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: Wellness

  • Yoga and Endometriosis Surgery recovery. ❤️‍🩹

    Yoga and Endometriosis Surgery recovery. ❤️‍🩹

    I have been practicing yoga on and off for years. More so since lockdown as a way to focus on the breath/ reduce stress and build stamina and body confidence.  I am sure some women are sick of people saying it’s great for managing endometriosis or adenomyosis pain… I find it useful but in moderation.…

  • Sustainability – water and environment.

    Are there things you try to practice daily to live a more sustainable lifestyle? Water  Link to previous blog article focusing on sustainable water use. I am very passionate about water and the environment. I even featured in the CIWEM Environment article earlier this year discussing my passion for urban drainage/ career. I embed these…

  • Surgical menopause and HRT under 40.

    Disclaimer: Not a Doctor. If any concerns, please contact a medical professional My journey with HRT. Entering menopause at any age is filled with trepidation and uncertainty – you feel older, your biological system is entering a phase of quiescence. I guess for me, it felt the same and when I was weighing up the…

  • Daily meditation and gratitude.

    How important is spirituality in your life? I do believe in God. Believing science and God can coexist. Not wanting to enter an evolution debate… I have not gone to church weekly for a long time. I was put off by how devoted my father was and almost at expense of other things in his…

  • 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……

  • Eggs or Macaroni

    Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood? Scrambled, boiled, omelettes or poached. I was never a fan of fried egg. A bit greasy for my tummy. Even as an adult I pass on most fried foods. I still love a good lunch of boiled, poached, or scrambled eggs and toast (with…

  • 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…

  • It’s a rainy sunny day…Rainbow rainbow…🌈

    As much as I dislike watching Peppa Pig on repeat, there is one song which I like and my daughter adores. Mummy play “rainbow rainbow” on your phone please. She also loves splashing in muddy puddles much like the Peppa character does. The lyrics are quite lovely and contagious : “A rainbow! It’s got all…