Today’s newsletter is a little more personal than others. Those of you who are new subscribers may not be aware that I’ve been seriously ill since October 2018. I was recently diagnosed in February with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), a genetic connective tissue disorder.
To say that my path to a diagnosis over the past 18 months was difficult is an understatement! As a 50-something woman who’s lived an incredibly healthy lifestyle for 15 years, my symptoms and issues were befuddling. I’ve had many other issues in the past – Hashimotos, Epstein-Barr Virus, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Atrophic Gastritis, and Gallbladder disease – and I now know most are simply symptoms of hEDS.
On the one hand, I’m relieved to know why I could be so ill when I lived so healthy – on the other hand, it’s daunting to know this will be an ongoing genetic (aka chronic) issue.
I’ve made changes in my lifestyle and my practice to accommodate my needs these days. My stamina can be iffy, so I have limited client slots each day with long breaks in between. My diet is pretty limited and I food prep early in the week so I can feed myself well in between clients. Until the shelter in place order, I was seeing a physical therapist and a body worker regularly to keep my pain in check. I’ve had to modify things and do a lot of self-treatment instead. I’m in pain daily yet have found ways to function well despite the pain.
Why am I telling you all of this?
Two reasons:
1) Because I used to hide my ailments, afraid people would see me as weak
2) Because I know every single one of you also has ‘a thing.’
You may not have a genetic issue like mine, but you might have a challenging relationship. or you might have recently been laid off or furloughed. or you might spend a few hours sitting in the food bank pick up line each week. or….. [fill in the blank]
I want you to know that you’ve got this. It’s temporary. You’re resilient and resourceful. You’ve made it through hard things before and you’ll make it through this one, too.
I’ve learned there’s no shame in revealing what you’re facing to others. It doesn’t make you weak. The strongest people are those who are open and vulnerable – and ask or receive help.
I’ve learned that when I shared what I was facing with others, they were happy to help me in many ways – whether I asked for it or not.
At a time when there’s so much uncertainty in the world, you can ground yourself in the certainty of WHO you are and what you CAN do.
The only way that I’ve made it this far is by using my personal and spiritual growth practices. There were certainly days where I was shaking my fist at the sky – or sobbing in pain or defeat. Yet, the only sure thing is me and my connection to the Source of my understanding.
If you don’t have such practices or connection, then I invite you to read about mine in my new book, “Get Ready. Get Set. Flow…” You might like them – or you might not – but perhaps they will get you thinking about how you can stay within your sphere of influence… and you can create your own practices.
I will never Pollyanna the place we’re at today. I know full well there will be long term impacts – the nature of which we can’t fully even know right now.
Please, if you need help… ask. Or at least share what you’re facing with someone you trust.
When people know your needs or challenges, it makes them feel good to be able to help you.
What I DO know right now… is that I’m solid. I’m solid in my connection to Source. I’m solid in my work with my clients. I’m solid in my family and community… and that’s the only thing within my “control.”
Love,
Christine
PS – If you’re looking for support, wherever you are right now, just click here to book a time to chat with me to explore what working together might look like. You are not alone.