The worst things you can say to someone with CFS

I have to admit that when I was first diagnosed with CFS, everything that everyone said to me to help just made me feeling overwhelming down and even more disappointed in myself than I'd ever been before. Here are a list of the things that hurt the most:

* "Yes, I'm tired too"- I've gone into this a little bit more here, but comparing everyday, running around tiredness with CFS is like comparing a walk around the park with a marathon. Please remember though if you're on the receiving end of this comment that is it only said with love and good intention. It's such a crazy illness and people would love to get a glimpse of what you're going through.

* "Are you depressed? / Do you think it's depression?"- granted, the symptoms of depression are similar in a lot of ways to CFS, but people with CFS at their core aren't usually depressed- just frustrated and dying to pick up where they left off. Occasionally people with CFS might be slightly down, but the CFS is causing this feeling rather than the other way around.

* "Come on, let's go shopping / Let's get you out and about"- this is the #1 way most people will try and help you. Say gently and with gratitude that you're not up to it today, but would love to go some other time. If however you do feel like going out and feel that you could cope with it, be honest about what you think you can do and for how long. My main problem when I was recovering was not being honest with other people and, more importantly, myself, about how much I could cope with. Cue: feeling like I was on the verge of collapse in supermarkets and shopping centres. A walk around the park or a car trip to the local shop might be just what you're looking for.

* "Snap out of it!"- trust us, if we could, we would! It's incredibly hard for people to understand CFS, but please don't blame others for frustrated outbursts of their own. They just want to help you and have no idea how or where to start.

These are just a few I've experienced, but I'm sure there are many more. Please feel free to share them in the comments below, even just to vent for while!

Remember, always approach your family, friends, your illness and yourself with love, kindness and patience.

Love and light,
Katie    

A little about me...short version

This blog is different. No medical reports contradicting each other, no unanswered questions, no darkness. This blog is about light, friendship and support.

Having been ill since the age of 18 with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), I've finally reached the point in my life where everything seems to have levelled out for me, and I'm finally moving forward. I discovered last year, through means I will discuss in this blog, that I had been living in absolute fear for years... fear of what my parents thought, fear of what my friends thought, fear of the future, fear of the past...you name it, I probably dwelled on it more often than I should've done.

I know how terrible CFS, so I know that it's not as easy as saying, "Get over it". Believe me, lots of people have thought this comment would snap me out of it over the years! I also know it's not as easy as saying, the 'fear'-based thing worked for me, therefore it'll work for you too. My aims with the website are to introduce a few ideas, topics and people that I have found inspiring. I would like to:

* Reassure you that even in the darkest depths of what you're going through you are not alone
* Create a community a people who can spring ideas and feelings off each other in a supportive, beautiful way (this was something I had no access to when I was ill)
* Although touching on medical stuff, we will explore alternative tricks which may help you in your journey
* Introduce the concept of Energy Medicine, which for me, really changed my life and health
* Share with you some amazing guys, gals, books and organisations that I am forever grateful too for bringing me to where I am today

I hope you find just one thing on this blog that resonates with you and brings a little light to your day.

Please feel free to contact me at conqueringfearspiritually@gmail.com

With deep gratitude and love,
Katie     xxx

The Power of Words

I've always been a big believer in expressing yours words in a way that in comforting and empowering to both yourself and others. The video brings a slight lump to my throat and I never tire of watching it. Enjoy!

Love and harmony,
Katie  

Inspiring links and loveliness

Aaahh, the power of the internet. Some of you will know what it's like, especially during the early stages of CFS, to not even be able to stand the light coming through closed curtains, let alone the light of a computer screen. But if you're feeling strong enough, I thoroughly recommend these blogs and websites to help you get through the day. Even if you ask a family member or friend to read some of the blog out to you, I'm sure you will find one thing in them in which to find hope and inspiration:

Danielle LaPorte

Every time I log on to Danielle's website I get the wind taken out of me a little bit. She is overwhelmingly dedicated to helping you achieve your life's goals and to help you connect with your highest self. Her videos pack such a punch, I find myself utterly speechless afterwards.

A Life of Perfect Days

Written by the gorgeous Connie, 'A Life of Perfect Days' always perks me up and leaves me feeling absolutely unstoppable. Her advice and tips are second-to-none, and I am truly grateful for being a part of the community she has created.

The Wellness Warrior

Jess is a true example of health and abundance, and is dedicated to helping others instigate their own healing. Although lots of the things she mentions might be more relevant later on in your healing journey, she definitely gives me a lot to think about. The Inspiration Boards Jess publishes every Friday really keep me going!

In Spaces Between

Beautiful name, beautiful blog, beautiful lady. Rachel's site is a big bite out of life and features gorgeous photos, inspirational articles and ideas for the dreamers amongst us. Going on her website is like breathing a huge sigh of relief...just lovely.

Email mailing list of the week: Striking Truths

This is the first email I open in my inbox every morning- a daily or weekly source of incredible inspiration and knowledge, all beautifully packaged.


I thought I'd just start with a few to keep you going. Please do let me know if you have any other suggestions or if you yourself have a blog you'd like to share with us. Happy browsing!

Love and light,
Katie

Stepping up to the challenges of 2013

I don't think I'm the only one who thinks that 2012 has quite possibly been the quickest in recent years- blink and you'll miss it ups and downs, thrills and spills. I have to admit this year has been more about the bad than the good, but that's the reason why I'm looking forward to 2013 so much. It's not a case of, "2012 was so bad that 2013 must be better"- this year was fabulous. I got engaged, upgraded my living space, and most importantly, discovered after all these years that my passion is the key to my future happiness. For these things and for the experiences brought to me in 2012, I am truly grateful. This only means however that 2013 is going to be even better, which seems unfathomable given the year we're just about to draw to a close.

Unfathomable, because it's going to require action and blind faith on my part. I'm going to be out of my comfort zone every day, and to be honest, I'm absolutely petrified. I know there'll be some days when I want to play safe and hide away, but it's not an option. It can't be an option.

What are you looking forward to about 2013? What are you absolutely terrified of? Love or fear?

Sending love and healing energy your way,
Katie

                                                                   Photo taken from here