NEW YEAR REFLECTIONS

Bonjour, 

I'm sorry for the absence of my blog for a while but I had a lot of personal things and health issues to deal with. It then put me into a relapse. I'm only just beginning to recover from that relapse. 

I'll start by wishing you Bonne année et Bonne santé. It's not too late as we are still in the first month of 2024. 

I know it's customary at the start of a new year to reflect and make new resolutions. But surely reflection can take place at any time. In fact it might be a good habit to make regular reflections, to set aside time every week, to pause and take careful thought. Of course you could also keep a journal if that helps. 

Reflection should be honest and maybe the chance to look back and learn. Some of the questions maybe as follows. What am I grateful for? What have I learnt? What could have I done better? 

Therefore, I'm using this blog to take a moment to reflect and contemplate on my own situation and my feelings. 

Looking back I make the following observations 

• don't ignore new symptoms which then lead to other severe health problems
• listen to your body 
• know your limits 
• don't push yourself too much 
• pace and rest 
• don't be afraid to ask for help 
• be more forgiving and understanding 
• learn to appreciate all that you have, despite chronic illness 
• be proud of your achievements, no matter how small 

In recent months I had also started to doubt whether I should continue in my efforts to raise better awareness and understanding of M.E. through my poetry and my blogs. After nearly 22 years of living with M.E. I began to wonder if I could write or say any more. After all it takes a great effort and sacrifice on my part. Is it costing me my health? 

But then something happens to make me think again and change my mind. When I see the never ending suffering I feel that I have to continue. When I see some ridiculous  proposition of how this illness can be cured it makes me angry. When I still come across people who have never heard of this illness. When I come across those who disbelieve in this illness. While there is still not one clear diagnostic test for M.E. and so doubt and confusion remains. 

So in 2024 I vow to carry on, health allowing. I can not give up now. I still have more to do, to write about and to share. 

 

Au revoir 

The French Femme