1. Have an Interesting Snippet to Share : Click Here
    Dismiss Notice

2024: A Year Of Transformation

Discussion in 'Snippets of Life (Non-Fiction)' started by SGBV, Jan 6, 2025.

  1. SGBV

    SGBV Finest Post Winner

    Messages:
    6,100
    Likes Received:
    11,635
    Trophy Points:
    438
    Gender:
    Female
    2024 has been one of the best years of my life. Was it because the year itself was extraordinary, or because I’ve embraced a new perspective on life?

    Last year, I faced fewer challenges—physically, financially, and most importantly, mentally. For the first time, I set my priorities straight and put myself first. This may sound selfish, especially coming from a woman and a mother, but surprisingly, it made my family happier. They valued and enjoyed my presence more than ever before. Sometimes, prioritizing yourself can positively impact those around you too.

    This wisdom, however, didn’t come overnight. It was born out of a difficult journey.

    Two years ago, I underwent emergency surgery to remove a large ovarian cyst, which revealed severe endometriosis. The surgery turned into a hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy—removing my entire reproductive system and pushing me into clinical menopause before 40. The hardest part was waiting for the biopsy results, fearing the possibility of cancer. Those two weeks were excruciating, forcing me to rest physically and reflect deeply.

    During that time, I realized how little I had done for myself in nearly 40 years. I had poured my energy into making others happy—family, community, everyone but me. I was my harshest critic, constantly compromising my comfort for others’ fragile egos, believing my selflessness would pay off. But I ignored the toll it took on my soul.

    That period of forced reflection woke me up. Even on my best days, I had always worried about others instead of savoring the moment. Those haunting thoughts of a “wasted life” drove me to vow to live differently if given a second chance.

    Thankfully, the results came back clear, and though menopause brought its challenges, I began prioritizing my needs without neglecting my loved ones. In 2024, I made decisions that transformed my life:

    1. Choosing Comfort Over Success
    We left a mechanical but successful life abroad to return to Sri Lanka for warmth, family, and the social connections we craved. Critics questioned our decision, but we’ve never been happier.

    2. Carving Out "Me Time"
    The constant demands and expectations on you will never end. But having dedicated time for exercise, meditation, and moments of stillness should be prioritized. This has brought immense calm and clarity, which, in turn, benefits my family.

    3. Learning to Say No
    I became assertive and set boundaries while softening my tone when faced with emotional manipulation. Saying no has been empowering and liberating.

    4. Trusting Myself
    I stopped seeking validation from others and began listening to my own instincts. Life has taught me enough to make decisions that align with my heart and mind, not societal expectations.

    5. Letting Go of Expectations
    I accepted people as they are, rather than expecting them to change. This shift has been the hardest but most freeing. Their opinions no longer define me—my opinion of myself does.

    6. Embracing the Journey
    I stopped rushing toward success or milestones, realizing life isn’t a destination but a journey. I now cherish the experiences along the way.

    These six changes have transformed my life in just one year. I know I have more to learn, and invite you all to add your wisdom below :)
    We can collectively inspire others to take charge of their own lives.


    Wishing everyone a prosperous and fulfilling 2025!
     
    shama146, shuba and Viswamitra like this.
    Loading...

  2. Viswamitra

    Viswamitra IL Hall of Fame

    Messages:
    13,782
    Likes Received:
    24,745
    Trophy Points:
    538
    Gender:
    Male
    @SGBV,

    What a wonderful self-reflective post this is! It is always true as an outsider, we only see the success one enjoys in the career and we fail to see how many sacrifices one makes to achieve that. It is unfortunate that you had gone through such life-changing health issues and I am glad to know how systematically you overcame these sufferings with your determination and will power.

    All six points you have recorded are important for one's happiness and peace. I was reading a spiritual article recently and it said, the best measurement of flawless life and character is seen in how much peace and joy one achieved. Your ability to do midcourse correction in life is remarkable. No matter how much one achieves, the happiness we achieve and the peace we expereince inside is important. I wish you a lot of peace and joy going forward.
     
  3. SGBV

    SGBV Finest Post Winner

    Messages:
    6,100
    Likes Received:
    11,635
    Trophy Points:
    438
    Gender:
    Female
    Dear @Viswamitra sir,

    Thanks for your encouraging words!
    I believe everyone has the ability to change because true change comes from within. Ultimately, we have more control over our lives than anyone else. However, what truly matters is whether we choose to prioritize ourselves.

    Many of us were raised to seek validation for almost everything we do—whether it’s cooking, finding a job, or simply enjoying our free time. We often worry about what others might think.

    The truth is, constant criticism from family and society will never cease, no matter what path we take in life. Accepting this reality can be incredibly liberating.

    It’s also important to recognize that not everyone will support you unconditionally, no matter how kind or accommodating you are. The right people will come into your life at the right time. Your only responsibility is to focus on being authentic and true to yourself.
     
    Viswamitra likes this.
  4. Lakshmi90

    Lakshmi90 Senior IL'ite

    Messages:
    46
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    23
    Gender:
    Female
    Hi I'm Saranya from Chennai living in Sandiego.I had chocolate cysts in left ovary 2cm,1.5cm and pelvic endometriosis diagnosed in 2014 and cysts excised laprascopically was put on depo Provera got married moved to USA from chennai took ayurveda medicine managed recurrence and got pregnant naturally delivered in may 2017 then got mirena iud 6 weeks after delivery when getting close to 5yr mark started getting palpitations,shortness of breath diagnosed with arthymia due to sinus tachycardia,we relocated to sandiego from Detroit found a new ob/gyn wanted to try something else than mirena asked her about safe ocp thought to take for 6 months she put me on blisovi fe 1/20 norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol through nurse practitioner who also removed mirena while taking the pill after 8 months noticed huge weight gain,fatigue,breast enlargement stopped after 1yr took entire 2023 then switched to ayurveda through kotakal in feb 2024 I went for annual physical my pcp found fibroadenoma in right breast I was scheduled for mammogram and Ultrasound on april8 before which I went for pap smear on april5 which caused uti symptoms took antibiotics for 2 days gave urine culture wasn't significant so stopped antibiotics.Then on 12th I went for breast biopsy on april 15th got LMP after which my body started itching,burning like pins and needles even breasts,armpit,groin,abdomen back,arms,legs everywhere then I was also sweating badly could be due to hot flashes then rectal and breast pain started teeny tiny clear discharge from nipple I took DIM SUPPLEMENT with ayurveda medicine for breast/uterine health,hormonal balance then went to India went to breast oncologist gyn in ultrasound wasn't visible took mri as gastroentrologist ordered due to rectal pain it showed endometriosis in different places then I consulted Dr.Jay mehta and went to mumbai to get it excised the moment I knew it's severe with rectal nodule I asked him to remove uterus and ovaries as well as I am also scared about breast cancer due to ocp usage when I researched later blisovi is highly linked to breast cancer made a huge mistake by taking it its my 1st ocp pill and I should've waited to come down to India to replace mirena I have had fibroids in 2022 itself ob/gyn didn't tell me that and said looks normal the practise where I went earlier made a mistake in report as I have fibroadenoma on left breast and surgeon was gonna biopsy that then I told het its on right breast they also missed to notice small palpable lumps on left breast which I told was fibroadenoma in India after ultrasound and mri.I have had necrosed fibroid in my uterus all were excised along with deep pelvic peritoneal endometriosis. Then after every periods I was having pain,bowel movement,uti issues results came back normal when I left I took a full blood and urine test which revealed bacteria when I came here went next day to ER due to severe rectal pelvic pain then diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis even in may/april had chronic rectal pain with discharge was put on antibiotics then again in aug antibiotics and lupron I was doing ok for 3 months then transitioned to.mirena again all symptoms started pelvic,rectal,breast pain slowly then bowel movement issues then pain in neck,back,arm,shoulder especially left side,hip lower hip until rectal area everything was hurting went to urgent care was told likely again bacterial vaginosis after vaginal swab then took 1 day antibiotics stopped az came negative they didnt take blood work so went again as pain wasn't gone completely took blood work,urine showed neutrophils high and mild elevated calcium so stopped calcium supplements then got lupron I was told to get hysterectomy now.I want to get TLH+BSO as my hormones now are crazy after the pill use I quit work as well in may as I knew well won't be able to go back after 3 months medical leave.I notice dark velvetty spots in breast,under breasts,back,areola,groin,armpit not a lot but definitely more than wat was before like during pregnancy spotted 1st and checked with dermatologist at Detroit after child birth she said normal but I feel it might have erupted during the puritus episode in april that time I didn't notice the skin seborhheic keratosis also I have acanthosis nigricans in groin,armpits,neck very slightly but considerably in groin area.I am only researching about these now whether it is. Leser trelat sign I have been to dermatologist,pcp,breast clinic getting appointment here is crazy.I am getting constant breast pain,poor bowel movement with loose stools earlier during may and aug due to infection it was mucus coated,dry.I have breast pain every single day I take DIM supplements and ayurveda medicines to manage but nothing seen on mammogram,ultrasound my left breast,left thigh have gotten so much fat added after the pill use.I now regret every minute how stupid I was to take the pill without reading about it I was giving interviews and all I trusted the gyn she spoke sweetly when I got in as a new patient after that she didnt even see me.my cholesterol levels were crazy due to the pill I stopped it and it came to normal after 3 months. I am worried due to the skin changes and burning and all if it could be malignancy and asking for biopsy of breast skin to rule out big C without lumps.Getting upper body pain,lower body pain from 2023 end I started being very weak and fatigued most of the times.But I am not given care I should have gone to ER but have never gone me or my husband he also shifted to new team as his project winded up at apple thats why we moved from Detroit when he got job at apple at Detroit I had lot of family around even pcp,gyn give same day appointment also here its very tough to get. I roamed in India for biopsy of necrosed uterine mass until now I am suffering I asked my ob/gyn if the pill has any side effects and also given in record that my mom's elder sister had breast cancer when died.My mom and her sisters suffered from heavy bleeding my mom had fibroids so in late40s got uterus and ovaries removed. If anyone in USA please let me know your suggestion.Thank you
     

Share This Page