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The “New Norm”

An already difficult situation now becomes more difficult. The limitations that pre-existed still exist but now with additional hurdles. Your world has been turned upside down by this imposter. A new norm has been imposed on everyone. It’s either you adapt or face the consequences. Some instances more dire than some but all share a common ground with common concerns. How do we live now? What kind of existence will there be from now on? Will things ever be the same again?

For a health-afflicted person it is already difficult to navigate day to day routines and obligations whilst dealing with physical restraint, say Endometriosis. Fighting the demons that may raise their ugly heads from time to time yet managing to make it through everyday and hoping for a better tomorrow. Now here comes an unwanted visitor, “Corona/Rona/Coronavirus/COVID-19” out of nowhere like a thief in the night, imposing herself on your life, giving no warning and no time to prepare.

If you’ve already been confined to the four familiar walls of your home due to illness then “stay home/work from home” is not a foreign concept. Now the rest of the world gets a taste of your reality. You think to yourself maybe now colleagues, family and friends will understand “your norm” – their “new norm”. A world that’s already filled with versions of social distancing and cleaner habits. Unfortunately because of Rona, now others get to experience the effects of loneliness and withdrawal symptoms which can result in emotional and psychological trauma for which they were not prepared.

When you thought you were falling behind all this time, you were actually ahead of the masses. Ain’t life something else. You’ve already adjusted to this “norm” to which others are now acquainting themselves. Who knew? It’s unfortunate that it took a virus to make others understand your reality.

Change is a constant factor in life with humans being adaptable and being able to navigate almost anything. At a time like this like any other, solutions will be found, connections will be made, conflicts will be resolved, truths will emerge, innovation will be used, time will be valued, life will be valued, damages will be undone, time will reset, bodies will recharge, and the list goes on and on. The burning question is “Why does it have to take a pandemic for these things to take place?” Some say that we’re ahead of our time but reality suggests that we may be more behind than we thought. We may have a ways to go but we are resilient and our New Norm will very soon be a thing of the past.

“A Healthier Woman is a Happier Woman” – The Endo SAGA

Don’t Let The Exterior Fool You

A bright smile carried daily, laughter to fill the air that brightens up the days of others, completion of everyday routines, socializing with family and friends as though in an ideal world where all things are equal and standing in support of others whenever needed. Who would guess that behind those smiles and laughter lies the fears of what’s to come. Who would guess the constant physical pain that plagues each day. Who would guess the waves of sadness and depression where some are stronger and more prevalent than others. Who knew that the slightest off moment or comment could trigger those suicidal thoughts that were always hanging around like a loyal best friend.

Appearances fool most of us. Fixated on the exterior we fail to be observant and meticulous enough to pick up the differences in others’ behaviors or words. However, the cries for help may be subtle they are detectable. Although portraying scenes as great actors and actresses do with perfectly normal conduct, on the interior yearns and screams for love, help, attention and support. Usually fear of judgement and vulnerability hinders the willingness to expose hardships and inner battles. Lying just seems easier.

A sea of loneliness is the common secret and abandonment is the common fear arising as a result of exposure. Suffering in silence is usually the conclusion, whether forced or not. A welcoming environment that promotes openness and comfort is helpful although not necessarily the complete solution.

Don’t be fooled by the perfect appearances of others. Don’t overlook the changes in behavior. Don’t bypass the cries for help. Don’t abandon the signs. Don’t ignore your instincts. People pretend well. Love on your loved ones. Don’t let the exterior fool you.

“On this journey we need to support each other” – The Endo SAGA

“He who feels it knows it” – Bob Marley

Chronic pain is the daily reality for some of us. Until you’ve walked a mile in our shoes, you really can’t identify but only sympathize, just as the saying goes “He who feels it knows it” by Bob Marley.

Being a victim of your own body is a different kind of crime where suffering in silence is mostly the scenario which can feel like a life sentence. This can be a daunting situation for most as your quality of life dwindles before your eyes.

It’s an unfortunate reality when pain becomes a normal part of your daily routine, the old norms become a distant memory and also when you and the local Pharmacist are now on a first name basis. Pain management rituals including medicine, diet, doctor’s visits, therapy treatments, etc become a necessity and are no longer a simple option.

Pain now not only exists in your body but penetrates your emotions and mind. It’s a harsh reality to bare when the degree of pain dictates every facet of your life. This change can be damaging to relationships due to constant plan cancellations. Some effects can include the onset of other conditions like depression and self harm, which are just other forms of pain. In this case it would suffice to have the right support, mindset and treatment methods. Without them, sufferers can sink into a cocoon of devastation, isolation and resort to the life of a recluse. These can slowly develop overtime and even take years to recover.

Chronic pain sufferers have one main thing in common and that is to be relinquished from an existence of pain and return to the life they once knew without it.

You may ask, how do I know, who am I to speak on this?
Well I’m no Psychologist but speaking from the position of an endometriosis chronic pain sufferer, experience qualifies me as one of the greatest teachers. In other words, “I feel it so I know it”.

“No one should ever have to be alone and suffer in silence.” – the Endo SAGA