was told I could have some surgeries, whatever.But I feel like, okay, (18:03) I've been doing it for so long. I don't want this to happen. Also, about three years ago, (18:11) because I was suffering for so many years, but it didn't have a huge impact on my health (18:19) until about three years ago, when my iron started to go down really, really badly.This is where I (18:26) said, okay, that's no joke. We need to start doing stuff. Things happen simultaneously as well.But I (18:34) became more serious about that. Then I started seeing some energies and things like that, (18:42) because this is where I freaked out, really. I kind of got used to that this is how it is (18:52) and there is nothing I can do.When my iron got to the point one, my ferritin to one, (19:00) I thought this is serious. (19:03) Yeah, yeah. But I mean, that's another great point, too, because it's, like you said, (19:09) it's not a straight line, right? There's lots of ups and downs throughout that whole journey, (19:16) right? Even when you think you're on the right path, and then who knows? Something might happen (19:24) in your life.Something might happen just where you reach this different stage of your life. (19:29) Like you said, menopause might be on its way, you know, and your body changes again, right? (19:33) And so you have to kind of readjust and figure out what the new tool might be in the toolbox. (19:45) Yeah.So energy tools, and of course, I'm trying not to eat sugar. (19:51) I think it's very important, meditation, going for walks, but being good to myself (20:03) and checking with my inner language and what I really want, (20:12) and having appreciation to our bodies, hormones, ovaries, everything that's there, (20:19) and it does really help, I believe. (20:23) Oh, yeah, for sure.For sure. As we kind of start to wrap up, is there anything you feel like (20:31) we missed? We covered quite a bit, I feel like. Any last message or anything we missed? (20:43) I would like women to realize how powerful they are, that we can, we have energetically, (20:53) and physically, of course, as well, but energetically, we can really impact our body, (20:58) but that's also ripple effect on other people.So it's not only about you. Also realize (21:07) it's not the punishment, that's kind of survival mechanism that we had to go through, (21:14) and now it's time to heal it and really be good to ourselves, because the amount of guilt we carry (21:25) and how we beat ourselves up if we are not perfect is also huge. So I'm a big believer (21:35) on working on yourself and doing all this inner outside work, but without feeling I have to do it, (21:44) it's hard work, and again, adding another layer of sadness and guilt to ourselves if you don't do it.(21:55) Perfectly, but I think realizing also what's happening in our bodies and why things are as (22:03) they are, that's part of the healing as well, because then you can let go of it. And we don't (22:09) need to know every single detail of what happened, but realizing it's already like when you realize (22:15) something, you're opening the bubble and you're letting it go, actually, only realization. You (22:25) don't need to go on and on about that, and we are much more powerful than we think we are.(22:33) So a bit of appreciation to ourselves would be great. That would be my final message. (22:41) Well, that's a good final message for sure.Yeah, no judgment, just give yourself some (22:46) grace, right? And yeah, love that. Well, last question is how can (22:56) anybody that wants to connect with you or maybe chat with you, how can they find you? (23:01) Oh, thank you for this question. I'm mostly on YouTube, (23:07) as Tatiana Slezak, and also there is my website, tatianaslezak.com. (23:13) People can reach out through there, would be great.(23:16) Yeah, I'll link it in the show notes too. But yes, well, oh my gosh, thank you for this (23:21) conversation. I feel like we might need to have another one in the future.(23:28) But no, I really, really appreciate you sharing your story or your perspective. And (23:34) I'm, yeah, right on board with all of that stuff as well. So I love hearing that from somebody else (23:43) and the work that you've put in and the results that you've had along the way.And I hope our (23:48) listeners really, truly took some notes and take that to heart, because like you said, (23:58) I think we are very powerful beings and we can heal. (24:03) Yes. Thank you very much.Thank you very much for having me and I hope it helps. (24:08) Such an interesting conversation with Tatiana. And I think there's one message I really want (24:14) you to take with you today.Give yourself some grace, whether it's your nutrition, (24:18) movement, meditation, journaling, or any of the other inner work we talked about today. (24:23) Please don't turn it into another thing you have to do perfectly. Your health is in a straight line.(24:29) Your body changes, your life changes, and sometimes the tools you need change too. (24:34) And honestly, that ties so perfectly into something I have coming up. If you're tired (24:39) of feeling like you're constantly starting over another Monday, another diet, another plan, (24:44) another promise that this time you're going to get it right.I want you to join me for my free (24:49) Stop Starting Over Workshop on September 30th at 6 p.m. Eastern. We're going to talk about why (24:55) lasting change doesn't come from trying harder or being more disciplined. It starts with (25:00) understanding what your body actually needs and learning how to work with it instead of against (25:04) it.You can grab your free spot for the link in the show notes. And as always, I want to hear from (25:10) you. Send me the word body on Instagram and tell me what stood out from today's conversation or (25:15) what you want to hear more of on the podcast.I'll also send you the link to join us inside (25:20) the Healthy Ever After community so we can keep these conversations going beyond the show. (25:25) And if you enjoyed today's episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with (25:30) someone who might need this reminder today. Because healing doesn't come from doing more.(25:34) It comes from understanding better. I'm sending you so much love and I'll see you on the next (25:39) episode of PCOS Unfiltered, Nourish, Heal, Thrive.