
© 2012 TSM
This spring in New England has been a strange cycle of early prolonged hot weather followed by several weeks of cold, damp weather with a few nights below freezing. And like most things that respond to warmth and sunlight, I was out in my garden in early March, clearing the flower beds of winter debris. All of my perennials were sprouted and many already budding out way before their normal timeframe. Now, after a few frosts, I look about and see damage on many of the flowers and shrubs. And of course it reminds me of my successes and failures with pacing when I was struggling with ME/CFS.
It was so difficult to recognize the difference between solid progress where I could take the next step toward recovery and a good day which needed to be repeated at the same level for a while. Of course my hope and emotions were almost always in the ‘this is it’ camp. Unfortunately, most of the time I needed to stay where I was and follow the protocol until this new level of health was consistently repeated. In the beginning, I jumped forward and was almost always rewarded with a set back. Some more severe than others. But over time, I finally began to listen to my body’s call for restraint and to review my daily log for patterns that pointed to whether or not I was ready.
I admit that it took a strong hold on the reins at times when I really wanted to unleash a cantor. Do you struggle with pacing? How do you deal with miss queue days? Please COMMENT or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them. You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.
Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays. And consider being part of the conversation.
Be Well Again,
Martha

© 2012 TSM
It happens to me every year as the end of February approaches. Although I don’t see the signs of change in myself yet, one of my window plants catches my notice. There’s a new vibrancy in its color or maybe even a tiny sprout where a dead leaf has been dropped. Something triggers my attentiveness and before I’ve cognitively made the connection, I’m trimming, repotting and fertilizing all my plants.
What my plants have all been responding to, and what I’m also caught up in, are the longer days with brighter light streaming in my windows. And I think back to my ME/CFS days and remember how hard it was day after day, week after week and month after month to keep my spirits up. To remember my resolve to keep to the protocol, to allow myself the space to heal, and most importantly to cut myself the mental slack I needed. The only time I didn’t need to be intentional about being upbeat was when the light began to get noticeably brighter at this time of year. There’s a reaction to the increasing daylight that we experience on a cellular level. I’m sure there are reams of scientific studies that have investigated this response but I don’t need to read them. My sense of renewal and optimism are palpable. And during my ME/CFS struggle, it was a natural to see this NOT as the marking of another year of this cruel illness, but as the beginning of the year when my progress would get me to the next health plateau – the next stage of recovery.
I’m hoping that you are able to harness this brighter light and natural source of anticipation to carry you successfully along your path back to wellness. How are you utilizing this bright injection of renewed energy? Please COMMENT or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them. You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.
Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays. And consider being part of the conversation.
Be Well Again,
Martha