It’s Endo awareness month; so I thought I’d share what hope looks like for me. Like many of us with endo and other chronic illness, we often have more than one issue we have to deal with in our lives. The primary problem becomes compounded by other issues; compromised immune systems, mental illness, chronic pain and other diseases. I’ve had clinical depression for 15 years and am convinced that it’s the reason why the pelvic pain moved from “acute” and “chronic.” It wasn’t until I learnt to manage the depression that I was able to manage the chronic pain – it was a vicious cycle. I was part of a “Grow Group” which is a 12 step program for mental illness (like AA).

Over the next week I will share three quotes from the Grow Blue Book (or the program). These have been one strategy that has enabled me to avoid reacting emotionally to the physical symptoms I regularly experience. It’s enabled me to gain a sense of control over something I have no control over. Even though I am trapped in an endo-infested body, it no longer infects my mind and heart. I am free!

Don’t be imprisoned by the ‘here and now.’ Nothing is forever. I am strong. One day there could be a cure. One day you may try a new treatment that helps. One day you will meet someone who understands and takes you seriously. Just because it sucks today, doesn’t mean it will “always” this sucky.

We can have hope by focusing on “facts,” not just fluffly positivity. We can have hope because we have been beautifully and wonderfully made by the creator of the universe. We can have hope because we have a purpose in life. We can have hope because we made it through the days past. We can have hope because we made it through today. We can have hope because every day endo awareness increases. We can have hope because science and technology is constantly evolving and developing. We can have hope because we have each other and we ARE loved.

I have hope because the God who made me loves me, supports me, cares for me, provides for me, sustains me and promises me a place in His new creation. Jesus death and resurrection has given me assured hope that one day I will be given a new body that will never be corrupted from rebelling against God’s good and perfect plan. I can look forward to Jesus returning, when, I will one day know true freedom and will be eternally safe from sickness, sadness and sin.

For more info on Grow check them out: http://www.grow.org.au