Growing up with allergies undeniably brought forth a rollercoaster of emotions. There were times I couldn’t join in at birthday parties or had persistent itchiness and eczema on my face, arms, and legs. This was my reality, and I didn’t dwell on it, because it was simply my life. I didn’t undergo the grieving process that others might experience after developing allergies later in life because this was my norm.
However, I’ve come to realize that it meant living with constant hesitation, nervousness, and frequent disappointment. Disappointment not only in being unable to partake in certain activities but also in feeling different and not desiring the attention that came from it. I felt let down when others couldn’t understand my situation, leading to a sense of isolation, shame, and self-consciousness.
The thing about emotions is that they are a shared human experience. We all go through moments of sadness, grieving, anxiety. It’s in these times that having a supportive community can make all the difference.
GREWP is all about giving those struggling a voice and creating a space for expression and community to connect with others who are going through something similar. Collectively, we can create a space infused with support, understanding, and connection through shared experiences, making the journey feel a bit more manageable