So I had PTSD.
PTSD sounds so dramatic but trauma doesn’t have one face – if it’s enough to distress you significantly: it’s trauma. I experienced a lot of pain in 2022 that put strain on my willingness to write on here anymore; its really sad how much joy can be robbed by pain. I used to get excited about writing a new blogpost each week, it was always at the forefront of my mind – but when some people who temporarily had power over my life (that I had relinquished to them under duress) made me feel like social media was a dangerous place; my ability to write on here was taken from me.
I felt like writing unrelated things while a huge part of my life was under turmoil was disingenuous and so I stopped altogether. I’m pushing past the inertia to write this and I hope I maintain the consistency, God willingly.
In other news, my life post-marriage in Sept 2022 has been really amazing, I’ve had a shed load of self-discovery and it’s a journey I’d love to share. I’ve experimented with different looks and I think I’ve settled into my own appearance – modesty still remains the mantra – but now I do things from a place of freedom and respect for God instead of a fear of hellfire and condemnation. Understanding grace really gave me a freedom that can’t be put into words so easily, but because I want everyone else to feel this love I’ll do my best to talk about it here more.
I found a love for medical education and I’m currently in the tail end of my second masters – Master’s in medical education – which my employer the university funds. I’d always wanted a funded degree so the way this one came about seamlessly was really such a blessing that I thank God for. Prior to this role, my understanding of medical education was pretty limited – I was just a user of it as a student though I did a bit of teaching here and there – but now that I study the theory and work the practical, there’s so much that goes into the training of the next set of doctors. At my university, we use evidence-based principles to guide our curriculum and assessments – so it’s not just what the HOD has ‘always done’. I think I’ll share a bit more on this part of my life in subsequent posts.
I completed my Master’s in Public Health and I’m getting set for graduation! That degree was such a journey which saw me grow exponentially, I really can’t wait to walk across the stage at Royal Albert Hall come Summer.
On the marriage front – I’m in love love. My husband is fantastic and supports me just as much as I support him. One of our almost daily conversations involves me asking him what he wants to eat, and he responds “don’t worry I’ll sort myself out” – then finds I’ve already set out his plate and then he’s all grateful and happy haha. He never wants to put me out on his behalf whereas I love to show my love by caring for him – so it results in both of us being appreciated and feeling happy.
Health wise I lost 22kg last year and I’ve maintained the new weight quite easily as it was as a result of a lifestyle and mindset change – I work out 4-5 times a week, don’t eat past 7/8pm everyday and I make conscious efforts to eat a balanced diet at each meal time. I really enjoy being healthier and able to physically challenge myself to be better than I was the day before.
Church has been awesome too – I’ve been active in the praise team and I minister almost every Sunday. Learning how to lead praise and worship in a different church has been a learning curve but I have enjoyed it, and I really like my church, they’re so loving and supportive – they truly reflect what church should be.
And that’s about it for now! I hope to be back next week with more, I’ve missed this so much :’)
With love,
Dr. ETP xo
