Endometriosis and How It Has Changed Me As a Person

Endometriosis has changed me. It's as simple as that.

I am not the same person I was years before my diagnosis. Honestly, I don't 100% remember who I was before endometriosis, but there are bits and pieces of my life that I can say, without a doubt, have changed.

I told myself I wouldn't let endometriosis define who I am. And it's true.

I am not endometriosis per se. But at the same time, endometriosis really has helped define who I am.
Confusing right?

I think what I am trying to say is that I wouldn't let endometriosis be all of me. But it sure has become a lot of me.

As grueling as having endometriosis is, I have found myself proud (for the most part) of how it has changed me.

Personal growth and transformation because of endometriosis

Priorities

It amazes me how much having a chronic illness has matured me. The things I used to think were so important to me (or even not important to me) have changed.

I no longer prioritize needing alcohol when I go out. I no longer prioritize needing to eat junk food all the time.

Eating a healthier diet is now my number one priority. Do I still have a glass of champagne or that delicious cupcake every now and again? Yep. But making better decisions when it comes to food and drinking is what I focus the most on.

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Prioritizing myself is now something I do way more of too. It was something I don't think I ever did before.

I used to feel like I had to be available to everyone. To attend every event I was invited to. To push down any anger, sadness, or hardships I was going through.

Now, I have learned to set boundaries. I have learned when my body needs me to say no, I am staying home today.

Something I am very proud of is starting therapy. My mental health always took a backseat, and I am no longer allowing that.

Career

Endometriosis sure did let it be known that the whole 9-5 thing wasn't for me anymore. I loved my job as a behavior therapist, but I just could not do it anymore.

Even though I was sad about that, I also found excitement because endometriosis pushed me to create a business of my own. Something I had never envisioned myself being capable of.

Being forced into this new scenario actually gave me confidence and the ability to see I could truly do anything, no matter what. I really feel endometriosis has made me become a more confident person all around.

At least in that sense. I am still working, on the whole, being confident in my body.

Relationships

Being diagnosed with endometriosis has really changed a lot of the relationships in my life. I have lost friends and family but, at the same time, have gained friends and family.

I have never had so many amazing friends (even if a lot of them are social media friends) in my life. I feel like this has opened me up to come out of my shell a lot.

I'm still a little shy, but at the same time have found that outgoing piece of me I knew I always had. And now, I truly enjoy sharing it with the world.

Family Planning

This one is hard. It may not be my favorite thing about how endometriosis has changed me as a person. But, it needs to be included.

Endometriosis has taken the chance of me becoming a mother. At least with a child my husband and I created on our own.

Endometriosis has also given me this beautiful opportunity to adopt a sweet child who needs someone to love and protect them. Although I am not ready to go down that journey yet, it warms my heart that God has put that trust in me.

It doesn't mean I have fully finished grieving the fact I could never be pregnant with my own child. But knowing I could love and help another child out there helps.

My Feelings

I didn't know how to title this one because there is so much I want to add here. So I just called it my feelings.

Endometriosis has changed how I look at others. Instead of judgment, I now show compassion and love.

I now understand the "you never know what someone else is going through" phrase. I have noticed I am also way more grateful for things in my life, and I certainly do not take anything for granted anymore.

Endometriosis also has helped me find my voice. To not be afraid to stand up, speak out, and fight for what I need or deserve.

While having this disease has certainly also made me find way more reasons to cry, I have also found even more reasons to be happy and appreciative.

Endometriosis really has changed me for the better. I wish I did not have to deal with all the symptoms and surgeries.

But I am so grateful for the person it has let me become: a strong warrior ready to fight this battle every single day!

I have been shown over and over again how much strength I really have. That I am not the weak person I used to think I was. I hope you are able to see the strength and beautiful changes in you TOO.

How has endometriosis changed you as a person?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Endometriosis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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