Rediscovering Myself: A Journey Through Healing and Growth

An unexpected illness paused my life. A week of fever turned into a weekend at work, pushing through despite the pain. That Friday evening, after a long week of work, I went alone to the ER, where I learned I had typhoid. I tried to rest, but my recovery didn’t come easily; a week later, I was back in the ER as my symptoms worsened. Even as I attempted to continue fieldwork, my body reached its limit. Intense leg pain left me barely able to walk. After weeks of tests, I finally received a diagnosis: autoimmune disease. The pain was intense -I couldn’t walk for some weeks, felt close to giving up, and ultimately realized I had to make my health a priority. I decided to step back from work to focus fully on recovery, recognizing that it was a privilege to have the choice to pause. For five months, I could do little else but endure the pain and focus on staying alive.

It was a transformative time. Letting go of professional stress, left me questioning my self-worth and professional abilities, even though I knew I was a competent worker. Exhausted from weeks of nonstop work, I made the difficult decision to resign and prioritize my health.

Through this journey, I learned the crucial importance of prioritizing myself and making choices that align with my well-being. To manage my autoimmune condition without steroids, I adopted mindfulness techniques: daily breathwork, morning and evening walks, yoga, and a balanced diet rich in proteins, vegetables, and fruits. I also found comfort in journaling and keeping a gratitude journal, which allowed me to reflect and process my experiences. Regular conversations with supportive friends and therapy sessions have been instrumental in my healing process.

My journey since then has been one of gradual healing and deep personal growth. I began rebuilding from within, finding my worth beyond any external validation. It’s been a privilege to dedicate time to healing, and in doing so, I realized my experience -while valid- doesn’t define me.

Today, I feel healthier and more prepared to embrace new opportunities. I am surrounded by supportive people and new opportunities, with open doors I hadn’t seen before. This experience has shown me that growth begins when we choose ourselves. I look forward to continuing this journey and connecting with others who value resilience and self-care.