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

  • The break up with endometriosis.

    Finally… This poetry was inspired by my struggles and recovery from endometriosis. I hope other women can find their voice and get the support they need. It’s an uphill struggle (but like a view at the top of a mountain), the effort is worth it for health and happiness. Keep fighting. #endometriosiswarriors #adenomyosiswarriors.

  • Ode to a Rain garden 🪴 â˜”️

    Just for fun. Nod to my day job. I miss talking about SuDS and work. Recovery is necessary but my career is very important to me. I thought I would write this poem inspired by nature and sustainability.

  • Luxury?

    What’s the one luxury you can’t live without? This is a hard one. Without sounding greedy! I guess the selfless answer is access to water, health, or education. In many countries this is not possible so I am grateful for all of these. The tangible luxury for me is a pair of good boots. You…

  • Life through a Lens

    Inspiration for this blog piece is from the amazing music artist Robbie Williams. Robbie Williams was my favourite artist from Take That (sorry girls). I was inspired by his bravery to leave the band and make it on his own. He struggled with his young fame and had some issues with depression and addiction.  He…

  • 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…

  • Good Life

    What are the most important things needed to live a good life? Positive attitude to life. We all face adversity. It’s how we respond to this and adapt as humans. The need to be more resilient. Gratitude. Be grateful for what you have and practice this daily. Nature. Nature is a very healing influence for…

  • Little Sunflower:

    Dedicated to my daughter. Usually the sunshine in the house (always full of positive energy and a kind soul). This poem is written to express my love for her and thank her for her patience. Little Sunflower:  Sunflower. Oh little sunflower how I have watched you grow; We have more love for you than you…

  • Love and Self Care

    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. This blog piece will focus on love and self care. As a little girl I was fascinated with princesses but little did I know I was…