This life a road –the way preparedsigns to guide me,and still, I get lost. Construction, distraction,disobedience – throw me off –tendency to choose tougher routes,broken down and been sidelined And yet, the road still beckons,invites progression, thrills.A rolling stone gathers no moss,my father liked to say, and so… I push ahead, keep motoring,trust the obstacles […]
(Written during my bedbound years with ME/CFS)
May is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis awareness month. Also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, this disease is characterized by exhaustion after exertion. The exertion can be physical -taking a shower; emotional – worrying or obsessing; or mental- filling out forms. The best source of information about ME/cfs, as we call it, is the Bateman Horne Center. They […]
One Woman's Quest II 
Well said, VJ! 💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Eugi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most welcome, VJ.
LikeLike
The mental aspect is the one I imagine to be the most challenging. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is. Takes a long time to fight those voices in your head.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for writing this, VJ, for those of us who haven’t had to contend with a chronic illness.
LikeLike
😊💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
VJ, you’ve done a beautiful job of explaining how chronic illness feels so that I think I understand it without having gone through it myself. It reminds me of something I heard cognitive scientist Maya Shankar say about change, ““We don’t like change because it almost definitionally involves a loss of identity and that’s very destabilizing. I think as humans we often attach ourselves to specific identities as we move through the world because it gives us a sense of security. Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as identity foreclosure. We are foreclosing on an identity, we commit to an identity and fail to maintain an exploratory mindset.”
If I remember from the podcast where I heard that, once we give up that identity, that exploratory mindset does kick in and help as the end of your statement suggests. I hope that is true for your experience that a renewed sense of purpose is found.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I haven’t heard this explanation but it sure makes sense. I am 8 years in, so the renewed sense of purpose is well-established, but every so often I am reminded of the enormous losses that come with this disease.
I believe in acknowledging what I am feeling so I can move on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That seems so healthy and wise to acknowledge your feelings so you can move on, VJ!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
VJ – well spoken. Do you have any advice for those of us whose dear friends have to live with this daily physical challenge? How can I be helpful?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The best gift you can give someone with chronic illness, is a moment of being ‘normal’. If they can’t go out for a tea, drop by with a favourite beverage. Offer to sit and watch a movie, preferably funny. I have a friend that just sends me thoughts of the day, and it makes me smile that she thinks of me. I think everyone has different needs, but it’s always nice to have a mini-vacation with a cherished friend
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, VJ. That is helpful advice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome
LikeLike
Diificult to cope with it somedays!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is. Especially when we have setbacks. Sigh
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ Hang in there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Indeed it is a complex challenge
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Sadje. Too many of us know this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we do. And we also know how to stand up to it
LikeLiked by 1 person