Have you ever felt trapped by the expectations of others, or even your own expectations, about how you should look or feel? I certainly have. For a long time, I believed that the key to acceptance lay in undergoing surgery to change my body. I thought that a physical transformation would finally free me from the shame I felt about my condition.
But as I embarked on my journey toward acceptance, I realised something profound: I didn’t need surgery to find peace within myself.
Let me be clear: surgery can be a valuable tool. For many women, it has been life-changing, improving mobility, reducing pain, and helping to manage the progression of this condition. I’ve seen firsthand, through my work with hundreds of women both pre- and post-surgery, how significant acceptance is in their journey toward body love and wholeness. One day, I may choose to have surgery myself if my circumstances change, and I think that’s a great option to have on the table if needed. But for now, I can 100% show up, be present, and live life to the fullest—even when I’m swollen and wearing shorts. That realisation is so liberating!
The path I walked was not easy. It required diving deep into my childhood wounds and confronting the inner beliefs that had held me captive for so long. In this exploration, I found my inner child—vulnerable, afraid, yet full of potential. Learning to connect with her allowed me to nurture a sense of compassion for myself, embracing the parts of me that I had long deemed unworthy.
It was during this journey that I became aware of the realities of living with lipoedema. Yes, I would likely gain weight and experience swelling; it was simply part of my condition. But I learned to approach these changes with kindness and understanding. Instead of battling against my body, I began to work with it, accepting that I have some control, but not complete power over my circumstances.
Having my daughter was a turning point for me. It was in her presence that I began to truly appreciate my body, not just for how it looked, but for all it could do. The postpartum journey was filled with challenges, including weight gain from breastfeeding and the resurfacing of old fears about my appearance. Yet, I chose to show up authentically, embodying the role model I wanted her to have from day one—not just when I fit into societal standards of beauty.
I discovered that I had many tools in my emotional toolbox to help me navigate the ups and downs of this journey. Now, I mostly live pain-free with minimal swelling, yet I acknowledge that the hormonal changes post-breastfeeding remind me that this is an ongoing journey—a journey that I embrace with open arms.
Are you ready to live a life filled with laughter, joy, and free from shame? I know how challenging it can be to feel held back by your condition, to see others moving freely while you feel confined.
But remember, you are not alone.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to consider joining my retreat, “Life as a Lipoedema Goddess,” from May 1st to 6th, 2025, in beautiful Bali. This retreat is designed for women just like you—a supportive space to experience belonging and acceptance. Together, we’ll let go of the burdens of lipoedema and embrace the joy of being our authentic selves.
Sign up today for our early bird special and save $500! Let’s walk this journey together and discover the power of acceptance.
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