Self-Love Prompts: My Darling Uterus

by | Nov 17, 2016 | Self-Love | 0 comments

Self-Love Prompts is a series I started after creating a list of 50 self-love writing prompts. People like you select a prompt that speaks to them, work on it, and send me their response so I can share it with you guys!

We’re continuing on this series with Brittany. I’m excited to have her contributing to this series by answering the prompt, “Write a love letter to your least favorite part of your body”. Her response made me cry, and that’s coming a lot from someone who has less than zero maternal instinct.

Write A Love Letter To Your Least Favorite Part Of Your Body: Dear Uterus,

Self Love Prompts: Write A Love Letter To Your Least Favorite Part Of Your Body: Dear Uterus | Uncustomary

My Darling Uterus,

How are you today my love? I can tell you how you are. You are being a real little bitch, but that’s no news to you. You’ve been at this for the last ten years, maybe longer, but I didn’t notice it before. I hope you are enjoying making my life a living hell. And it’s not just me that’s suffering, oh no, its my family, friends, work, literally my whole life.

I can’t get a decent night’s sleep because you literally like to give me worse-than-labor pains in the middle of the night! I can’t pee without you throwing a fit right after I’m done, and God forbid I poop (if you let me poop because you’ve got my insides all pissed off and constipated)! I can’t have sex with my husband without paying for it with twenty minutes of contraction-like pain in my abdomen, shooting pain in my lower back and numbness in my legs! I can’t take my son for a walk or exercise in any way or even walk quickly from the car into work if it’s raining without you reminding me that you are in there and pissed off at me! I’ve had to cut out caffeine and red meat from my diet, which is probably better for my health, but still, screw you because I love tea and soda and steak!

I’ve learned years ago that no amount of screaming, crying, thrashing around or forcing myself to lay still will end your little “house party” spasms faster, but you know too well that I still scream, cry, trash around, punch the pillow, try not to wake up my husband or son, swear at you, swear at “normal” people for being able to do what they want when they want, ask God what I did to deserve this, ask God to please just make it stop, beat myself up for not being able to take my son on a walk, make myself feel like a piece of shit wife who can’t keep up on laundry, dishes, grocery shopping (even though Matt doesn’t care, I do), wait for the relief to come only to worry about the next bout of pain and if it will be worse than this one.

I’ve tried to show you who’s boss. I’ve gone though several doctors who have all poked and prodded you (I hope to hurt you as much as it hurt me). I’ve been cut open three times; twice to remove your evil step sisters, Ovarian Cyst and Endometriosis with a side of scar tissue and the third time was an all out attack on you. My doctor cut you open, sliced eighteen holes in you to remove eighteen demon fibroids. You would think that after I rid you of eighteen growths you would show me some appreciation by at least cutting back on the frequency or intensity of your little outbursts, but no, you repay me by continuing to be a complete and total bitch.

The doctor says the only way to stop my pain is to remove you. Finish having kids (if you will allow it), then rip you out and be rid of you forever. A year ago this was my plan. I had made it public knowledge that Matt and I would have as many kids as we could have/wanted, then I would be rid of you. Now that the doctor has said it and made it a real thing, I am actually a little sad. Ok, a lot sad because I am fighting back tears to keep writing to you. And the only reason I would be sad about losing you is because I must care about you.

Though you may make my daily life a living hell, you have also given me something worth living for. For thirty-six weeks (because we all know you couldn’t just behave and cooperate for forty) you housed, nourished and protected our beautiful baby boy. Even though you couldn’t hold on to him for another four weeks he was born healthy, happy and perfect. He gives me joy, makes me laugh, challenges me in ways I didn’t think a two-year old could, and lifts me up on days when I am feeling down.

The thought of losing you means the possibility for biological children is gone. Matt and I have already discussed adoption; even before we had our first son we agreed we would adopt if life led us down that road. There is just something so permanent and final about losing you. Trust me, I will not miss the pain. I will be frolicking like a freakin’ fool, running up and down the street, having lots of sex and drinking Coke and eating the rarest bloodiest steak till I puke, but I will also miss you. I’ll miss feeling those first baby flutters; I’ll miss feeling the baby kicks and the baby hiccups; I’ll miss the excitement and anticipation of baby’s arrival. I’ll miss the possibility of maybe having another baby grow inside of me. I loved being pregnant. You and I made a good team when I was pregnant. You gave me no pain other than the first month, and you let me enjoy seven glorious pain-free months of carrying a little person while he grew. You showed me what my body was capable of.

I have fought so hard to keep you. I could have had you removed years ago. Sadly there are many young 20-somethings who have no other choice but to get rid of their uteruses (uteri??? What do you call more than one of you?). I was lucky enough to have doctors to help me on my path to motherhood since that is something that I have wanted since I was a little girl. I wanted nothing more than to be a mom and you did that for me, with help of course, but we couldn’t have done it without you. This last surgery did a number on you, and it wasn’t until months after the surgery when I was talking with my mom that I realized what I had done to you. I told my mom that you were acting up again, causing me the usual pain I had before the surgery and we were looking at trying for another baby then getting rid of you, and my mom said to me “Well after all of your surgeries you don’t know if you can even get pregnant again.” I felt horrible. I had put you through a surgery where they literally shredded you to get those eighteen fibroids out, and for what? The pain didn’t stop, nothing changed, other than I may have ruined you beyond repair. You gave me a gift I could never repay you for and what did I do? Let some guy in to attack you?

Now we both know I’m being a bit dramatic. For all I know the fibroids may have prevented future pregnancies as well, or they could have stayed and caused no other issues; we’ll never know. And the doctor is an amazing surgeon who specializes in this kind of thing. I’m not a total crazy person letting just anyone with a medical degree and scalpel in there. Bottom line being, I could have opted to evict you and I didn’t because I love you.

I love what you are capable of doing. You grow freakin’ people! I love the feelings that you let me feel while you grew that baby in my belly. I love the end result more than I ever thought possible. Who knew that a two year old who cuts electrical cords to blow circuits in my bedroom at 6 am, and doesn’t always repeat swear words right away but files them away in his brain then uses them appropriately weeks later could bring me so much joy and show me how to love on a completely different level? I guess you knew, because that is your job. And for that I love you.

I also want to thank you. I feel like after living with you (in this state anyways) for the last ten years, you have changed who I am. Granted, you can make me a real bitch sometimes, from lack of sleep, being in pain, being frustrated with people and their stupid petty problems, but more importantly and more profoundly you have made me a more sympathetic person. You’ve given me challenges that I have had to over come. You’ve shown me dark times to appreciate the good. You’ve made me realize no one should ever judge someone else even if you think you know them. We honestly do not know what people struggle with silently, behind closed doors. It’s easy to put on a smile and go about your daily business, I know, I do it just about every day. I’m glad you’ve taught me not to judge.

I’m glad you’ve taught me kindness and compassion because that’s how I like to be treated, especially on my rough days, days where I can’t put on that smile. I don’t want people to think I am a bitch, I wish they knew I got three hours of restless sleep between intense periods of pain, took more than an hour to get ready because I physically can’t move any faster than that, struggled with the thought of calling out sick, but dragging myself in to work because I am out of sick time. I wish they knew that was what was behind the forced half-smile, short answers and lack of “bubbly” that I try to bring with me everywhere I go. I’m thankful to you for the lessons you’ve taught me about how to treat others through how I’ve been treated living with an “invisible illness”.

So even though we have had our struggles, please don’t give up on me. I haven’t given up on you! I love you for all you’ve done, and for all you continue to do.

Your Human Host,
-Brittany

P.S. – We’ve got a dose of meds coming soon that will let you hibernate for like 6 months. Look at it like a break for both of us! Till it hits can you maybe party at like a level 5 instead of an all out 10??? Thanks so much!!! xoxo

[pextestim pex_attr_name=”Brittany Krok” pex_attr_img=”https://uncustomary.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Self-Love-Prompts-Write-A-Letter-To-Your-Least-Favorite-Part-Of-Your-Body-Dear-Uterus-Uncustomary-2.jpg” pex_attr_org=”Facebook” pex_attr_link=”https://www.facebook.com/brittany.krok” pex_attr_parallax=”disabled”]Brittany is a twenty-nine year old wife and mother from Maryland. She enjoys baking, woodworking, arts and crafts, beach combing, photography, spending time with family and re-reading Harry Potter over and over again. She currently works as an assembly technician building flight hardware for satellites and other space exploration equipment, but she hopes to one day run her own business where she can capitalize on her creative side.[/pextestim]

What’s your least favorite part of your body, and what would you say to it in a (love) letter?

Are you interested in being part of the Self-Love Prompt Series? Select your prompt and send me an e-mail so I can give you more information!

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle