“It takes courage to be a woman.” This phrase hit home for me in a profound way.
Just over two weeks ago, after two months of navigating life at 40, I underwent a full hysterectomy. Yes, I’m going to open up about this because there are a multitude of feelings tied to the experience, and I promise it will be empowering if you stick with me.
Women: The Warriors of Life
Let’s get real for a moment: Women are nothing short of warriors. We carry the weight of life’s challenges—periods, pregnancy, childbirth, cramps, hormones, cysts, tumors, pap smears, and eventually menopause. I’ve swapped out super-plus tampons and pads for hot flashes, bone loss, and mood swings.
From a young age, we’re taught that discussing our menstrual cycles is taboo. It’s embarrassing, they say. It took me two decades to stop burying my tampons under my paper towel purchases at the store. (And admit it, you’ve done it too.) If a woman is in a sour mood, we’re quick to blame hormones, and honestly, that’s not entirely off-base—this journey of being female is tough. And guess what? It’s part of life for every woman on the planet.
Breaking the Stigma
Let’s break the stigma around our reproductive health. We have these organs for a reason; sometimes they work well, other times they don’t, and it can be incredibly frustrating. While it’s true that we are lucky to have the ability to bring life into the world, the reality is that this experience can be tough.
Women’s health issues are often dismissed, but they can be debilitating. I’ve faced fibroid tumors, chronic ovarian cysts, severe anemia, and years of painful bleeding. These were my reasons for needing a hysterectomy. I needed to reclaim my life, both physically and mentally. It felt like I was circling the drain—no exaggeration.
I know I’m not alone; thousands of women undergo hysterectomies each year for even more severe issues. Our bodies endure so much, and the struggle often goes unrecognized.
The Balancing Act
Sisters, this is a challenging path we walk. Yet, despite these hurdles, we manage households, raise kids, organize family events, and hold down careers. It’s a lot to juggle. We are warriors.
In reflecting on this, self-care comes to mind. I realized that while my physical struggles were out of my hands, the most striking thought was that I was actually looking forward to surgery—so I could finally rest. Isn’t that wild? I was eager for a major operation that would allow me to focus on self-care.
For many of us, taking time for ourselves feels like a distant dream. We don’t prioritize self-care because we’re overwhelmed. We take on too much, often because we feel we have to, but also because we struggle to say no. We joke about living on coffee and wine, but the reality is that our lives are chaotic. This isn’t a sign of weakness or selfishness; being a woman is exhausting, and at times, downright grueling.
A Call to Action
So here’s my message to all women: carve out some time for yourselves. Make a plan. Hire a babysitter or use aftercare at school. Enjoy that third glass of wine with friends. Take a sick day because, yes, menstrual cramps are no joke. Dive into your hobbies, or even plan that trip—yes, even solo. Schedule the time you need to be the best version of yourself. Stop making excuses. You deserve it. Your children deserve it. Your relationships need it. Your body, mind, and spirit require it.
Don’t wait for a medical procedure to allow yourself the rest you need. Live fully, and don’t let burnout win. Keep pushing forward, warriors. Much love to each of you for bravely navigating the complexities of womanhood. It truly takes a lot of guts.
Additional Resources
For more insights, check out this related post on Cervical Insemination. If you’re considering at-home options, Make a Mom offers reputable fertility products. Additionally, UCSF’s Center is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination guidance.
Summary
Women face numerous challenges throughout their lives, from menstrual issues to major surgeries like hysterectomies. It’s crucial to acknowledge these struggles and prioritize self-care. Women need to take time for themselves, whether it’s through small acts of self-love or larger adventures, to maintain their well-being and strength.