Grieving the old version of yourself
I thought surgery would be the finish line. Instead, it became the beginning of learning how to navigate surgical menopause, anxiety, unexpected emotions, and a faith journey that has looked very different than I imagined.
This season has stretched me, humbled me, and forced me to sit with God in ways I never had before.
If you’re battling chronic illness, menopause, grief, disappointment, or a season where your faith feels shaky, I want you to know you’re not alone.
Healing isn’t always about returning to who you were.
Sometimes healing is about trusting God while He introduces you to who you’re becoming.
Have you ever had to grieve a version of yourself while learning to embrace the person God is shaping you into?
#endometriosis #womenshealth #FaithJourney #Menopause #womensupportingwomen
Navigating life after endometriosis surgery and surgical menopause can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Many women, including myself, expect that surgery will be the final chapter—a moment of relief and a return to normalcy. However, as experienced by Ashia Jones, what often follows is a complex journey of mourning the old self and adapting to new physical, emotional, and spiritual realities. One significant challenge is dealing with surgical menopause, which can onset unexpectedly, even in your 30s. This phase brings intense hormonal changes that affect mood, energy, and identity. Symptoms like anxiety, feelings of disconnection, and grief over lost interests are common but not frequently discussed openly. It's important to acknowledge these feelings as valid and part of the healing process. Faith can be profoundly tested during such times. Ashia's story highlights how pain can drown out the comforting voice of God, making faith feel fragile. Yet, it’s also a season for deep spiritual reflection and growth. Engaging in personal worship, prayer, and connecting with supportive communities, such as women’s Bible studies, can provide a sense of grounding and hope. Practically, healing isn’t just about returning to who you were but about discovering who you are becoming. This transformation might include developing new coping strategies, seeking mental health support, or embracing new passions that resonate with your evolved self. For anyone walking this path, remember: grief is a natural response to loss, even if it's the loss of a former version of yourself. Compassion, patience, and gentle persistence are key. Reach out to others who understand—whether through support groups online or local communities—because sharing your story and hearing others’ can be incredibly healing. Ultimately, this journey teaches resilience, trust in the unknown, and the profound possibility that a new purpose and identity await beyond the pain. Your healing may look different than expected, but it can still be meaningful and filled with renewed faith and strength.
Amen