This is my story of my rollercoaster journey towards wellness, while living with a long term invisible illness and how a holistic approach helps me challenge M.E.
At the age of 21 I was in the midst of an Occupational Therapy degree when an unknown illness took hold of me. I am now 42.
A few years later it was given a name. You have M.E. (Chronic Fatigue) – well did I cry, and have many times since. Like many chronic conditions there is no fast fix, no cure and little understanding from the medical world leaves you searching for answers yourself. That’s when you have the energy and aren’t dealing with all the symptoms that come hand in hand with it.
So I struggle on, trying to live as normal a life as possible. I worked with children then moved into the mental health field, using my time off to rest and recharge. These years were hard but I did still have a little sparkle.
I had a little boy at the age of 32, my earth angel. Over the next year my system well and truly crashed. Smells, food, light, sounds, everything floored me. I was barely living.
This crash ignited my life changing journey towards wellness and a much more positive me.
As M.E. (Chronic Fatigue) is so complex and displays many symptoms which vary from person to person I can’t begin to call myself an expert but I’m an expert on me. I would like to share a few things I have learnt along the way.
It’s a very lonely illness as a lot of chronic illnesses are. I know that for a fact. It can have a huge negative effect on both your physical and mental wellbeing. This is not your fault. Please don’t give up hope. You are worth fighting for. You are strong. Often, you would just like someone to spend a day in your shoes. For them to see just how hard it is to get through the day. So that they can see just how strong you are to do this, day after day.
As conventional medicine can’t treat this I turned to complimentary therapies, with many helping, but not just one had the answer. The journey has brought me to a much more mindful me. Treating my body and soul gently and working with it rather than against it. It has taken years, an awful lot of determination plus various treatments to bring my system from 30% to 80%!
You have to find what works best for you.
Alternative therapies, drinking plenty of pure water, eating a gentle healthy diet with as little processed food as possible. Limiting alcohol, caffeine, grains and sugar. Taking supplements that support me have helped my digestive system and me cope much better.
Rest when you need to (I know this is hard! Especially if in the tired but wired phase). Choose a gentle form of exercise. Get fresh air. Meditate, even if you only manage a few minutes to begin with. Decide between your priorities. Enjoy an Epson salt bath which helps the body detox and provides much needed magnesium. Have fun and if you can, get a little first aid kit together by writing down all the things that help you on a difficult day and use this. When you can, help others. Bring mindful techniques into your day. Show gratitude. Listen to, read or watch inspirational stories. Go gently and be kind with yourself. Talk to yourself as you would your best friend.
Seek help and support from whatever source works for you. For me it was a few close friends and my sister, those who lift you up. Writing down my thoughts was fundamental. My journal became my best friend.
Yes, it’s a different life but it can be a good one. You are in charge and you do have the power to fully live your life is a way that nourishes you in your own unique way, you already do!
Who would have thought that this journey would bring me to my soul purpose? Which I’ve learned is to inspire with my story and my little blossoming business, in a way that works with me and still allows me to help others.
One morning I woke with an idea. Inspired by my son Adam who was 7 at the time I was to create an Inspiration Journal. Really, me!
My mission was to create a best friend, a special place to nurture your strengths and build upon your self-love. Someone to turn to and disclose your inner most thoughts and dreams.
It took time and my idea blossomed as the journal took shape. A gentle guide into the world of self- discovery. A positive place to help us find the best version of ourselves. With free pages for your thoughts, inspirational quotes dotted throughout provide gentle encouragement, little hints and 10 special Bliss projects uniquely designed as a fun way to connect with your holistic, inspiring self. Fill your Bliss Gratitude Jar, Bliss Good Deed Hearts and Bliss Inspiration Board with all your own inner magic. On the more difficult days refer to your Bliss First Aid kit and know that I am here, like you doing my best to shine and sparkle.
Feel free to visit my website to find out more at myinspirationjournal.com.
Many thanks for reading, please know that you are not alone. You are amazing just as you are and have such strength. You are an Inspiration, please don’t forget it. Keep sparkling as only you can.
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