ME/CFS and EBV Solution

Hello again,

This post is for folks interested in alleviating ME/CFS as well as eliminating Epstein-Barr or stealth EBV. As always, consult with your doctor before trying any of these techniques.*

I intentionally titled this post "ME/CFS Solution" because western medicine says there is no cure for ME/CFS. I included EBV here because this blog post is based on the newer holistic health finding that stealth EBV (in the liver and organs) is the root cause for ME/CFS. There is no western medicine test for EBV stealthily lodged in organs; so, there is not yet a medical way to prove this.

Stick with me here, as this is a holistic solution, and there's not much research yet about the assertation that viruses eat. There are some fringe studies confirming this. If you stop feeding the stealth EBV, then it clears. Of course viruses eat, think about it - that is my opinion. Anti-inflammatory eating is helpful regardless of what you believe.

Vast Improvement

I've had ME/CFS for decades and was diagnosed holistically with stealth EBV; changing what I eat and adding in anti-viral supplements changed my entire life.

With this plan, I went from "moderate" to "mild" and had an entire summer symptom free. Much earlier in my journey I was prescribed cortisol, thyroid meds (for sub-clinical levels of thyroid hormone, meaning I didn't really need the meds), and prescribed a small dose of Adderall just to stay awake, and these meds sent me into a year-long crash. I no longer take these three meds.

Guess what EBV specifically eats...stick with me...if you have tried everything and none of it works, what I'm about to tell you is easy to do and doesn't have to cost a lot.

OK, what does EBV eat?

Sugar and dairy especially. Just try going sugar free (you can have raw honey and fruit) and dairy free - NO EGGS, and no whey protein powder - go for a couple of weeks. See how you feel. 

This is free!

The second part is that EBV eats pharmaceuticals (see the work of Anthony William), so if your doctor is saying your meds aren't working, or you know your meds aren't working, talk to your doctor about eliminating those which do not work. 

Even if you don't believe what I'm saying about viruses eating, you should still check in with your doctor to see if you are overmedicated. I'm NOT saying to go off your meds, just check in with your doctor. I take medication, by the way, and have reduced meds by eliminating the non-essential/non-working meds - per my western medicine doctor's approval. 

If you are a "normie" you may be surprised to see the laundry list of meds prescribed for ME/CFS, and some of these meds are used on a trial-and-error basis. On the ME/CFS support page, I've read accounts of these meds not working, and then folks going forward with more trials. 

Look, all I can say is that the anti-inflammatory eating plan worked for me, and it's the only thing I've ever tried that worked for me. Again, run everything holistic you try by your doctor first.

Going Forward

If you've read Medical Medium you know there are some other troublemaker foods to eliminate (in addition to dairy and sugar), and also a host of supplements to take. From personal experience, these need to be tailored to your individual needs by a Medical Medium practitioner. (For example, I eat meat, fat, salt - this is an individual thing, which is why I'm not listing my full protocol here).

If you try Medical Medium protocol from the book Medical Medium for stealth EBV (which Anthony alleges is the root cause of ME/CFS) by yourself, without a practitioner, you might go in to detox and it will HURT badly - meaning, an increase in flu-like symptoms. 

If you've tried everything and nothing has worked so far...try eliminating dairy, including whey protein powder, and eggs, and sugar (keep the raw honey, you can have as much as you want).This is free and what do you have to lose. 

Maybe even just significantly reduce sugar and dairy; this includes reducing maple syrup and agave (remove all sugars except fruit and raw honey) and see how you feel. I hurt for 2 full days if I eat sugar or dairy (sometimes I do eat these, as I give myself a "wild card" meal per week).

You can also read Medical Medium by Anthony William to get more detail about the anti-inflammatory protocol; this changed my life. By the way, an irresponsible journalist wrote an inaccurate story about Anthony, saying that his eating plan was detrimental - I've heard Anthony William say many times in videos and podcasts - GO TO YOUR DOCTOR! (The person written about in the article did not, and would not follow this advice, which was given to her many times by Anthony - unfortunately the journalist did not bother to interview Williams).

Again, this kind of anti-inflammatory eating plan can be supervised and approved by your western medicine doctor - it's just healthy and anti-inflammatory eating. That's it and some supplements.

I eat plenty of fresh, organic produce (including fruit) - and I take calcium and do bone density exercises (these are not hard for those with mild ME/CFS. Understandably, not all ME/CFS folks can get out of bed, but you can wait and see if anti-inflammatory eating helps).

I should be totally ME/CFS (EBV) free in about a year; it's a process. The pandemic, long covid, and midlife hormonal changes slowed the healing down, but again, I went from moderate to mild, and now have a plan to get even better! (If you are a "normie" reading this, mild ME/CFS is still considered 65% capacity).

Also, let me be clear. Even if the "viruses eat" thing turns out "to be false," the detailed and specific anti-inflammatory eating/supplement plan I got from my Medical Medium practitioner worked! 

I am not in any way affiliated with Anthony William/Medical Medium. (Don't know him, never met him, don't know his staff, never had contact with him, don't receive any kickbacks, he has no idea who I am, and he will probably never see this blog post).

I searched and experimented with holistic health solutions for 10 full years; I am extremely methodical, detailed, and skeptical as far as exploring solutions -  and this is the only anti-inflammatory eating plan/supplement protocol that worked for me. 

Here's to Your Health, 

Alix

*The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice without delay regardless of anything read on this blog.

Deep Healing - Finding Your Ground

Hello again,

Recently I published a post about having a dysfunctional parent and described the hurt I felt growing up (and sometimes currently).

Often when I write something personal or tell others, I receive a solution in the following days.

This one came from a book I owned, as I received an intuitive hit to re-read it more closely a second time.

It's called The Goddess, Mythological Images of the Feminine by Christine Downing. 

I have studied and discovered various layers and contours of archetypes in myself for 15 years.  

The most influential books for me are Jean Bolen's, Goddesses in Everywoman, Gods in Everyman, and Goddesses in Older Woman (my favorite, and this can apply to old-soul younger women).

These books provide both and an intellectual and spiritual treasure trove for women who are seeking more self-understanding and depth in their lives. 

I'll talk briefly about the Bolen books before I get to the healing archetype I came across in Downing's book - one that has deeply changed my perspective.

Understanding Feminine Archetypes

The Jean Bolen trilogy provides an intrinsic foundational understanding of the rich and complex influence of archetypes in our lives.

Bolen's pantheon includes mostly Greek Gods and Goddesses, and her books serve as powerful healing tools that provide both a revelatory and deeply empowering view of the nuances and complexity of the feminine (and masculine).  

Of course, all humans possess both feminine and masculine traits, so the terms "feminine" and "masculine" are used for descriptive purposes but are not limited to one gender.

Without going too much into the breadth and depth of Bolen's rich archetypal material, I will touch on a few of the main Goddesses so I can then explain why Downing's material affected me so deeply.

Greek Goddess Archetypes

There are several Goddess archetypes no longer readily found in Western culture. Hestia is one of them, and she is the Greek Goddess of the hearth who represents living from one's center. 

Persephone represents someone who is very comfortable in the underworld, the world of images, dreams, impressions and intuition. She can also be an empath or have mild or strong psychic abilities.

Sophia (a non-Greek Goddess) is the active archetype in someone who is naturally receptive to mysticism who has intuitive revelations about self or others.

Sensitivity and Depth

Learning about these archetypes gave me a powerful validation of my sensitivity, depth and intuition, when most of my life I've been told I'm too quiet and "not enough."

I now strongly disagree, I say with amusement.

You may read some of Bolen's works and learn that, archetypally, you are actually "more than." 

I don't mean that in an arrogant way, it's just that some folks may not be able to relate to your depth, sensitivity, and insight - those are the circumstances where I'm quiet, actually. 

At this point, I accept that when I'm around folks who "don't get me" it's ok for me to be quieter than I normally would around kindred souls.

I just don't see a need to reveal myself to non-sensitives, when I probably won't be understood anyway. 

This is said without resentment or the desperation I used to have to be seen by these folks.

But, on to my main point. 

A Missing Puzzle Piece

For years I lavished in the study of feminine archetypes (I'm an INFJ, so an interest in Jungian depth psychology comes naturally). I've read and journaled about the content of many books about archetypes.

However, no matter how deep I went, learned about myself, or came to have a reverence for the rich capacities of the feminine, something was missing.

There was still a felt vacuity in my knowledge-base, a missing piece of the puzzle, and a vague hurt. I was feeling this when I wrote my last post about my absent mother. 

Until I picked up the Downing book...

The Earth Mother Archetype

Christine Downing talks about an archetype that is the mother of all feminine archetypes, the ontological ground, or progenitor of these many facets of femininity.

Downing calls her Gaia, the great mother, specifically a transpersonal, pre-human force, an archetype that lives within us all.

Gaia is a facet that is usually found later in life, after much introspection, and she comes into play as a result of having lived deeply and well (including working through our pain), but still finding something is missing.

She is the Earth Mother, the Center, but even more so than Demeter, the consummate (although sometimes clinging) mother archetype. 

Gaia has more of a primal, transpersonal grounded center than Hestia, the quiet and naturally Zen woman. 

Primordial Force

Most folks have some sort of Higher Power they turn to, but Gaia is an archetype, a primordial force that is primarily "of the earth". 

An ancient statue depicts Gaia emerging from the earth, as her many feminine facets constellate out of her primal  "allness" into various Goddess archetypes.

She's a force not in terms of dominance or willfulness, but in terms of healing transformation. 

The inherent sense of self-worth that Gaia provides affords us a secure base from which we can more easily let go.

When we give up the various flawed and more human Goddesses to Gaia, their primordial mother, their possible defects of character come into balance more easily. 

Athena's drive for power can transmute more easily into an authentic, generative creativity.

Aphrodite's relationship-destabilizing potential (by possibly leading with her sexuality in an imbalanced way) can become a healthy, sensuality-based, relationality. 

Persephone's sometimes excruciating vulnerability can transform into a wisdom-based potential to serve as a guide for others. 

Artemis's righteous anger at social ills may ground itself into centered action for service to world and community.

A Sophia woman's mysticism is enriched and deepened.

Or perhaps...when we transform and heal our Goddess archetypes into their positive poles, Gaia is more likely to reveal herself to deepen the healing.

Releasing to Gaia

When we metaphorically give up, or release, our biological mother to Gaia, we realize we are all bit players in the human continuum. 

We are all unmothered until we find Gaia, we are all in the same boat. 

Those of us closer to the Great Mother's capacity for rootedness and generativity (having worked on ourselves consciously and/or intuitively) tend to be more authentic and emotionally healthy. 

Those who are unlucky enough to have a lack of understanding about how to access this powerful grounding force (or some semblance thereof) lean more towards dysfunction.

There is an enormous amount of self-esteem and self-awareness to be gleaned from Goddess femininity.

Homecoming

Gaia is a primordial, transhuman, pre-personal archetype that is is available to us, from within us.

Her roots are pre-Hellenic, and her mythological inception is pre-Kronos. She is an ever-present source of groundedness and connection, and a reminder of our deep worth.

Being grounded in her primal, rooted, "is-ness" teaches us the gist of the saying, "We are so much more than our worst mistakes, and even more than our greatest accomplishments."  

There is no need for proving in her domain, no need for overcompensation.

She is a lost archetype, but those who eventually find her (one way or another) may also find a depth of peace. 

Not a blissful Nirvana-in-the-sky state, but the experience of the absorption or transformation of grief and suffering into a reverent and deep sense of acceptance and worth of our feminine being.

Grief, resentment, hurt, aloneness are softened, and compassion comes in, for we are all in search of our "homecoming." 

Those who find Gaia within - and she is available to us all - may find some semblance of peace at last. 

Not a pure serenity, but a wizened and deep appreciation for the suffering of humanity due to the separateness from a whole-ing and healing, primordial grounded center.

A Votre Sante (Here's to your health),

Alix

Chronic Fatigue - Overcoming Feeling Like You're Being Punished

CFS a Way Out

Hello again,

Welcome! I have a distinctive perspective about CFS, and as always, everyone is on their own journey, so take what you like and leave the rest...

I write the following post speaking from A LOT - years, years, years - of experience and having tried many, many protocols for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and with all my heart and soul, I wish for you to find the way out.

Frustration

My doctor wrote a book about CFS where he talks about the inherent sexism (since mostly women experience it) in that people don't believe us - and this has been the hardest part for me regarding the mental game in dealing with the loss of a normal life.

I was made fun of again today. My wonderful family member (whom I love VERY much) joked, "Oh, I was thinking of taking a nap, and sleep made me think of you - so I called."  I have been the butt of a lot of  jokes for 30 years for sleeping - my life away, actually.

When you have chronic fatigue, you are actually a member of a minority, and recent social events reveal how minorities are often treated:  Minimized, not listened to, and made to feel like they are invisible.

Unfortunately when I tell someone I have chronic fatigue, the comment I most often hear is, "Don't you think it's all in your head?"

Pain, Sickness, Exhaustion

Frankly, this is excruciating, after 30 years of sleeping 10-12 hours a day, pain, always being sick, isolation because I lay down all the time, loss of friends, loss of playing music (I'm an accomplished jazz musician).

I can handle the physical pain (borderline fibromyalgia, curling up in a ball crying), I accept the loss of thousands of dollars in supplements and doctors that didn't work, and the loss of...not exaggerating....probably 100Kish from having to work part-time for several years and having my career vastly interrupted.

I really hate the physical pain and confusion and collapsing - yes, you can actually collapse from exhaustion, and it's happened to me many times.

I hate that I have to modify every single area of my life, every detail, and spend most of it at home.

There's A Way Out

I don't write this to feel sorry for myself, but to tell you that you are not alone, and there is a way out of feeling beaten down by life.

Seven years ago I found a great holistic Doctor, and although his medication didn't work (I gained 20lbs, my hair started to fall out, I got a rash all over my face - the meds made my condition worse) he was smart enough and humble enough to send me to acupuncture and a homeopath.

Acupuncture definitely works for CFS - I haven't collapsed in a long while, and I don't hurt as much. (I also did Bowen massage therapy, as even mild fibro can hurt a lot - fibro is sometimes misdiagnosed as autoimmune, and mine is mostly reversed).

Medical Medium

But the real answer didn't come until I read Anthony William's book Medical Medium: Secrets Behind Chronic Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal.  His eating protocol changed my life and, in fact, I have an appointment with one of his Healing Ambassadors Nicole Galante in a couple of weeks, to help with supplements and even to get a reading. 

(Anthony Williams, the Medical Medium, is considered one of the most credible and legitimate medical intuitives living today.)

Remember the old (now humorous) George H.W. Bush quote "Read my lips, there will be no new taxes."  

Well, read my lips...There is "technically" no such thing as fibro or autoimmune disease, these are only symptoms - the body isn't attacking itself - in fact, viruses are...but there is no Western Medicine test for viruses in the liver.

Here's a wonderful recording of Anthony. The answers come around 35:00 - clearing hidden Epstein-Barr virus is easy and not scary. (Again, a test won't pick up the virus hidden inside organs).

That is good news!  We can change the way we eat!  We can do something!  I am no longer stuck in Western Medicine's gray area...because eating the correct foods makes ALL the difference in the world for me.

You might want to consider reading Anthony William's first book, Medical Medium.  It doesn't cost much compared to all the doctors visits and supplements, and it's a HUGELY powerful book to have in your arsenal.

Here's to Your Success

I love, you, I know there are hundreds of you are out there, I know we've been through the same thing. 

This was my life - can you imagine trying to hide pain and exhaustion for 30 years and no one, including doctors, believe you?  I'm sure you can because you've experienced it!

The Medical Medium eating protocol is one of the few things that's worked for me, and it might be helpful for you too.

I hope folks have found this post useful...again, take what you like and leave the rest!

Blessings,

Alix

Postscript - Full transparency, a day after I wrote this I got cocky and ate some frozen mac and cheese - dairy, gluten, eggs, msg ("natural flavors").  I woke up with a splitting headache and will spend most of the day laying down. Slipping is part of the process, live and learn!  I'm even more motivated now - see what Anthony Williams says about why eggs, gluten, dairy, sugar, processed foods make chronic fatigue worse.

Chemical Scents and COVID-19

Hello again,

The COVID-19 pandemic has led me to share some information about chemical scents that I would not normally disclose to my family, friends and acquaintances (unless they specifically ask me about it).  

But with the outbreak affecting the lungs, this information may be pertinent during this time. Here’s to your health…

Toxic Ingredients

The FDA does not regulate air fresheners or scented candles which often contain formaldehyde, phthalates, DDT (dichlorobenzine was banned as a pesticide in 1972 for links to cancer and birth defects), and other highly toxic chemicals.

Since the late sixties incense smoke has been known to contain a multitude of possible carcinogens, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls and benzene.

Scented candles and air fresheners contain a chemical that intentionally desensitizes a person’s sense of smell, causing the consumer to use even more of the product and be unaware of its strength.

Chemical scent residue can eventually build up on walls and carpets, continually emitting carcinogens.

Endocrine Disruptors

Toxic fragrances are known endocrine disruptors that can contribute to cancer and other conditions. 

This can include perfumes, scented laundry detergent, and even scented dryer sheets which now contain BPA (another known carcinogen) that melts into the clothes.

Due to these chemicals, half the fish in America’s waterways are now hermaphrodites. 

They are affecting the wildlife and people as well.

Endocrine disruptors can cause “man-boobs” and estrogenic weight gain in women. These chemicals are also carcinogenic, as small amounts have a great impact on the endocrine system.

Unregulated

Since chemical scents are not regulated by FDA, mainstream medicine doesn’t have any reference point to recommend limiting exposure. Toxic chemicals are slipped into the ingredients since they are unregulated.

The Holistic community across the board agrees are these scents are detrimental and carcinogenic.

A holistic thought leader Anthony William (author of Liver Rescue) explains scented candles and chemical scents are bad for the lungs, asthma, and are “more toxic than cigarette smoke.”

Limiting exposure during the pandemic may be wise.

For Your Consideration

Some people feel their candle is emitting a “lovely smell” – yes, DDT does have a sweet smell, which is why it’s often used. 

If you feel you are not at risk from these carcinogens, please consider the risk of using them around children, older adults, and those with chemical sensitivities.  

In general, those of us with chemical sensitivities experience immediate symptoms (including difficulty breathing) and carcinogenic effects on our bodies. 

It's a very bad experience, and to us the smell can be "sickeningly sweet" - e.g. your candle does not smell so good.  

Possibilities

What are your deepest values?  Are chemical fragrances worth the risk of exposure?  If not you, then what about risks to the health of those around you?

Please consider this post to be an opportunity. Maybe you’re reading this post today because “the Universe has got your back” and is offering awareness - and working on your behalf for your health.

Products labeled "natural" can contain any chemical substance, so "Certified Organic" may be the best way to go. 

Best Wishes to You,

Alix

Easy remedies for Insomnia

Hi All,

Here is a great video with techniques for insomnia that really work. 

I have tried these techniques and they are effective. I tend to wake up if I get too hot. Afterwards, if I don't take action, I may stay awake for two hours in the middle of the night. 

 

The ideal temperature for sleeping is supposedly 65-70 degrees.  But insomnia may occur due to stress or other unknown factors.

So I utilize the tips in the video to go back to sleep. This series of techniques is based on traditional Chinese medicine and helps calm the meridians, or energy pathways in the body.  In fact, Donna Eden can see these pathways, which has helped her develop these techniques for relieving insomnia.

My favorite techniques involve calming the triple warmer (the flight-or-fight meridian) which can get overstimulated and can cause the mind to be too active at night.

I also love the advice about putting your hands behind your knees to produce melatonin. This technique also calms the gall bladder meridian and can lead to immediate relaxation.

One thing I have yet to try is to actually hold the sedation points for various meridians in the middle of the night in order to go back to sleep.  I really look forward to trying this recommendation, which comes from Donna Eden's book Energy Medicine. 

 

If you are unfamiliar with energy medicine, these processes may seem odd. However, they do work, and I think most people with chronic insomnia are willing to try anything that is easy and free as well.

 

By the way, I don't personally know the practitioner in the video, but she is using methods that are based on the work of the wonderful Donna Eden.  I hope you find these useful.

 

 

 

A Votre Sante (Here's to your health), Alix

 

 

 

Chronic Fatigue - Called "Lazy" and "It's all in your head"

Acupuncture treatment for adrenal fatigue

Hi All, I hope this post will be helpful for anyone with a friend or relative with chronic fatigue. 

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

Chronic fatigue, sometimes called chronic fatigue syndrome is a catch-all term for long term exhaustion - be it mild, moderate, or severe. In my case, the cause was adrenal fatigue, a condition which is very common.

I am making a big comeback from years of chronic fatigue by receiving acupuncture treatments.  You might not know it, but people with CFS can tell a lot about you by the way you react to us.  I've noticed that some people who are a bit out of touch with their bodies seem to have somewhat low empathy for people with CFS. 

One of the most caring actions is to steer clear of offering unsolicited advice to your friend or relative with CFS.

Offering unsolicited help can make you come off as uninformed and off-base, so be sure to listen and "empathize rather than advise."  Unless you are a holistic health professional, you may not be very well informed, and giving uninformed advice can be counterproductive.

Acupuncture

It is interesting to me that when the swimmer Michael Phelps was pictured with cupping marks on his back during the summer Olympics, one article talking about this dismissed acupuncture and cupping as mere superstition. How ironic that the author of that article seemingly knew nothing about the meridians, neurolymphatic points, and had undoubtedly little experience with acupuncture. 

In fact, after 7 years of searching holistic and western medical solutions, acupuncture is responsible for my steady and successful comeback.

I used to experience significant exhaustion that interfered with my life and have been called "lazy", "overly sensitive", and told that "it was all in my head" by folks who knew me.

Adrenal fatigue

Being told to "just drink more coffee" is not necessarily helpful, as too much coffee can make things medically worse.  Especially if the cause is adrenal fatigue, which means the adrenals don't produce enough cortisol because they are exhausted. 

Luckily, western medicine doctors are beginning to address adrenal fatigue, a milder, but exhausting type of adrenal insufficiency.  Many western medicine doctors refuse to acknowledge that adrenal fatigue exists, and only acknowledge the more extreme case of adrenal insufficiency, such as Addison's disease.

Also, please don't "forget" when a loved one tells you they are chronically exhausted because this is a big deal to them. One misguided remark I heard from someone very close to me - "you should really ride your bicycle more."

If you are not familiar with CFS, there is no way someone with moderate to severe CFS is looking forward to a vigorous bike ride.

Also there can be constant pain.  Many CFS people report it feels like they have been hit by a bus - we are talking about somewhat disruptive pain. (CFS can be a precursor to fibromyalgia). I've found the "forgetters" can be people who might push themselves a lot and may not listen closely to their bodies.

A great kindness you can offer is please don't blame or pressure your CFS family member to do more around the house, or to try to push them into more activity.  From what my prior specialist says, it is not uncommon for spouses to accuse their CFS partner of being lazy and "get on their case."

I say all this, not to be critical, but to really paint a picture so you can understand what your friends or loved one may possibly be experiencing.

Your CFS friend or relative may even be trying to hide a difficult situation to look like they are in control or be productive at work, and may be financially challenged due to having to work only part time.

Downshifting

On the bright side, I received a gift from having to downshift my pace due to fatigue.

• The great gift in slowing my pace was waking up to the connectedness of life.
• Instead of overly-socializing, I kept a few close, very valuable friends.
• Instead of power-exercise, I took slow, relaxed walks, and spent time journaling and doing introspective work. 
• As I downshifted, I observed others frantically try to "keep up" and decided I didn't have to be one of them.
• I am so grateful that I slowed down and became more observant of myself and others.
• Plus, I gained a lot of compassion for those who are dealing with long term health challenges.

If you have a friend or relative with chronic fatigue, you will score a lot of points by showing compassion, listening, and being understanding - also not forgetting.  Unless you have been through a similar experience and want to share resources, it is best not offer unsolicited advice that may be off-base - this may eventually tend to drive your friend away rather than help.


A Votre Sante (Here's To Your Health), Alix

Chronic fatigue - for friends and family

Hi all,
 

I don’t usually talk about chronic fatigue much to others in real life.  I think I can be more honest about it now because I've made a big comeback, as acupuncture is working for me.

I hope this post will be helpful for friends and family who want to support and understand a loved one with CFS. 

This is a picture of what my fatigue was like at its worst, a couple of years ago, and some strange benefits to downshifting and living a slower paced life.

People often called me “too quiet.” Actually I was too drained to do much talking, but I did became an astute observer and good listener. I’ve been called “lazy” by people who were not very well informed about chronic fatigue.

I imagine the pace of my life was similar to the rhythms of pre-industrial times.  Before the advent of electricity, the average person slept 10 hours a night.  However, sleeping 10-12 hours was not a "stress-free" life for me as there was constant stress about how I was going to get up early when needed. 

Especially since there was pain. CFS for me was more than just feeling incredibly drained.

I would wake up- and for just a second - curl up in a ball and cry before getting out of bed. I at all wasn't sad, but it hurt some all day, sometimes so the point of distraction.  (Many CFS people experience this.)

My memory could become pretty foggy, and this is not a fun experience.  I managed work very effectively and,  though using Post Its, I never missed a beat.

It's really important to impress upon people unfamiliar with CFS that sleeping a lot is not optional - it's necessary, and it's a bummer.  It is totally impossible to force yourself to lead a "normal" life, and sometimes this is hard for others to understand.

My energy level affected my ability to perform music in public and for a couple of years I only worked part time due to incredibly low energy.  There is often a level of frustration about not being able to do more.

I began to study Jean Bolen's book Goddesses in Every Woman, and I gained a deep sense of worth from the quality of my femininity - having empathy and compassion for others - perhaps because I understood what it was like to have a long term disappointing loss of control. 

One chapter of Jean Bolen's book discusses Hestia, the Greek Goddess of Serenity. Hestia is a quiet, wise woman who brings a subtle, calming effect to others. 

I began to experience this calm through living a slow paced life and people said I had a nice, calming effect on them.

Now that I'm making a comeback through acupuncture, I don't want to push myself in life after years of a slower pace.

My goal is to lead a relatively private, elegant, simple life.

I recently read that "Ordinary" does not mean "Mediocre." It means “Order or Orderly.”

Therefore, an “ordinary” life is one of simplicity and having gratitude for the small and simple things in life.  

So, that is what I have learned from having had CFS. 

Maybe you have learned it too, perhaps through a health issue or another type of challenge.

 

A Votre Sante (Here's to Your Health), Alix