SPOON SERIES

Officially kicking off the Spoon Series with my favorite snack to talk about my own struggle with chronic pain. As many of you know, I’ve been living with Endometriosis for the better part of my 31 years on this earth, trying countless treatments and therapies to no avail. I’ll talk more about my experience with the physical, mental, and emotional effects of living with this invisible illness as the series progresses, but I want to spend the first installment talking about the day I met this monster. 

I’ll never forget my first encounter with this awful condition. I was down the shore with my best friend’s family for a relaxing Memorial Day weekend, and in the middle of a beautiful day of swimming, I found myself locked in the bathroom struggling with excruciating pain. I thought I was dying. I wanted my Mom there. I was so scared, and after about an hour and a half of clutching my abdomen, I saw blood. The dots started to connect, and I finally found strength to go out and tell my friend’s mom what had happened. We were all emotional as it’s a momentous day in a girl’s life—but I was scared and traumatized. Is it supposed to be this painful? Did everyone else know what was happening? Will everyone believe me when I try to describe the pain? I soon learned that the answer to those questions was a resounding “NO,” and so would begin my life-long battle with this disease and with myself.

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month—an opportunity to gain more investment in research, more education for doctors and patients, and more understanding for friends and family members of those living with this chronic pain. I keep up with @endofound for news, and support within the endo community. 

RECIPE add 1lb almonds and 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste) to a food processor and process until almond butter forms (about 20 minutes), scraping down sides as needed. Alternatively, add honey, maple syrup, coffee or any other flavors towards the end of the process and mix until thoroughly combined.