“Isolation is seldom listed as a symptom of chronic disease, but it certainly is a component. The need for human interaction is very real, in fact, psychologically, I would say it is essential.
Making a conscientious effort to reach out to others, balancing social activity with limited energy, and valuing myself enough to keep the negative self-talk to a minimum, is how I am currently countering isolation.”
I wrote the above words in April of 2017, three years into my illness. I find it is helpful to look back and measure progress. Nowadays, the pendulum has swung the other way, and I am too socially active for my liking. My body needs rest, as does my mind and emotions. I am still battling negative self-talk.
What has changed is that I no longer try to justify my need for rest and solitude. I just schedule it in.
No matter where we are in our lives, it always seems to come down to a matter of balance, doesn’t it?
(Image is my art with an AI boost.)
One Woman's Quest II 
It’s so comforting knowing why we die and it what happens when die. Passages such as Romans 5:12 and Ecclesiastes 9:5. 10. I hope they bring you comfort as well.
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I look forward to the time when we will be with our loved ones forever. Never having to shed a tear because we lost a loved one in death. The passage Revelation 21:4 gives me so much comfort.
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Death ideation is something I struggle with too. I try to bring myself back to joy in the moment, in the living moments.
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yes, I find too much solitude is debilitating but too little is draining; I’m finding that balance now that the effects of chemo is wearing off —
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Sorry to hear you are undergoing chemo, John. Thanks for sharing.
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So good to read your post VJ. Isolation. Illness. Limited energy. You get it and it is comforting to see this here. Your blog has always been a source of inspiration. I really hope to get back to mine. Catching up on a year though. Where to begin overwhelms. In the meantime, great to “see” you.
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I’ve noticed that many of us have pulled back, Andrea. Seems life is a constant wave of reprioritizing and protecting our health
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I agree we need balance but at times, it seems difficult to achieve. Put yourself first always and the rest will come in due time.
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Thanks Eugi!
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You’re welcome, VJ!
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Thank you for your posts, VJ. As a chronically ill person myself, it’s lived experienced posts that I find the most helpful. So many ideas, whilst also reinforcing I am not alone. None of us are alone!
Thank you so much.
Take care,
Noni.
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Hi Noni. I read your posts about forms and bureaucratic red tape and it sure brought me back to the time I went through all that. Sorry you have to endure this at a time when you need to be focused on healing.
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Hi VJ. Thank you so much. I think there are many people that silently suffer with this type of treatment. I am so sorry you have endured this as well.
Your writing shows your passion, so I have definitely bookmarked your blogs to continue to read them.
One Woman’s Quest – brilliant title by the way!
Take care,
Noni.
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Thanks Noni. The title comes from my quest to make sense of it all – especially the loss of health.
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Balance – always the struggle. And you’re right that it applies to wherever we are in live. But I love your taking stock in this reflection. Scheduling it in – love that approach. Sending calm and restorative thoughts.
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Thanks Wynne
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Taking time for yourself is a lifelong lesson. I’m glad you have learned it. (K)
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I’m still learning. Thanks K
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So many notes of recognition in your post, VJ. I think I’ve gotten a little better at not making excuses when I need quiet time, but for most of my life, I felt like I had to be “on” for everyone and everything else and it’s been lovely to understand I don’t need to explain. Balance. Yes. xo! 💕
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Not explaining is freeing, isn’t it? I trip over myself sometimes, still.
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Me, too. I feel like I need to make excuses, explain myself – sometimes – but I’m getting better. “Freeing” is the just-right word. Sending hugs! 🥰
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I have found that people think I am back to normal and I can socially interact as before, so they include me in more social gatherings, which I appreciate, but they wear me out. My energy is good in the mornings but by six in the evening, sometimes I can not keep my eyes open. I go with how I feel in the moment and even take naps if I can.
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Sounds like me I.V. Optimal is only booking a social event twice a week, but of course, life seldom flows that way,
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That is about right – twice a week.
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I couldn’t agree more about the need for balance to maintain a good quality of life.
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😊💕
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It’s a constant struggle to balance action and activity with rest and solitude, isn’t it, even when not sick. I hope you are well and able to regain some time away from the activities. Time to paint and photograph, walks in the woods. 😊
I find myself yearning for silence or a lull in activity when there is none and struggle to maintain a sense of control over my emotions. For me, balance is essential but maintaining it when I manage to find it… That’s the tricky part.
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Maintaining it is the tricky part. Thanks.
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You’re doing well when you put your own needs first.
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so true, Sadje. We women are just not conditioned that way.
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We aren’t but we should make an effort to put ourselves first.
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Agreed 🤗
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👍👍👍
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