All Posts By

Gail Straker

embracing life and love in living with lipedema

Embracing Love and Life with Lipedema

By | inspirational

Investigate the similarities between the quest for true love and the experience of managing lipedema. Uncover wisdom on embracing oneself, the power of community support, rejoicing in achievements, and the critical roles of self-love and perseverance through life’s obstacles. Embark on your lipedema journey, bolstered by affection and a solid network of support.

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discovering your passion through your lipedema journey

Finding Passion Through Challenge

By | Lipedema awareness

Finding Passion Through Challenge: A Lipedema Journey to Joy Have you ever marveled at those who discover their passions early in life and then doggedly pursue them? That was a dream I long held but couldn’t seem to grasp. My hobbies were plentiful, yet when asked about my passion, all…

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celebrate self-love

Celebrating Self-Love: Be Your Own Valentine!

By | self-love

February, the month of love, is the perfect time to celebrate Self-Love Month, especially within our Lipedema community. This year, let’s embrace the idea of being our own Valentine and delve into what self-love truly means. Self-love is More Than a Phrase The phrase “Be Mine” often seen on Valentine’s…

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embrace the joy and peace found in simple things

The Simple Things

By | Reflection

The Simple Things: Finding Joy and Peace in Everyday Moments In our fast-paced world, it’s the simple things that often bring us the most joy and peace. Whether it’s the warmth of a smile from a friend, the comfort of holding a pet, the thrill of hearing our favorite song,…

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Nurturing Yourself During Life Changes

Transitions

By | inspirational

Transitions Several times today I was told by a dear friend, “Transitions are hard” or “Transitions are not easy” or some other phrase that was much stronger, but basically had the same meaning. These statements of support were timely and powerful. You see, I have been on a wonderful vacation…

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brilliance of lipedema community

The Brilliance of Lipedema Community

By | lipedema community

I remember the first time I joined the Lipedema TRIBE Community support group meeting. I was so nervous and ashamed, but the other members were so welcoming and supportive. They shared their own stories and offered me advice and encouragement. I left that meeting feeling like I had finally found…

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dress-up

The Delight of Dress-up

By | inspirational

I am a lucky duck. I get to play dress-up with my young granddaughters. I let them put whatever they want on me. Sometimes, I wear one of the skirts on my head like hair. They make me into a kitty, and at other times, they turn me into a…

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health journey

Lipedema Journey: A Ride Worth Taking

By | inspirational

Where are you on your health journey? Many of us feel as though we have spent years, decades even, on a journey looking for better health. We have been ‘watching’ what we eat, exercising and working out, taking supplements and meds, and simply working hard to take care of ourselves….

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gifts-of-love

Love Reflected in Love

By | inspirational

What does it mean to live with an open heart? Is it the same as having an open mind? And is it the same as seeing with open eyes? These are all very distinct qualities and they are all interconnected. They are all actions that take practice and awareness. They…

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friends that last

On Friendships

By | lipedema community

Over the course of several years, I have questioned friendship. What is it? Is it vital? Who are my friends and who are the people I just know? Is friendship permanent or fleeting? Is it strong, fragile, or both? Can friendship be one-sided, or is that something else entirely? Does…

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determination

6 Easy Ways to Develop Your Willpower

By | courage

Many times, in many circumstances, when I have felt like a failure, I have said, “I lack the willpower to do that.” And yet, I have also had other people praise me for my willpower when I have succeeded at something that they have not been so successful with. They…

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compassion-to-others

4 Ways to Show Compassion

By | compassion

Many of us are overwhelmed with a sense that we want to show love and compassion to those around us in today’s world. We find that we are driven to help others and live with a purpose. We, ourselves, have been shown compassion and would like to pay it forward….

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safe-space

The Whole Community

By | body image

When I took a communications course at Boise State University, I was introduced to the concept from Aristotle (albeit misquoted) that “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Do you agree? What is your take on the whole being greater than the sum of its parts? Even…

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