Navigating Endometriosis in My 20s: A Journey of Strength, Advocacy, and Resilience

Navigating life in your 20s is challenging enough, but when you add a chronic condition like endometriosis into the mix, the complexities multiply. As a Black woman pursuing a master's degree, this journey has been about redefining what strength looks like, advocating for myself in spaces that often overlook people like me, and finding joy in unexpected places. It has tested my limits, pushed me to make decisions I never anticipated, and taught me the importance of rest, celebration, and community. 

The Intersection of Endometriosis and Academia

Pursing a master's degree demands time, focus, and a level of mental endurance that can be overwhelming. When managing a chronic illness like endometriosis, the stakes are even higher. Endometriosis is not just a physical condition; it's emotional and mental as well. The pain, fatigue, and unpredictability of symptoms can make even the simplest tasks feel monumental. 

As I worked toward my degree, there were days when the pain was so intense that I could barely focus, let alone study. Sometimes, I had to choose between essay writing and resting because my body simply couldn't do both. It was frustrating to feel like I was constantly compromising, but I learned to listen to my body and honour its needs. In doing so, I redefined what strength looked like for me — it wasn't about powering through at all costs, but knowing when to push and when to rest.

Redefining Strength: Rest and Celebration as Acts of Resistance 

Strength is often defined by how much we can endure, how well we push through pain, and how much we achieve despite our challenges. But for me, strength has come to mean something different. It's about recognizing the importance of rest, taking care of my body, and celebrating the small victories along the way. 

Rest, I've learned, is not a sign of weakness but a necessary component of resilience. It's in those moments of rest that I find the energy to keep going, continue pursuing my passions, and show up as my best self. Celebration has also become vital to my journey. Whether it's a good day with minimal pain, completing an assignment, or simply making it through the day, I've learned to honour those moments as reminders that, despite the challenges, I am still moving forward. 

The Power of Advocacy and the Plight of Self-Advocacy

One of the most difficult aspects of living with endometriosis has been the constant need to advocate for myself within the healthcare system. As a Black woman, this comes with its own set of challenges. Too often, our pain is dismissed, our symptoms are minimized, and our voices are ignored. I've had to fight to be heard, to be taken seriously, and to receive the care I deserve. 

Advocating for myself has meant doing extensive research, seeking second opinions, and sometimes challenging the opinions of medical professionals. It has meant making decisions about my health that I never anticipated, decisions fraught with uncertainty and fear. But it has also been empowering. I've learned to trust my instincts, stand up for myself, and demand the care and respect that I am entitled to.

The Role of Community: Gratitude for My Support System

Throughout this journey, I've been incredibly grateful for the support of my friends and family. They've been my rock, providing me with the encouragement, love, and understanding that I've needed to keep going. They've celebrated my victories with me, comforted me during tough times, and reminded me that I am not alone in this journey. 

Their support has been invaluable, especially on days when I've felt overwhelmed by the weight of it all. In a world that often feels isolating, their presence has been a source of light and strength. They've taught me the importance of community, of leaning on others, and of allowing myself to be vulnerable. 

Facing Uncertainty: Navigating the Unknown

Living with endometriosis has meant facing a great deal of uncertainty. There are no easy answers, no guaranteed outcomes, and no clear path forward. This uncertainty can be terrifying, especially when making decisions about my health and future. 

I've learned that uncertainty is not something to be feared; it's something to be embraced. It's in the unknown that we find our true strength, our resilience, and our ability to adapt. It's where we learn to trust ourselves, have faith in our journey, and keep moving forward, even when the path ahead is unclear. 

A Journey of Resilience

As I reflect on my journey, I am struck by the resilience that has carried me through. It's a resilience that comes not from enduring pain but from embracing rest, celebrating victories, advocating for myself, and leaning on the support of those around me. This resilience enabled me to achieve my master's degree — a milestone that felt extremely challenging at times. But through persistence, self-compassion, and the willingness to redefine what strength meant for me, I made it to the finish line.

This same resilience also inspired me to start this candle business — a venture born out of my personal moments of healing. Each candle I create is a reminder that strength isn't just about how much we can endure; it's about how we nurture ourselves, find peace in chaos, and redefine what it means to be strong. The candles are more than just products; they are symbols of a journey, of finding light in darkness, and of the importance of self-care. Through this business, I hope to encourage others to embrace their own healing, prioritize rest, and find their moments of peace and celebration.

This journey has not been easy, and there have been many moments of doubt, fear, and frustration. It has also been a journey of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. I've learned to navigate the complexities of endometriosis, advocate for myself in a world that often doesn't see me, and find joy and celebration in the midst of it all. 

To anyone else navigating a similar journey, know that you are not alone. Your strength is not measured by how much you can endure but by how well you take care of yourself, how fiercely you advocate for your needs, and how boldly you celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Remember, rest is not a sign of weakness, it is an essential part of your journey.

xo

Courtney