26 Comments
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Sukriti Patny's avatar

It's never an easy decision to put your own self first. But it should be! 💛 Sending you a hug and healing from the other side of the world. I hope you feel better soon

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Maria Giesbrecht's avatar

Thank you so much Su! <3

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Kellie Brown's avatar

Thank you for the poem about keeping sunshine in your purse. The idea of straining out bits of joy for the day is something I can relate to as a poet and person with chronic illness. Best wishes to you as you continue the journey toward wellness and boundary setting. It's difficult work.

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Christian Meinke's avatar

You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others - remember you’ve built a community that has your back

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Maria Giesbrecht's avatar

It keeps me going every day. Thank you Chris.

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Alex Dawson's avatar

Sending you so much love, friend. Your community is here to hold you through the good and hard stuff 💚

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Maria Giesbrecht's avatar

I'm really feeling that support. You're the best and I appreciate you so much.

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Annalise Parady's avatar

Sending you the biggest hug, Maria. Honoring your body is always the right choice. The world is lucky to have you share as much of yourself as you do! Sending healing energy your way.

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Maria Giesbrecht's avatar

Thank you dear friend. I can feel the healing energy xo

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Allison Mei-Li's avatar

I’m sorry to hear about your health, my sweet friend. I was 25 when I had my first endometriosis surgery. I remember how completely miserable I was leading up to it, and of course times after that, too. I’m a chronic illness girlie and I completely understand how challenging it can be to honor invisible pain and illness. I’m glad you’re taking things off your plate to focus on what means the most to you ❤️

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Maria Giesbrecht's avatar

Thank you so much Allison <3 I know you know how frustrating it can be to navigate given the lack of research and resources available to women. I'm sending you love and strength right back!

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Carol Mikoda's avatar

hugs to you!

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Maria Giesbrecht's avatar

thank you Carol! <3

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Elsie's avatar

The way this newsletter still leaked light. 🥺 Your words are beautiful and I am wishing so much ease, health and nourishing rest!

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Maria Giesbrecht's avatar

that's so kind of you to say Elsie xx

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Violet Carol's avatar

Sending you love to your achy uterus! I’m so sorry you have to deal with that ongoing pain/frustration 🫶🏻 I’m saying no to a lot lately, too — you’re going feel 1000x better 🩵

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Maria Giesbrecht's avatar

Thank you so much friend!

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Alix Klingenberg's avatar

Love you friend. So glad you’re taking some time and space for all the glorious things and I hope very much that feel physically better really really soon

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Maria Giesbrecht's avatar

Love you Alix. xo

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Stephanie Heichel's avatar

It is so important what you are recognizing and doing in this moment. Taking a step back is sometimes the best and most important thing we can do to prepare ourselves for what is to come. and there is no time like the present to make choices that support your well being, so that you can continue to operate as your best self. Wishing you all you need in this season of renewal.

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Maria Giesbrecht's avatar

Thank you so much Stephanie! I deeply appreciate you dropping a note.

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Timothy's avatar

Pulling back a bit sounds like the right decision at this time. I hope you are able to get some needed rest.

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Teresa Renton's avatar

Sending love and positive vibes Maria. Thank you for your beautiful poem 🥰

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Allyson Tyra-Duncan's avatar

I am beyond proud of you for putting yourself first, that is huge for a chronic full-plater! We all have to catch our breath sometimes, listen to your body and your brain. I hope your time focused on these things is smooth & leaves you feeling refreshed. 🫶🏻

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Caroline's avatar

I hope you are feeling even a little better. Mind yourself. I can relate to how hard it is just to take things easier and to keep going at the same time. Sending love 💕

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Tania's Butterflies's avatar

I salute you for this choice and for being so open about it. Let's rehumanize this world and stop pretending we're machines. Let the ripple effects you created in your community carry you for a while. We got your back!

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