A Bit of History!

I have been supporting those with Lymphatic conditions since the beginning of starting my Facebook page way back in 2012 when I was first diagnosed myself, as a result of this page I spent my time hidden behind a screen being very proactive around bringing awareness to Lymphoedema and Lipoedema worldwide.

I posted information, shared my thoughts, my ideas everywhere I could find and promoted the need for awareness, for conversation, for collaboration and became a strong advocate. The posts that I created on my little mini iPad came from within my own experience, all created through my thoughts, my emotions, and importantly: my frustration. This connected me to the many others globally that were also doing the same in their own languages, own cultures and countries, we all became one combined voice for the many, we called ourselves ‘Lymphies’.

This moment in time was an incredible connection to what really mattered, it was the most humbling experience and rewarding moments of my life. Through trust, warmth and caring for one another we shared our own personal realities and grew from the support, encouragement and awareness, my posts evoked a time for conversations, hidden sorrows, connection and difficult feelings of isolation both from within those around us and from the drastic need for our medical professionals to understand and learn more about these conditions and the health of our lymphatic system.

These conversations of not only to the reality of struggle but to the humour, the trust, and the joy we had in coming together to share. I valued and appreciated every one of these interactions.

You will find these posts on my facebook page under albums where I created information attached to posts, links to websites, youtube, from this interaction I was asked to start a private group which I did and I also started a New Zealand group. Initially I was hoping to start a New Zealand Lymphoedema Organisation but that didn’t eventuate due to many circumstances. If I am being honest it was my own confidence of stepping out of my comfort zone, behind the screen where I was empowered!

Today social media is providing a platform for needed support and I felt I had been there and done that driving to bring awareness, so had pulled away a little, this was also where I was at within myself. At this time we had decided to make a move to Australia from New Zealand and I took time to focus on finding what worked for me and ultimately came down to exploring the natural ways of focussing my energy on improving my overall health and wellbeing to which is an ongoing process.

I have always felt I wanted to do more, I loved being able to support, encourage and genuinely care for those that came my way, then I made a shift within and Health Coaching came into my focus, it fitted well with my Social Work qualifications and experience, I valued the coach approach of supporting clients to create change for themselves, on their agenda and Lymphoedema/Lipoedema was my natural niche.

This is where I am at today embarking on my new adventure of supporting, encouraging and empowering you on your own journey with a focus on health and wellness despite and alongside life with your Lymphatic disorder. I am ready now to step away from behind my screen, away from my little I-pad.

Judith