Sunflower Diaries
My health journey – wellness, fashion, health and more.
about
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Love- Maths and an engineer is all you need. -
Describe one of your favorite moments.
There are too many to choose from.
I guess recently it has been the peace and calmness from daily gratitude and meditation practices. This has helped make recovery a little easier and allows me to focus on the happy moments rather than dwell on my health issues / past experiences too much.
I guess just embrace what we have now.
Not thinking of tomorrow or what could have been. Sit with a nice cup of tea and focus on what you’re thankful for.
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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.
- The beautiful necklace I got for Christmas. The sky at Lake Louise on our honeymoon – #nightsky
- Rainbows and shooting stars 🌈 #popsyclothing
- My loving husband. No need for explanation. I hope he has a great weekend celebrating Father’s Day.
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What are you passionate about?
Landscapes of great wonder and beauty lie under our feet and all around us. They are discovered in tunnels in the ground, the heart of flowers, the hollows of trees, fresh-water ponds, seaweed jungles between tides, and even drops of water. Life in these hidden worlds is more startling in reality than anything we can imagine. How could this earth of ours, which is only a speck in the heavens, have so much variety of life, so many curious and exciting creatures?
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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 is no more left to drink. This inspiring article focuses on our need to be more sustainable (https://www.southeastriverstrust.org/water-water-everywhere-or-is-it)
Sustainable water use is easy to achieve, it takes small changes:
It starts at home.
- Turn the tap off when you are brushing teeth.
- Reuse water in the garden (butts) or emptying watering cans (if left in garden). Encourage our daughter to use her rainwater filled watering can to water the plants (as she likes one outside).
- Shorten length of showers.
- Fill the kettle with the water you need.
- Reuse cups and glasses (save water demand of washing up or dishwashing).
- Use eco friendly and shorter cycles on washing machine. Reducing water consumption and energy.
- Reduce use of sprinklers and hoses.
- Wash hair less often.
Design practice:
- Embedding circular economy principles: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20151201STO05603/circular-economy-definition-importance-and-benefits
- Rainwater Harvesting – reuse of water for domestic or commercial (non drinking only) e.g. systems in toilets for commercial developments (use our new local Sainsbury as best practice here). Other uses include using water to wash/ clean gardens or watering the plants.
- Flow restrictions on taps and showers – reduce water consumption and bills.
- Surface water solutions – Water butts or rain gardens (adapted to existing/ integrated with new developments would be the dream)
- Hydrophilic plants – https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-jobs/water-collecting-storing-and-using
- Signage of surface water benefits.
- Tree pits.
Example of signage – not best for engagement (does what it says on the tin) vs… 
Clear and inviting on a viewing platform – night time ecology 
Clear and inviting on a viewing platform – day time ecology 
Tree Pits – Seattle -
About me:
3 weeks post final gynaecology surgery (2025). 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. Surgical or medical management only.🌻
If you feel passionate about this, you can join this amazing charity. I plan to get more involved. I thought for this short post, I would create a page of links/ references for informative blogs and articles focusing on endometriosis.
I hope these references act as a guide and as always consult a medical professional if you have symptoms/ concerns. Keep strong and sending lots of positive thoughts and support your way.
Blog references:
https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/blog
https://unfabled.co/blogs/reel/endometriosis-myths-and-facts-what-you-need-to-know
https://kaldascenter.com/blog/4-powerful-endometriosis-blogs-you-should-be-reading
https://endomarch.org/category/endo-uprising/
Support groups:
https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/support-group/36586
https://endometriosis.cymru/practical-support/endo-support-groups/
https://endosos.org/support/support-groups/
Useful websites (UK):
https://www.nhs.uk/services/service-directory/endometriosis-uk/N10502090
https://reproductive-health.ed.ac.uk/exppect-endometriosis/information-for-patients/helpful-links
https://www.bsge.org.uk/centre/category/accredited-centres/
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What is your favorite season of year? Why?
I would say autumn.
I love pumpkin spice latte and the feeling of crunchy leaves 🍁 under my feet.
It’s the perfect temperature- not too hot or too cold.
You can wear a woollen scarf with a lighter jacket and it’s perfect.🤩
Changing seasons at our local pond. -
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.
Sunflower Diaries 