Since moving to a new little town and starting a new job, I have made a concerted effort to get out there and get social! Sometimes, I would simply go along to events or functions even if they weren’t something I would usually go to. I just wanted to get out there and get to know as many people as possible.
Now, I have met some very interesting people in the last 4 weeks. The thing is, that you learn so much about yourself in the process and it really makes you recognise your own strengths and achievements in your own life. I am perhaps super critical of myself but somehow when I meet other people and they admire me for something I had no idea was even valuable, it makes me really reflect on what I have! I have met people from all different situations and walks of life and somehow my problems and worries about my life seem fairly insignificant. I guess that is the power of talking to other people that can make you feel good. There was a saying once, where someone said: “If you actually knew what troubles other people had, you would sooner hang onto your own”.
The other major benefit of course is that it makes you feel less alone about your own problems and struggles. I have met a great girl who is also vegetarian and it is nice to have someone who understands why I don’t drink fizzy drinks or eat hamburgers. I don’t need to explain my situation or look strange for wanting to eat better. Sometimes I find when I spend too much time in isolation, I get so involved in my own stuff that it becomes this massive mountain that I struggle to even start on! Somehow when one has others around you, you find humour in situations and you can share the load of it all! This of course helps with your stress levels and naturally your health.
We all have something we are dealing with. For us, it is largely Endometriosis but the fact is, that even the condition itself is largely influenced by emotions and what you are going through in your life. You’d be amazed at how easy Endometriosis becomes when everything else in your life is going well! I know in some cases this is a chicken or the egg syndrome where Endometriosis would be easier to deal with if the job was easier and the job would be easier if we didn’t have Endometriosis – I am going through this exact struggle right now. But, in the end if the job is causing you that much stress and pain, it is not right anyway! I find it amazing how my Endometriosis is totally fine when I am doing a job which I am personally passionate about. Something where I am making a difference to people and I am excited about what I am doing.
The other obvious one is that it makes you feel valued and loved by others. This has amazing healing powers. Feeling alone and unloved is probably one I personally don’t want to ever go through again – struggled with this one for the first 6months of moving to Australia! Being loved by others makes you feel more important and your personality and special “traits” are recognised. It is a good feeling and easy to attain, even though you may not always think so! I know when I went through my phase in Australia I started to think I just wasn’t likeable by other people. The thing I realise now is, it is a bit of a numbers game. There are people you will “click with” and there are people who might help you for a moment in your life. It is simply a matter of meeting heaps of people and finding those that you feel a connection with.
Now I know for me being social isn’t really hard anymore. If you struggle with social situations, join clubs, like book clubs or art classes. If you keep at it, it does get easier!
It is amazing how much it broadens your mind to possibility and your mindset. I enjoy meeting people mainly because I see so many more options for me as a person and my life, that I simply would not get by hanging out with myself! People have ideas, positive thoughts and motivation for change! You can soak up these wonderful things and incorporate them into your life! You will feel so much energy for your personal passion and you’d be amazed at how much easier Endometriosis becomes to deal with!
I know for many girls out there, they can see having Endometriosis as a social inhibitor but you can find ways around it. If you are in pain and don’t feel like going out, get social online or talk to a friend on the phone. You will feel better though if you get out and meet people. Join an Endometriosis group or health club. Get involved and you will find more help than you could ever imagine on your own!
Author of Cure Endometriosis & Eating with Mel.
