I expect that you're puzzled by the title? How on earth can living with CFS have an up-side?
This post was inspired by a question on the forum. When I first read it I immediately dismissed the notion that there could be something good about this illness, but on reflection, every cloud has a silver lining, here's the one that means the most to me...
This post was inspired by a question on the forum. When I first read it I immediately dismissed the notion that there could be something good about this illness, but on reflection, every cloud has a silver lining, here's the one that means the most to me...
Time.
I have more time than most people because I live my life in a slower and more considered fashion. I don't rush, because I can't. It's remarkably liberating to have stepped off the hamster wheel and actually notice details of the world around me.
From the swallows chasing insects, the seagulls celebrating the first flight of their young, to the kestrel on her favourite lamppost and the ants sneaking breadcrumbs back to their nests, I see so much more because I have time to look.
I stay home with my small children because I am not able to hold down a job. I see the triumphs and tragedies of their days, I watch them learn, play and grow in minute detail. I am amazed daily at how quickly they develop, how one day they can be so different to the next. Time gives me that luxury.
My stress levels are low. I don't worry because it has a negative effect on my health. If I can see an issue that I think could cause me a problem, then I examine it and plan my responses to the possible outcomes. I can do this, because CFS gives me time.
And to finish, a quote from M. Scott Peck on Time...
Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.
I have more time than most people because I live my life in a slower and more considered fashion. I don't rush, because I can't. It's remarkably liberating to have stepped off the hamster wheel and actually notice details of the world around me.
From the swallows chasing insects, the seagulls celebrating the first flight of their young, to the kestrel on her favourite lamppost and the ants sneaking breadcrumbs back to their nests, I see so much more because I have time to look.
I stay home with my small children because I am not able to hold down a job. I see the triumphs and tragedies of their days, I watch them learn, play and grow in minute detail. I am amazed daily at how quickly they develop, how one day they can be so different to the next. Time gives me that luxury.
My stress levels are low. I don't worry because it has a negative effect on my health. If I can see an issue that I think could cause me a problem, then I examine it and plan my responses to the possible outcomes. I can do this, because CFS gives me time.
And to finish, a quote from M. Scott Peck on Time...
Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.
What a brilliant post, kooky. It's so easy as a CFSer to feel down and sorry for yourself, but as you say, there IS an upside - life doesn't end with CFS and there are some aspects of life that actually improve.
ReplyDeleteIf it wasn't for the fact I got CFS I would not have found the forum, I would not have found you lot and I certainly wouldn't have the sense of achievement i get when I actually do do something constructive. Fantastic post Kooky
ReplyDeleteI think we are all lucky in a sense to have CFS, if that makes any sense, as without this illness we would not have found each other.....
ReplyDeleteI know that at times it has it's dark sides, but what makes my day is talking to you guys and knowing no matter how we feel on a day to basis, we have each other to lean on no matter what...... Xx