Sunflower Diaries

My health journey – wellness, fashion, health and more.

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about

Those who know me best, know how difficult it can be for me to speak up! So here goes: Hi, I am Joy. I decided to write this blog to raise awareness of living with chronic pain and how to keep upbeat in even the darkest/ loneliest days. I am a mother to one wonderful daughter and a wife to my very supportive husband. I met my husband during our PhD journey (story for another blog/ reflections I am sure). I knew from the moment I met him that it was true love. Our research and personal interests aligned well which made it easier to communicate and grow together. My love for him has grown stronger every day and more so since our daughter was born. He is an inspiration to fathers. We knew we wanted a small family one day but did not realise the issues I had as a young woman/ teenager would impact our fertility journey and lives to the extent it now has. So, I am 1 in 10%. I have endometriosis. There is no cure. But to add complications I also had adenomyosis (more about this below as I document my health journey). I have chosen the name sunflower diaries for my blog to symbolise #endometriosis. The sunflower is synonymous with growth, vitality and positive energy. I also love #sunflowers. I am an #endometriosiswarrior and an #adenomyosiswarrior💜. Let’s raise awareness and compassion for all women afflicted by these diseases. The struggles are real but I hope to bring you some #NewJoy by sharing my story. I challenge you to think of what makes you happy in life and keep being #strongwomen especially if you have entered a transition phase of your life. This is even more important as I watch my own daughter grow up and hope she does not suffer the same issues I faced. In summary, #believeinyourself❤️ #loveyourbody and #bekind 🤗😊❤️‍🩹 If you like this blog, please read and share. http://sunflowerdiaries.blog

Category: Uncategorized

  • Stitches – as week 5 post operation approaches.

    Pain is thankfully reducing and I am more mobile than last week, although I still need a good rest. I am hopeful that my post operative infection has gone and I can build up stamina this week. I never liked getting stitches – from my split open ear, head, knees or after my episiotomy. I…

  • Self care

    How do you practice self-care? Link to my self care blog article here: Love and Self Care Now my stitches have been removed, I can return to bathing. Running a hot 🛀 bath – A combination of health salts and some of my favourite bath bubbles. Luxurious and calming. The salts heal my aching body and…

  • Fun in the sun

    The song 🎶 “Summer Loving” (Grease) springs to mind this weekend… Although still recovering, ❤️‍🩹 I have managed to play with our daughter this weekend in the garden. That is a bonus and memories to be thankful for. Helped with drinking lots of water and rest in available shade. It’s hot in Scotland… unusual weather……

  • Japan

    What countries do you want to visit? My husband has always dreamed of going to Japan (as have I). I promised him when we married that one day I would make his dream come true. Just like he had fulfilled mine – countryside living (semi urban), a beautiful garden and family. I grew up in…

  • Inspired by the Night Sky

    I am not having a great end to the week. Very sore. Body telling me to slow down (if I can anymore than I am…). Gratitude is the theme of the day.

  • Water 

    Our need for water evolves as we grow up. We depend on water for all life – from the showers we take, to the pasta we make, and the medicine we need…to the plants we grow! “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” – W.H. Auden Never take it for granted incase one day there…

  • Footprints in the sand

    Footprints footprints, thank you mum for holding my hand, as we journeyed across the sand. Often armed with a bucket and spade, and now I cherish all of the memories we made, as you helped me paddle and wade. Collecting shells, remembering their salty smell, and listening to the sound of the waves as they…

  • A-Z of Parenting

    Apples. Fruit and vegetables. Anyone with a toddler “Fruits and Vegetables keep us alive, always remember to eat your five” (Peppa Pig: Super potato) Encourage a healthy/ balanced diet.  They only want chocolate. I refer to a day where I had to catch an early train and he had a battle feeding her. Do you…

  • Be comfortable in your own skin

    Fashion article attempt 1. As a mummy (with health issues) to a young daughter it is important to dress comfortably on flare days. Some of the photographs were taken before baby L. Comfortable dresses/ baggy shirts/ and leggings styled with comfortable shoes are important when you suffer from #endometriosis or #adenomyosis. Dresses: One of my…