What principles define how you live?
Sunflower Diaries
My health journey – wellness, fashion, health and more.
about
-
Kindness Adopting a ‘Growth Mindset’ Be true to yourself and don’t deceive others Bravery Gratitude – 🙏 Sustainable living -
Drawing therapy
My road to recovery has been bumpy. I wanted to share some pieces I have drawn to express myself/ as a moment of self care while recovering.
The last drawing I drew for a presentation at work to highlight importance of nature based solutions.
Hope you enjoy and these brighten up your day! 🙂
-
Parades, princesses and pumpkins
Start of Halloween season. Disneyland Paris was beautifully decorated with rows of pumpkin garlands down Main Street.
Full of excitement, pumpkin filled treats and Mickey Mouse delights. Halloween season is a special time for Disneyland. The weather was perfect with crisp evenings and clear/ sunny skies during the day.
Unlike the weather we were welcomed back with last weekend…Storm Amy.
Disneyland did not disappoint.
Our family enjoyed the shows, parades and fireworks. The highlight of the night time was the drone / light fireworks show – find your inner magic? I guess we all have an inner magic/ hidden talent .
It was a delight to see our daughter so happy, and excited. Think of a small puppy… and then you can visualise how happy and full of energy I was. Now double that excitement and we have an idea of how baby L was.
She was exhausted after a fun trip.
Although to her credit there is a lot of queueing and walking about …to visit various parts of the park.
Rides:
Disney Train.
My first time / experience on a steam train. Most of lands were under construction or maintenance so it was more of little break for our feet.
Slinky.
We waited 45 minutes for a ride which lasted 2 mins. Thrilling for little people but incredibly short.
Cars.
This was a fun adventure for an under 5. Told the story with a little splash of excitement at the end of the ride. She loved it.
Story Boat.
Fun little boat ride. Great for under 5’s and any Disney fans.
Snow White.
Snow White is quite scary for an under 5. My daughter was not a fan. She loved seeing Snow White but not the dark/ forest parts of the ride. She said mummy I would like to try when I am older, it was a bit scary but thanks for comforting me.
Peter Pan.
MY favourite ride was the Peter Pan ride.
Based on the classic story written by JM Barrie from Kirriemuir (Angus, Scotland). One of my favourite books as a child. It really feels like you’re in the flight to Neverland.
Tip if you stay in a resort hotel, use your magic time (one hour before park opens) and go to Fantasy land. Otherwise you could wait up to 90 minutes for this ride.
Simply magical…
Think of a happy little thought…any happy little thought… like toys at Christmas. You get the idea.
The queue for Dumbo was mad. We sadly never made it on. Hopefully she would like it next time we go!
Halloween Mickey
Mickey Mouse waved to crowds of fans from the balcony at various times of the day. I missed the Halloween parade during the day, as I was needing a rest so baby L and I went to hotel to rest and change for dinner.
Many princesses.
We loved dining with the characters. A few special moments together. Photos of our family we will cherish forever. I also got to meet my favourite princess Cinderella. A dream come true.
Frozen mini show.
Ideal length for an under 5.
Baby L is obsessed with singing and particularly Disney songs. The frozen show was fun. It involved moving from one room to another as the story developed.
Character dinners
The characters all interacted with the kids and adults. It was a long buffet as there were six characters to meet.
Mickey, Pluto, Minnie and Goofy – all adorable (as you might expect)
Tigger was super cute and friendly. Extremely cheeky … and bouncy trouncy fun!
Eeyore cute and cuddly! Gave my husband an extra hug.
Sensory overload… by the time we reached the airport we were all tired and needing home.
Our flight was delayed, and luggage was delayed until the morning after. We got home, had a quick dinner, and went to bed. Thank goodness for pizza.
It was a magical experience but a rollercoaster of emotions for all. I also realised that a short flight is all I could handle four months into recovery. I was pleased I was able to share the magic with our four year old.
Cheers to the next family adventure! Hopefully I will be less exhausted.
-
What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?
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 or follow me on Instagram- Joy_Kean86
-
I decided to do more fun things/ be guided by her play and imagination.
She had me doing everything. The child has a fantastic imagination and is such a happy soul.
Morning Activities:
Play dough (d’oh)
I have an old set of cookie cutter shapes which are great for play dough and imaginary play. We made:
- shapes
- Animals
- Star collection
- Bluey silhouettes (her uncle gave her a set for birthday)
- Dolphins- for the family
- Cookies 🍪
- Why not start a cookie shop? “Mummy you can use the extra dough as coins…and I will be the manager of the cookie shop.”
- She diligently counts her balls of dough and replaces each colour in her shop…and gives mummy change for more cookies. Encouraging early numeracy and leadership skills.
Dens
“Let’s make a den. We can use my chairs and blankets.”
I am the den guard responsible for making sure it doesn’t fall down if she leaves the room.
Great fun. 🤩
“Mummy you can use your elbow and it will stay up.”
She has amazing ‘Problem solving’ skills.
Afternoon Activities:
Sand pits.
“Why not make some mud cakes or pancakes.”
We sprinkle water from the watering can and then create some delicious sand treats. Don’t worry we don’t eat them.
Computer games – as we both needed a break from outdoors
Peppa’s World.
New game but quite interactive and not as difficult as some other games. Little adventures and creative tasks.
New York:
“Ooh New York looks nice” adventuring with Peppa and friends on a cruise ship to various destinations.
Paris:
“Can we go to Paris?” Yes you are going to see Mickey Mouse. “He lives there?” Yes. “As long as I can see Elsa and Rapunzel”
…
Her brain is going 10 miles/ minute just now. I love that her story telling is eloquent and she has a fantastic sense of imagination. Sometimes I need a break from her little voice.
Imaginary unicorn friends.
Eve Rainbow Hop … purple friend dragged everywhere just now. Weight can only be described as a door stop…but incredibly soft, colourful with a rainbow horn.
She insisted on putting her in the den and then the box was her bed and hide away place.
Needless to say I was tired by the end of the day as first proper play with her in ages. It will take time to build energy up/ get used to new #surgicalmenopause body and energy levels.
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, or follow me on Instagram- Joy_Kean86.
-
Outside Kelvin Grove Museum. Love this building. 
Beach at Whitley Bay 
Getting ready for wedding. 
Sunset at the wedding in Whitley Bay 
No filter. Exhausted after a wedding 💒 and long journey. Be comfortable in your own skin
Be comfortable in your own skin
You don’t have to look frumpy or less feminine because you become a mum. Sure I have special outfits for my inevitable endometriosis bloating but on the good days I like to show my daughter that I am still young at heart and to wear clothes which exude confidence. Dress to impress.
Three styles of mummy:
Chic – blazers dressed with jeans/ leggings or leather trousers. Paired with trainers or ballet pumps (versatile and comfortable).
Formal – gorgeous dresses paired with heels/ boots and even trainers (did I whisper that).
I am very much on trend with the “Golden Goose” glitter styled trainers (a nod to my former obsession with dancing). I cried when I opened the box on Christmas Day. My husband just wants me to be happy. Don’t worry he would never buy full price. He insists they were too much of a bargain to miss. He’s incredible at grabbing fashion bargains. Taught me a lot over the years.
These are incredibly comfortable and easy to wear (and versatile) when you have children. You never feel out of place/ out of style. I love the sparkles on mine and each pair are individually made. I still adore converse or wellies though and wear those most days. Partly because you don’t feel guilty about wearing them in muddy conditions. Great for a date afternoon without the need to wear heels if you’re tired or feeling sore.
https://www.vogue.com/sponsored/article/why-the-golden-goose-sneaker-is-an-iconic-sneaker
Casual – denim skirts / T-shirts or casual shirts. Old favourites- Joules or Lipsy. Loving these summer trousers by Lipsy, and these look fantastic on the beach or could be dressed with a shirt or turtle neck sweater for the office.
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 post, follow me on Instagram Joy_Kean86 or subscribe.
-
Apple fitness has a series of dance routines. My daughter and I tried one this weekend. It was a short simple routine with an excellent playlist (Bee Gees songs)
Dancing to Night Fever was fun. Reminded me of the time I saw the theatre show in London.
It was great until I was the only one doing the routine. My idea of allowing her to burn off her excess energy was foiled. It was too hot…and I thought let’s stop.
20 mins of dancing is not bad though.
Little by little I am regaining strength and adapting to my new body.
The watch app was a little cheeky and classed my effort as “easy”. I think I have a while to go before I can build full stamina.
I guess being 23’C at 10am on Saturday morning probably did not help matters.
…
Maybe next time she will join me for longer and we won’t have to stop mid routine for a glass of milk.
She liked the instructor Ben and his wash the hair move. That was quite funny.
Remember to take each day as it comes. I like these workouts as you can pace yourself and keep fit and active without additional gym costs. Combined with my yoga, I am hoping this will build my strength and confidence post surgery.
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 or follow me on Instagram- Joy_Kean86
-
Nothing better than a nice cup of coffee. I enjoy drinking tea and coffee and practicing mindfulness. I got the idea from a QR code on a twining’s tea bag. Since scanning the code and reading the article I have savoured the taste of tea and coffee more.
Holding the cup/ feeling the warmth as it touches my lips.
Enjoying the moment it travels into my body and how it feels as I swallow the hot liquid. The sweet or bitter sensation.
Smelling the aroma as it is made and then as I lift the cup.
Breathing and pausing to be in the present moment while drinking it.
A moment of calm in a busy day.
Appreciate the little things.
#celebratethesmallwins
#begratefuleveryday
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 🤗😊❤️🩹
-
Return to day job…
Yay drainage and SuDS. My second love.
Time to reset.
Embrace new challenges?
Fresh start?
Day one:
8am: updates computer and tidies desk before reading emails and saving important documents I need to read.
9am: call with colleague and catch up.
10am: Oh no… what’s that my hips and legs feel stuck. Time to wiggle and go for a walk. Loosen my hips by a short walk around the garden and grabbing a peppermint tea.
12pm: I only worked for a half day and yet feel like I completed a marathon. Unfair…
12:30pm: Walk with husband.
Feeling sore so unable to walk as far as previous day. By 1pm the pain radiates to my legs and back.
Rest and lying down the rest of today. No yoga today.
Ouch! I cry and reflect on my decision! Wondering how long I will be in pain?.
Magic Gel cold pack on abdomen.
Did I over do it?
All I did was simple tasks today with a few small breaks in between;
How can it now hurt? That seems unfair.
The reality of post surgery recovery can be grim. Take it one day at a time.
I went from smiling at the start of today to crying at being doubled over in pain… hopefully day two at work is better. At least everyone seemed welcoming and happy to see me online.
Day two:
8am: Ice pack, and peppermint tea
IT, HR and other issues before 9am.
All resolved by 09:30.
Morning task – resolving flooding in the model.
10am: Made some changes in the model.
The software refused to update and commit network; so I had to redo it two times before I could run the model (the fun of modelling sometimes). Great it worked and I can save my work.
12pm: Almost time to stop. I had better check my timesheet and make a plan for next week.
Outcome of today.
Less sore but slightly more stressed.
You can’t have it all I guess. At least I managed the first two days (which are always more challenging) back. Hopefully will be easier next week and as my body builds up some more stamina.
Top tips:
Change your position when you’re in pain.
Hydrate…
Energising snacks
Walk to pump blood/ reduce risk of clots and additional swelling.
Ice pack on tummy. I use a magic gel one. Bought for ribs and back initially (endometriosis pain can be anywhere). Great for abdomen too. Can also be heated up … and comes in handy Velcro pouch- meaning it can be worn most places on the body with ease.
Don’t expect too much of yourself. Take each day as it comes.
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.
-
Sadness / grief
Anxiety / hesitation
Laughter / wit
Happiness / delight
Renewed faith/ hope/ joy/ peace…
So many emotions, hard to contain. Sometimes I feel like a toddler with too much energy/ excitement and other times I feel like an older person (brain fog has luckily reduced) with body aches and fatigue. It’s hard to strike the balance …
You want to be happy with your new you. However, you miss the old you. Mourning who you could have been.
Seeing a butterfly is a sign of change- metamorphosis we are taught is a magical process where a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. In recent weeks, I felt like the caterpillar (needing time to heal and recover from the surgery and associated trauma) and now reawakening as a butterfly ready to face my new life one day at a time.
We need time to heal… as we transition to our new phases of life. Surgery is no different, we need to rest, recover, reset (physically and mentally).
A reminder from the universe to be excited about new beginnings and to embrace change.
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 🤗😊❤️🩹
Sunflower Diaries 