Petunia's Pasture has been a little dream of mine of a while. I started the blog in the summer of 2021 with every intention to keep going even if life got busy. However, I found myself with no choice but to put it down for a little while due to my own autoimmune health struggles.
WILL I EVER FIND AN ANSWER?
After a long period of time with unanswered questions, I am grateful that we were able to finally get to the root of my symptoms and land on a diagnosis---an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's.
In a nutshell, it occurs when your body makes antibodies that attack the cells in your thyroid. Hashimoto's is not an uncommon condition for women in their 30s-50s, and is treatable. However, the journey to figure out how to treat this disease has been long and frustrating.
THE WAIT
Not only were my joints in pain, but I had no extra energy beyond what I needed to manage our busy household and homeschool the kids. We thought we nailed down the treatment when I had about a month of feeling great, and remembered what feeling like myself felt like again. (Typing that makes me tear up a little.) But, the symptoms and fatigue returned.
This summer I have been using a different medication, and have really taken nutrition to the next level to increase my energy. Do I dare say I am feeling better?! I am thankful for progress, and finally feel like I am on the right track.
SPEAKING UP
As a mother, you are always looking to everyone else's needs, and putting on a brave face regardless of how you feel physically or emotionally. I am so glad that others encouraged me (sometimes forced me) to do the research, call the doctor, and advocate for myself. It was critical to making progress, and critical to staying afloat as a mother.
A WORD OF ENCOURAGMENT
While being away from the blog, I missed the satisfaction of admiring a completed project. Although the work of raising children and homeschooling are very rewarding and valuable jobs, the work is done over the long haul.
As I was watching my daughter create her bead business a couple months ago, I remembered the thrill of creating, and was inspired to create again here on the blog.
Is there a hobby that you have let go because it didn't feel practical, useful, or important--compared to all the other demands of life?
Consider picking up the paint brush, putting on the apron, dusting off the camera, or whatever it is...and let yourself feel those creative juices flow again.
And, if you are someone struggling with a health issue right now, I want you to know that it is okay to put things on hold, just do the basics at home, accept help, and take care of yourself.
In my most depressed and exhausted moments, sometimes all I could do was send a simple, "Please pray for me," text to close family and friends. Don't lose hope, choose faith.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR PETUNIA'S PASTURE
I am giddy for this next season of Petunia's Pasture. I I even signed up for Instagram again....(GASP). Its been a wonderful and freeing year without that crazy app, but I am actually looking forward to interacting with readers on there!
You can stay connected by joining the email list and/or find me @petuniaspasture on Instagram! Stay tuned for lots of new products and courses coming for homeschoolers + homemakers this fall! I am so glad you are here!