I awoke this morning to a fresh covering of sparkling powdery snow. It clung to every branch of each tree and hung in clumps on the evergreens. The snowy carpet was a brilliant white when the sun shone and it disguised every little blemish which had been visible the day before. It reminded me of when I was struggling with ME/CFS and I would bravely wear my mask of ‘I’m doing ok’ even though I was hard pressed to hold it together. I had been taught by others that they were not interested in my illness or didn’t understand it or didn’t believe that I had a real physical illness.
It drove me to not talk about it. I had come to flinch at ‘the looks’ whether they were disinterest, confusion or pity. Unfortunately, I began to only see those people and under value the people closest to me who cared and who understood. I would sometimes hide my true situation from them as well.
It’s hard to stay the course with ME/CFS and work your way back to health by watching your patterns and conserving your energy. You need a few people to be there with you. Not a crowd – just a few. When I finally revealed my true situation to a few close friends, the response was supportive and unburdening for me. I realized how hard it had been to wear the mask of ‘I’m doing ok’.
Take a risk with a trusted friend and let them know how you are truly doing. Or reach out to someone who already knows and check in. For a selective few, their support and caring can make a huge difference. 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. And Guest Blogs are most welcome!
Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays. And consider being part of the conversation.
Be Well Again,
Martha
It drove me to not talk about it. I had come to flinch at ‘the looks’ whether they were disinterest, confusion or pity. Unfortunately, I began to only see those people and under value the people closest to me who cared and who understood. I would sometimes hide my true situation from them as well.
It’s hard to stay the course with ME/CFS and work your way back to health by watching your patterns and conserving your energy. You need a few people to be there with you. Not a crowd – just a few. When I finally revealed my true situation to a few close friends, the response was supportive and unburdening for me. I realized how hard it had been to wear the mask of ‘I’m doing ok’.
Take a risk with a trusted friend and let them know how you are truly doing. Or reach out to someone who already knows and check in. For a selective few, their support and caring can make a huge difference. 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. And Guest Blogs are most welcome!
Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays. And consider being part of the conversation.
Be Well Again,
Martha
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