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ME/CFS Distractions – Stay on Plan

11/12/2014

6 Comments

 
Picture© 2014 TSM
I had a plan for the last two weeks but it didn’t play out the way I’d envisioned.  Honestly, I can’t remember how things got so off track.  Maybe I was trying to juggle too much or maybe it was the reality that too many variables were in play.  I was truly over ambitious.  Of course this reminded me of when I was struggling with ME/CFS and it took so long for me to finally get focused on the plan – the single focus plan.

During the beginning of my struggle, I was riding the rollercoaster of push/crash.  I had no consistent plan for managing my illness.  Each day was a question mark.  How was I going to do today?  How would I feel?  And this lack of planning only made me feel worse.  Then I finally understood that all the distractions of life – all of the ‘To Dos’ – were keeping me from getting well again.  I needed to ignore the distractions and focus on saving my energy and using it with discretion.  I needed to stay with the plan.


So the Holidays are fast approaching.  The next six weeks or so will be filled with activities and lists of ‘To Dos’.  It will be a time that pushes our wellness plans to the limit.  What are your strategies for staying on plan?  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


6 Comments
Donna
11/12/2014 09:24:31 pm

Yes, the yearly dilemma! How to make the holidays enjoyable; in yet avoid an extreme post-Christmas crash. It's probably a bit easier for me than many others. My children are in their thirties now with no children of their own. We live quite a distance from extended family. For the last four years I've refused to travel for their festivities because that's a recipe for disaster that can last for months. As the years have passed, I've eliminated many of the traditional to-dos: no cards are sent; no baking is done; fewer gifts are bought; etc. My daughter has assumed some of the niceties in doing the stockings and is helpful with cooking. Last year we had our Christmas dinner and snack trays prepared by Trader Joe's. Also, last year each of us prepared an activity in which all could participate. We made candles, learned a new board game, and made a racket with a variety of musical instruments. That was different and fun! So far, this year I've avoided thinking about it and doing any planning, but you're right, Martha...the time has come!

Reply
Martha
11/16/2014 02:16:08 am

Make it so! I'm working on it myself. Thanks Donna

Reply
Tim Boland
11/16/2014 09:11:54 am

I like how clearly you are seeing things, Donna, and the way that you have arranged things in your life to make it better for you on your path toward more wellness.

Reply
Tim Boland
11/15/2014 05:32:01 pm

Your words remind me of how it feels to live with CFS on a day to day basis, Martha. For me, part of it is having to do some things to ensure that my business does not crash. And sometimes my concentration and diligence are not what they were when I was well.

It is as if we are being asked to do the impossible, to continue with life as if nothing has happened, at least from the perspective of those who live outside our lives. We have to do certain things to survive yet we sincerely wish to recover. For me, it is my top priority, I have realized nothing is more important. One could have a trillion dollars but if you do not feel well, if you struggle each day to keep your spirits up enough to complete the day with its sometimes challenges, that is enough. Money does not even complete with the blessings of good health.

Something else quite difficult is the boredom. I honestly do feel better when I am resting more, allowing that easy chair to welcome me more often, but I become restless, find myself online more than I know is healthy, until my body starts to hurt more and remind me ... rest.

If there are pearly gates and if there is a St Peter to welcome us, or in Buddhism an enlightened one to welcome us to the Pure Land, are there special medals given to those who suffer with chronic illness, if not, I suggest strongly that there should be.

Reply
Martha
11/16/2014 02:25:45 am

This is such a cruel disease. Especially for people who are used to making things happen through determination and stamina. Yeah, boredom is huge with forced rest if your mind is cranking away. The only thing that helped me to deal with it was reminding myself of why I was there and sticking to the plan. Thanks TIm

Reply
Tim Boland
11/16/2014 09:14:01 am

Wow Martha, your words bring home to me that this is how I have made many things happen in my life, through determination and stamina. It reminds me a lot of how your describe your own journey in your recovery. My doctor told me a story early on about a man with CFS who recovered fully over a period of years. It happens, it is doable, I just need to remind myself that I won't get there by constantly pushing myself. Now that's hard.


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    Hello,  I'm
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    After struggling with CFS for four years I am fortunate now to be fully well and making choices about how I want to live my healthy life.  One choice is to be an active part of the CFS community and to offer one voice from the fully recoverd to the dialogue.  I'm glad you're here!   For more about me, here's my Bio.

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