Confronting My Endometriosis in Northern Norway: A Journey Through Nature and Art

Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com

In search of immediate relief from endometriosis symptoms, my doctor recommended I replace my hormonal IUD, which was nearing the end of its suggested lifespan after nearly seven years. While this could potentially alleviate some discomfort, the process isn’t without its complexities and can be exceedingly painful. Adopting an approach grounded in my own resilience, I scheduled a removal and reinsertion for when I returned home. A few weeks later, I embarked on a journey to Norway.

The adventure began with an overnight flight to Paris, coinciding with the bustling Olympic Games, followed by an early flight to Tromsø. After spending a night there, I boarded a ferry heading even further north. The boat ride was nothing short of mesmerizing, gliding through tranquil waters flanked by majestic fjords, with whales occasionally breaking the surface. During this ride, I met fellow travelers en route to a retreat. As we shared introductions, the wind tousled our hair on the upper deck, making it an intimate setting. I mused about how to broach my health condition and set expectations for my potential discomfort, but the words fell flat.

Throughout the week, we settled in a series of rustic, weathered buildings—an inviting main house, a vibrant boathouse adorned with a colorful mural, a quaint sauna that once stored dynamite, a lighthouse accompanied by a maintenance shed, and a spacious blue barn flooded with light. Each morning began in the barn with creative prompts urging us to explore our artistic sides through various mediums including ink, paint, and writing. I found myself drawn to crafting short stories and painting watercolor representations of volcanoes, rekindling a childhood fascination with their unpredictable nature.

Our days were filled with outdoor adventures, from hikes in t-shirts to refreshing swims in pristine lakes. We took advantage of bicycles stored in the barn for trips to secluded swimming spots. Summer in Northern Norway established its own soothing rhythm, and I soon became immersed in it. My roommate, a radiant artist from the Netherlands, brought joy and laughter each morning before we even began our day. A heartfelt conversation on a hike with another attendee revealed we shared several career challenges, a bond that has grown stronger with every message exchanged since. Another artist, Maria, inspired me with her incredible watercolors and calligraphy, alongside her ambition to visit every national park in the United States. As we shared our stories, my endometriosis became a focal point of discussion, a detail many of my close friends back home were still unaware of.

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www.cntraveler.com