Will you help get the conversation started..?

Will you help get the conversation started..?

We Endure because we have to. We find ways to cope, survive and get through by being Resourceful. We gain Strength through and from it all, not by choice but, because there is none…

People say: “You shouldn’t let your circumstances define you…Hmmm…I say, there are times when you don’t have a choice and need to accept it (as best you can), making the most of the lemons life hands you!

Hydrocephalus has become a major contributor in my life, in more ways than one. And, even though I didn’t choose Hydrocephalus, it has undoubtedly chosen me. To make the most of my situation, I CHOOSE to spread awareness for Myself and Anyone else diagnosed with this condition. Just how that happened, well…it’s purely a matter of chance, or was it? I definitely didn’t intend for it to happen when I started blogging about it, or when I was diagnosed, 14 years ago!

Added to this, there have also been so many other defining moments in my life, shaping me into the person I am today, and there continues to be.

A while back, my good friend and fellow Hydro sister, Cindy, nudged me into the direction of starting an online business and in doing so arose the question of who and what Skyewaters is. I needed to decide on a logo, which has proven harder and more complex, than simply using what I already have. Some of you have come to know and identify with two of my designs: My Hydro Logo.

Queue indecision, a big pain point and effect of my brain injury!

Regardless, I wanted to incorporate something about me personally, my journey and how I’ve evolved. I continue to use the anchor, a symbol of safety and constancy. There’s a level of trust which goes in knowing you have to face surgery or another day without help. After much deliberation I couldn’t be happier with my decision and I hope you like it too!

Disclaimer and Trigger warning: I am opening myself up even more than I already do with my blog, not for sympathy, attention or book sales, but to add to the context of my choice. At the time of writing this book, I wasn’t strong enough to say it was about me, but I needed to get it out, so I took the first step and put “pen to paper”. It’s not something I’m proud of in any way. It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do…revisiting those moments with plenty of red wine, and even more tears, getting me through! Years of enduring silent suffering…alone…Oh the irony! What I’ve learnt about my experience is, having moved between countries, You can try to physically escape but…you can’t escape what’s in your head. A torture chamber of note that’s never-ending! Much like Hydrocephalus…

What is the sense of this life if not to help those who are destined to walk this earth after us? – Me

Two defining things in my life, Hydrocephalus and sexual abuse – it does not discriminate and can happen to anyone. I developed a slogan a long time ago; “The strength of a woman, lies in her endurance…”, which I carried through to the title of my book; Stronger than you know.

It’s a slogan I use to spur myself on and use as a reminder of where I’ve been, what I’ve endured throughout my life, and how much stronger I have grown because of it. That’s not to say that I haven’t felt pain during any of it or that I’ve hated some of those moments, wishing them away…we all have them. There have been so many and still, there continue to be to this day – I have no doubt until the day I die! But, I digress…

THE MEANING BEHIND IT ALL

West African Wisdom: Adinkra Symbols & Meanings. AYA “fern” symbol of endurance and resourcefulness. The fern is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult places. “An individual who wears this symbol suggests that he has endured many adversities and outlasted much difficulty.

I commend each and every one of us on this journey called life. It is by no means an easy one.

When choosing this logo, my son commented that it doesn’t really have anything to do with Hydro and I smiled. To me, it has everything to do with it, at least the meaning behind it. I think it’s a perfect symbol for all of us with Hydrocephalus, it certainly is for me personally (in my own life), in so many ways. We endure so much and figure out how to navigate these uncharted waters, living with an incurable condition on a daily basis. We are resourceful in the way we learn to cope and figure out what works for us, what our triggers are or even when to ask for help. The list is endless as we grow from strength to strength because, we have NO OTHER CHOICE. And, the scars on our bodies and souls, are a reminder of the many adversities we have endured, and the difficulties we have faced, yet overcame.

CONVERSATION STARTER – The Hydro community needs it!

I wore one of my T-shirts, similar to the image of this post, to my Thyroid biopsy a few weeks ago. The doctor performing the procedure got all excited at seeing it. He said; “I’ve never seen people wear Hydrocephalus T-shirts before. That looks great!” We chatted about what it meant, with the nurses joining in the conversation. They said; “It’s a real conversation starter, good on you” and I smiled. That’s the idea! Hydrocephalus is an invisible condition and not many people know about it, we can change that – you and I.

I hope you find something you like in the new store for all things Skyewaters, Hydrocephalus and Life. Let’s spread awareness and make sure we speak our truth. Awareness starts with each of us so, let’s get the conversation started with anyone who cares to partake. Also, you don’t need to have Hydrocephalus to show your support and help spread the word. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you either have Hydro yourself or know someone who does. I’ll keep adding more designs as I go, so be sure to check back – first, I have brain surgery #6 in the morning.

Thanks for the support. Feel free to share this post (I hope you do) and help spread the word. Also, let me know what you think of the new design!

Remember: Regardless of what you may face in life, Your Strength Lies In Your Endurance…

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