© 2011 TSM
Everyday ME/CFS sufferers deal with choices. The ‘energy envelope’ as it’s referred to nowadays. The emphasis is placed on how much energy you have, what MUST you handle today and what can you postpone or just let go of altogether. This approach refers almost exclusively to physical energy expenditure.
When I was sick, physical energy conservation was a primary concern for me. But I came to realize over time that emotional and psychological energy were even more important. Doesn’t make sense? Here’s how it would go for me.
During the times when I was ‘resting’ and making well balanced decisions about my physical energy, my mind was still active. Almost racing along despite the brain fog, I kept sifting through things mentally like a Virginia Woolf stream of consciousness passage on speed. And despite my best efforts to be upbeat and positive about my situation and progress to date, I would eventually wander down the self questioning and negative path of doubt. And then would come the damaging and harsh list of everything that I was failing at because of *@!# CFS.
For me, this was exhausting. And debilitating. So over time I learned to still my mind. Beating myself up mentally wasn’t changing anything except eating up precious energy that I needed for the long haul.
So after you fend off the insensitive comments of others, how do you look upon yourself? Do you fester over your situation? How do you still the negative voices? 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
When I was sick, physical energy conservation was a primary concern for me. But I came to realize over time that emotional and psychological energy were even more important. Doesn’t make sense? Here’s how it would go for me.
During the times when I was ‘resting’ and making well balanced decisions about my physical energy, my mind was still active. Almost racing along despite the brain fog, I kept sifting through things mentally like a Virginia Woolf stream of consciousness passage on speed. And despite my best efforts to be upbeat and positive about my situation and progress to date, I would eventually wander down the self questioning and negative path of doubt. And then would come the damaging and harsh list of everything that I was failing at because of *@!# CFS.
For me, this was exhausting. And debilitating. So over time I learned to still my mind. Beating myself up mentally wasn’t changing anything except eating up precious energy that I needed for the long haul.
So after you fend off the insensitive comments of others, how do you look upon yourself? Do you fester over your situation? How do you still the negative voices? 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
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