Starting the new year is a hopeful time, we make new resolutions, goals and there is an overwhelming ‘new year, new me’ culture. However, the new year is also very emotional as we reflect upon the year before. It is undoubtedly true to say that we can try our best and have the best intentions but life can have other plans for us.
I will start by sharing a little of my story…
I am a Brisbane girl trying to juggle multiple chronic illnesses along with life. When you have a chronic condition, you will pretty much try anything to get better and I have tried so many diets, doctors, treatments, medications, classes… essentially you name it, I have attempted it. Chronic conditions are hard to handle because you are told to not let illness define you, but once you become chronically ill in many cases your illness dictates what you can and can’t do in your life.
Restrictions are made and we don’t really have much of a choice.
In 2019 I had endometriosis surgery and that’s supposed to make me better – by removing my endometriosis and stopping my periods. However, I had a bizarre development after the surgery which skyrocketed my pain. Both that and going through surgery also greatly affected my other two health conditions. My periods haven’t stopped with the merina however… I’m still hoping they will. In an effort to try stop my periods, I have had to try using strong medication because of the pain. However, this in turn made me worse and want to be sick from nausea and migraines which ensued after taking the medication.
Regardless of the confusing whirlwind I just explained, my point is, you can do everything right... You can have a positive attitude. Go to a psychologist, get training, eat the right foods, take your medication, get the recommended surgery and still be worse off then you were before.
This may sound disheartening, I know, but although it is upsetting, I’m not intending it to be that way.
I just want anyone else out there who knows how it feels to try very hard to do the right thing for themselves and their health and still be stuck to know that you are not alone.

You are not a failure and although your body isn’t being your friend right now, there is nothing wrong with who you are. For I know your struggle, your pain and your frustration, my dear friend you are not alone in this. Don’t let others bring you down or make you feel like you’re just not trying hard enough.
At the end of the day … as long as you know you’re trying your best, that’s all you need. And you can find a sense of peace in knowing you are trying your best.


40 COMMENTS
Marina
4 years agoBeautiful post!!
kisses
Marina
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThank you!
Mica
4 years agoThis is great advice! I’m so sorry that the surgery did not help you! 🙁
Hope that you are having a lovely weekend 🙂
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThank you Mica! Hope you are well x
Rena
4 years agoDear Susie, I see it is still everything other than easy for you. And you are nevertheless so brave what impresses me in the most possible way <3 Sending you good thoughts in each context <3
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThank you Rena, that means so much <3 Lots of love to you!
Nancy
4 years agoIt is always hard to do things when you are restricted, which makes you an even stronger person for taking the steps needed so you don’t stay down. I agree with you about how you’re not a failure even when your body isn’t in its best condition. When you love your body, things start to get better. Sending you lots of love!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORYes, it helps to love ourselves more than be frustrated with ourselves hehe, I hope you are well x
Naya
4 years agoYou are such a brave girl for sharing your story! I am sure many people out there will find this piece of advice so helpful. In all truth, we all have something going on behind the scenes and it is important to keep a positive mindset no matter what life is putting us through. Have a lovely weekend dear xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThank you Naya, I really appreciate the support! Yes we all are fighting a battle many don’t see <3
Emily
4 years agoThis is a great post Susie and you make some really valid points which I think we can all do with remembering. It’s so true that sometimes, just because of how things work out, our best is never good enough but just as you say, the fact that we’ve put in our all is the most important part.
Musings & More
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThank you Emily! Yes the fact we try our best is the most important thing 🙂 I hope you are having a lovely day!
Brena Peres
4 years agoI loved the post, the phrases are beautiful and your blog is incredible. kisses https://beperes.blogspot.com/
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThank you so much! <3
Radi
4 years agoYou’re right… there is always hope! This post will be inspiration to a lot people.
http://www.fashionradi.com
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThanks Radi! Yes there is always hope <3
Ellis James Designs
4 years agoWe all have our own pace and just because we stumble doesn’t mean we fail! There’s definitely nothing wrong with being true to yourself while tackling challenges. Thanks for the post!
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORYes you are so right! We all travel at our own pace and have to follow our own path. Thank you!
Caz / InvisiblyMe
4 years agoI’ve felt this. Still feel this right now. Very stuck, and it definitely impacts your mental health feeling like you’re a failure, with bubbling resentment and regret and feelings of hopelessness. This is a wonderful post, Susie, very supportive and encouraging. Beautiful. ♥
Caz xx
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORI am sorry you know how it feels, but I am glad we aren’t alone <3 Thank you so much for your kind words x
Emma (Not Just Tired)
4 years agoSo sorry to hear about the terrible time you’ve had after your surgery. I can only begin to imagine how incredibly tough it must have been, both physically and mentally. Thank you for sharing your story and letting others know they are not alone. This really resonates with me about how we can try so hard to do all the right things but yet our bodies still let us down. It’s so important to remember that it is not our fault. Sending lots of love to you and wishing for you to have some good spells ahead. Emma (Not Just Tired) xx
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORYour support and love really mean so much to me Emily, you have no idea. I am sorry you understand how it feels but glad it resonated with you and hopefully made you feel less alone today. Lots of love as always xoxo
Allie Mackin
4 years agoAh yes the holidays and accompanying new year can be very stressful and can even lead to depression for some. But yes one should be true to oneself. Inspiring post and great quotes!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORIt is such a tough time. Thanks so much Allie x
Diana
4 years agoThis is such a beautiful and honest post. It must be so difficult to try so many different things, and still be left feeling like you’re no better than when you started. You’re right that there is always hope, and that the challenges you face do not define you!
http://mylovelierdays.com
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThank you Diana for your lovely words <3 Yes we are much more than the challenges we face! Lots of love x
Kara
4 years agoI always love how honest and open you are with sharing your story. I hope that everything improves soon for you, and you’re right that all that matters is you are trying your best. Sending you lots of love Susie! x
x Kara | http://karascloset.net
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThank you Kara! It’s sometimes hard to be so honest, but thank you so much for appreciating how tough it can be hehe. Lots of love to you too! x
Missy May
4 years agoI’m sorry to hear that the surgery didn’t help ya. I hope everything works out eventually, girlie. Keep your head up. I love your positive outlook with everything you’re facing. God is on your side.
https://missymayification.co.uk
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThank you love! I hope so too! Thank you for your endless kindness xx
discount image
4 years agoYour posts help many not to despair and live a full and diverse life. You are a personal example of showing a positive mood. May the forces come with you and all will be well with you.
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThank you for the support! Hope you are well!
Georgia
4 years agoSuch a great post as always, your honesty shines through your words. Even though you can be doing everything you should be, sometimes things don’t work out as others might have imagined. It’s so important to remember we’re all different – there’s really no way to predict how things are going to turn out. I hope you are well lovely.
//teandtwosugars.blogspot.com xx
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORAw thank you Georgia that means so much to me! Yes that is sometimes just how life is hey? Sending love to you xx
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4 years agoGreetings of the day! The piece of writing you have contributed so far is really interesting. I would like to thank its author. You are a very smart and creative person.
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThanks so much!
Amy Aed
4 years agoThis is so important! I’m currently planning a big walking expedition but I have Crohn’s Disease and I know for a fact that the constant fatigue and ailments related to Crohn’s are going to bog me down real quick. I know that it’s important to take time out to recover, but because I have an invisible disease, a lot of people may not understand that. Here’s to hoping that it all turns out okay!
Have a good week! 🙂
Amy x Wandering Everywhere
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORAw that sounds so exciting! What a great way to raise awareness! I wish you all the luck with that <3 Lots of love to you Amy 🙂 xx
Mercy
4 years agoI admire your resilience and courage. It’s really good that you can write about it with full of hope and strength, it could give a big help to other readers out there.
http://www.busyandfab.com
sadminray
4 years ago AUTHORThanks so much Mercy your kind words mean so much xx hope you are well!