The Power of Community: Why We Created the Matilda Circle
Living with endometriosis can feel incredibly isolating. I know this firsthand. For years, I faced my pain and the countless unknowns mostly alone. I remember wishing there was someone I could turn to who just got it, someone who wouldn’t dismiss my symptoms, question my choices, or make me feel like a burden for needing support.
My own journey with endo hasn’t been easy. I spent years navigating misdiagnoses, multiple surgeries, confusing treatment plans, and the frustration of trying to explain what I was going through to people who didn’t understand or didn’t believe me. There were so many moments I’d cancel plans, call in sick, or lie curled up on the bathroom floor wondering if I’d ever feel like me again.
Through it all, what I craved most wasn’t necessarily a cure (though of course I wished for that too). What I really needed was connection. A community where I could speak openly about the pain and the fear, and where I could hear, “You’re not alone. I’ve been there too.”
That deep sense of loneliness stayed with me, but so did a quiet promise I made to myself: One day, I’ll help make sure others don’t feel like this.
When I became the Community Lead at Matilda, I knew I was stepping into more than just a role, I was fulfilling that promise. Helping build the Matilda Circle has been one of my proudest achievements and a long-held dream come true.
Because here’s the truth: endometriosis is hard enough without feeling like you have to face it alone. Community makes the difference between silent suffering and feeling seen. It’s that reassuring message at 2am when the pain flares. It’s sharing tips, sharing laughter, sharing tears. It’s the relief of realising your experience is valid and that you’re not imagining any of it.
Every day, I see just how empowering it is when people uplift one another. Watching our members cheer each other on through surgeries, share recommendations, celebrate tiny wins, and hold space for the hard moments. It’s powerful. It reminds me that while endo can take so much from us, it can’t take our capacity to support and lift each other up.
That’s exactly why the Matilda Circle exists: to bring people together so no one has to sit alone in the dark wondering if they’re the only one. We’re here to remind each other we are not too much, not too needy, not too broken. We’re here to show each other what strength looks like when it’s shared.
To everyone who’s joined us so far: thank you for proving, every day, just how strong and supportive this community can be.
Here, you’re seen. Here, you’re heard. Here, you belong.
Anna x
