...DEFEAT Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: ...............................................................You don't have to live with it
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ME/CFS/SEID Attitude – Find Thankfulness

11/22/2016

2 Comments

 
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When I sat down to blog about Thanksgiving, I looked at what I had written last year.  I can’t do a better job of expressing how I feel about this holiday and struggling with ME/CFS/SEID at the same time.  So here it is again:
 
Thanksgiving traditionally generates clichés about thankfulness.  The mantra basically goes like this:  Be thankful for what you DO have, not what is missing.  Most of us would agree with this outlook.  It is better to focus on the positive.  But it isn’t easy to do especially when you’ve been struggling with SEID/CFS for a year or for 20 years.
 
When I was sick, I would allow myself to indulge in some self pity around this time of year but I knew that was totally unproductive and a waste of what little energy I had.  I would then get irritated with myself for my self-centered attitude and so just added more negativity to my load.  But it can be unfair to expect a person who is struggling with a body that can’t handle normal activity to be upbeat, positive and ultimately thankful.
 
So as the rest of the world around me went about their daily routines, I would look at my life and try to find something to be thankful for.  Mostly, I focused on the few people around me who understood what I was going through and supported me in large and small ways.  I made a point to tell them how much I appreciated what they did.
 
And after I let go of the negativity toward myself, I realized that I needed to appreciate the work I did all year long.  The work of getting well again.  Sticking to the snails pace recovery, following the protocol when I didn’t want to and being present in my life in whatever way I could realistically handle.

 
How are you handling thankfulness?  Are you finding things to be thankful for?  Please COMMENT on this blog or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them with your permission.  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.

And for you and all of your loved ones,
I wish you a warm and Bountiful Thanksgiving,
​
Be Well Again,
Martha


2 Comments
Tim Boland
11/26/2016 12:49:46 am

I have an assistant with my business, Patty, and today I expressed thankfulness to her that through her boyfriend at the time, who helps greatly with repairs in my business, I was able to find her. It was so difficult in the early stages of my illness, I had a woman who helped but I found out, often from the words of others, that she was not dealing honestly with me. So I feel perhaps more grateful now for a woman who is hard working and is willing to work for me, and with me, within the nature of the business.

This is the strangest illness, Martha, as in many ways I see myself as 'healthy', I generally eat well and take good care of myself, I have surprised myself at being able to relax a little more and even laugh occasionally. Laughing certainly does not come easily when at other moments, depression or sadness is nearby.

I have one television series I watch on Netflix called Merlin, about the days and times of Price Arthur, soon to be king. Though only 'characters' in the series, it shows people who, severely challenged at times to be at their strongest and best, people who like all of us have crises and difficulties, yet strive to do the right thing and continue on. I also like nature series, and reclining in my easy chair, often close my eyes and just listen to a nice narration, the sounds of animals ... nature can be so soothing and calming.

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Martha
11/26/2016 10:02:27 am

It is a blessing to have truly helpful people in our lives. Especially those who are loyal. And I also find great ease and comfort in nature and the sounds of wildlife. Moments can be precious when we're present to them. Thanks Tim!

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    Hello,  I'm
    Martha Kilcoyne

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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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