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When we talk about family, we often picture the traditional set-up, but the fabric of what binds us can be as unique as each painful twinge of endometriosis or adenomyosis. This episode of Endo Battery wraps you in stories of family in all its forms – the given, the chosen, and the ones we forge through shared battles against chronic illness. It’s a heartfelt reflection on the resilience within our Endo family, tied by empathy and understanding, and how these bonds become our refuge, especially during the festive season’s highs and lows.
Embrace the warmth of community as we share tales that resonate with anyone navigating the complexities of chronic health conditions. No guest is needed when every listener is part of the narrative, contributing to the rich tapestry of our experiences. This is about recognizing each other’s struggles, celebrating the victories, and holding space for the tough times. So refill your cup with whatever soothes your soul, and let’s honor the relationships that sustain us, those familial ties that recharge our spirits and offer solace, as we continue to support one another through the journey with endometriosis and adenomyosis.
Website endobattery.com
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Welcome to Indobattery, where I share about my endometriosis and adenomyosis story and continue learning along the way. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis, but a place to equip you with information and a sense of community, ensuring you never have to face this journey alone. Join me as I navigate the ups and downs and share stories of strength, resilience and hope. While navigating the world of endometriosis and adenomyosis, from personal experience to expert insights, I'm your host, elana, and this is Indobattery charging our lives when endometriosis drains us. Welcome back to Indobattery. Thanks for joining me today at the table. Grab a cup of coffee or cup of tea or something that just suits your soul. Recently I heard a message and it was talking about family and it had quoted this article from Psychology Today. In the article said this Close family relationships afford a person better health and well-being, as well as lower rates of depression and disease throughout a lifetime.
Speaker 1:
1:12
But in many families, getting along isn't a given. The interaction between various members is at the core of these complicated dynamics. We may joke about the stereotypical sources of disharmony the obnoxious uncle and the newer due well son but factors like environment and sibling rivalries do emerge when considering the viability and stability of family networks. Nowadays, society accepts and condones the many types and forms of family. The single parent household, for example, was frowned upon as a travesty of civil society, but 22 million children live with a single parent, more of whom are women. The only child family was also seen as a sad and lonely configuration. However, these children are hailed as creative and resilient and doing just fine. We also have blended households, with a mashup of step relatives and brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers and whoever else comes with them. The amygrelination of relations is not easy on these members. The question of discipline and bias and rules come into play with more heartache than simplicity. In addition, there are families that we choose. A grandparent or an aunt may be the head of the household, or perhaps a couple chooses not to have children, and they have the right to call themselves a family as well. And don't forget close friends are sometimes way closer to us than any family members can ever be.
Speaker 1:
2:41
In the journey of life, we often find ourselves surrounded by different forms of family. Unlike the article said, in Psychology Today, family can look different for everyone. It can be biological, chosen, messy, and sometimes you may not even like the certain members of your family, but what holds it all together is the deep love and connection that outweighs the differences, and the same can be said for the Indo family. We are a diverse group brought together by a common thread the shared experience of endometriosis. Our family is filled with warriors who face challenges and triumphs in everything in between. It's a community where our support knows no bounds and understanding is a language we all speak fluently. Family in the endometriosis community goes beyond blood ties. It includes friends who understand your pain without words, partners who hold your hand through the toughest of times, and healthcare professionals who tirelessly work together for better solutions. It's a family where empathy is our common ground and messy, complicated moments are met with unwavering support.
Speaker 1:
3:44
Just like any other family, the Indo family isn't always perfect. We may not always agree, and there might be moments when frustrations and fatigue set in, but what remains consistent is the profound bond that bonds us together, a bond formed through shared experiences, struggles and the indomitable spirit to keep us going. As we approach the holiday season, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each other and every member of the Indo family. Thank you for being there for one another, for sharing your stories and for standing strong in the face of adversity. You've made this community a haven of warmth and understanding.
Speaker 1:
4:24
My hope for you this holiday season is that you can find some time to spend with those who truly fuel you and fill your cup, those who charge your battery and give you grace when you need it the most. My hope for you in this coming year and for this season is that you can give your body the rest that it needs. Take some time to have a drink, just laxadasically sitting around a fire. My wish for you this holiday season is that you can find joy even in the painful, hard times, and there are plenty of those. Life is not easy, nor is living with a life within the Demetriosis, adnomiosis or PCOS, but together, because we are a family, it's so much better and it's so much sweeter. So to all my listeners, whether you're a seasoned warrior or someone newly navigating this journey, we wish you a holiday season filled with love, comfort and moments of respite. May you find the strength in the company of your Indo family and take solace in the fact that you're not alone.
Speaker 1:
5:27
Thank you for being part of the Indo battery family this year. It's been an amazing year, full of triumphs, tears and sometimes struggle and, if I'm being really honest, there have been times where I wanted to give up. But this family has propelled me, just in those moments where I wanted to give up, I would get a message of someone saying thank you so much for this episode, thank you so much for what you're doing, because it's really helped me and those messages really encouraged me and pulled me through some of the moments that have been really challenging. Thank you to all the doctors and all the practitioners and all the people that have joined me at this table. This table has been met with many stories, a lot of education and some tears, and I'm grateful for those. It has formed me in a way that I didn't expect or know I needed. So thank you.
Speaker 1:
6:19
Thank you to everyone in this Demetriosis family. This world is better because we do it together. It's not perfect and, yes, it's very messy at times, but we do it together. Thank you for being part of this Indo battery family this year. Until next time, keep shining your light, supporting one another, and remember you are not defined by your struggles, but by the strength with which you face them. From my table to yours, happy holidays.