Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus

Hey, y’all! Maybe you’ve been invited to a holiday gathering, but you’re not up to going because of pain and illness.😩 Perhaps you would love to make your famous holiday candy but don’t have the energy. Or someone in your family may be graduating, but it would be too much on your body to attend the function.

For many of us living with chronic illnesses, scenarios like these are not uncommon. Although we may really want to participate in these fun festivities, we must also choose what is best for our bodies, which means putting ourselves first.

This is where setting up boundaries is in order. It’s making sure that you are cared for, that your needs are being met, ahead of others. It is choosing self over what Aunt Sally will say if you don’t show up. Sometimes not being involved is the loving and kind thing to do for oneself!💕

And you don’t always owe someone an excuse as to why you aren’t coming. You can say that you would love to attend but you won’t be available and send your love. And that’s a wrap!💥

Finally, I know that there can be some extra pressure to participate and do things during this busy holiday season, but you don’t always have to be there physically. You can be there in spirit and at the same time rest your body. Also, there will be other future opportunities in which you can participate. So put those boundaries in place and love on yourself! Wendy❤️ #ChronicFatigue #Fibromyalgia #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MultipleChemicalSensitivity #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression #ChronicEpsteinBarrVirus

As a person living with chronic illness, sometimes I need special assistance, attention, and support. However, I never want to inconvenience anyone, especially those who love me, so I try to push down the feelings of being a burden.

But when I think about it from an objective perspective, we all need help and support from time to time, regardless of our health conditions! And I shouldn’t be so hard on myself or judge myself for something that I can’t help or didn’t ask for.

We are all human, so let’s help others when we can and receive that same support when we need it!
Love and hugs, Wendy🌻❤️

#ChronicFatigue #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MentalHealth #ChronicEpsteinBarrVirus #MultipleChemicalSensitivity #Anxiety #HypothyroidismUnderactiveThyroidDisease #LymeDisease #Fibromyalgia

Hello, my loves!🥰 I went to Central Market a couple of days ago and purchased my favorite flowers, stargazer lilies! They smell sweet and vibrant, with a hint of soft perfume and an unearthly depth, range, and dimension. The stargazer lily’s vibrant, pink accents, on its soft, white canvas bring life into my space and embody such grace and sophistication.

Their soft, bold, sensual fragrance fibrates throughout my space and fills my entire room, which brings me so much joy and peace. And although these $10 flowers from a grocery store were just a “little” thing, it will continue to share its beauty and fragrance with me throughout the week. And THAT’S a big thing!

Let’s embrace those little things that happen in our lives daily and extract the joy and meaning that they can bring! Love, Wendy🌸💗

What is a “Little Thing” in your life that brings your heart joy?!😍 #ChronicFatigue #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #ChronicEpsteinBarrVirus #Fibromyalgia #MentalHealth #Depression #MultipleChemicalSensitivity

It's that time again! Tell me below 3 things that you're thankful for. Gratitude is a total game changer for mental health! ✨
#PTSD #MentalHealth #Addiction #AnorexiaNervosa #BipolarDisorder #Anxiety #ChronicEpsteinBarrVirus #Lupus #Cancers

Hey, my loves!🥰 You may feel quite unwell on a regular basis and wish someone had a magic wand to just make it go away. I have ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, so I know first hand what it feels like to want to be untethered from the shackles of chronic illness. I don’t feel like having company, yet I still want to be around people sometimes. Yet, the isolation and loneliness can be suffocating, so I’ve asked myself how I can experience joy and happiness while living with a chronic illness.

The answer is very clear. I must seek out those things that bring me life, because they certainly won’t come knocking at my door! No one else is ultimately responsible for making me happy but me! And forget waiting to feel better before your begin engaging in fun activities. Really?!🫩

I write down activities in my planner at the beginning of each month and implement them as best I can! Here are some examples of things I’ve put on my schedule to add joy to my life:
🌻Plan monthly Sunday family potluck get-togethers. I make the schedule and send text reminders.
🌻Create an online book discussion group of close friends, with someone else as the leader.
🌻Plan a Netflix movie party, where everyone watches the same movie, together, from their home in their pjs!

If you notice, I only plan what I feel capable of doing, most of which are online. So even on a flare day, I could still likely participate in a Netflix Party.😋 I do not wait for other people to plan the “thing” all of the time. If there is something that I feel I need, like companionship, I go through the motions of meeting that need for myself, instead of waiting for someone else to do it for me. We experience enough of the rough stuff to last us for a lifetime, so let’s try to balance out life with some joy!🤗

What are some enjoyable ideas that you will place on your calendar? Remember to be honest with yourself and consider your health issue. We all have different capacities. Pop your ideas in the comment section below! Be well! Wendy😘 #ChronicFatigue #MentalHealth #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicEpsteinBarrVirus #Fibromyalgia #MultipleChemicalSensitivity

Which tip do you need today? This is a handy little guide to save and refer back to.
Mine is in the comments, I'd love to see yours!
#BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Grief #MentalHealth #BipolarDisorder #BipolarDepression #Anxiety #Addiction #ADHD #Schizophrenia #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #ChronicEpsteinBarrVirus #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #Fibromyalgia

Hey, y’all!🥰 Eczema? Dry, itchy skin? Check out what I use!❤️ youtu.be/o_50QqwUKCI #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigue #Fibromyalgia #HypothyroidismUnderactiveThyroidDisease #ChronicEpsteinBarrVirus

There can be a range of reasons why we may feel physical discomfort, pain, and fatigue while spending our days in bed—from health symptoms and muscle tension to stiffness, even stress. Finding relief and some level of comfort can be a constant challenge, but it’s also essential for maintaining a sense of balance.

For some, it may involve using supportive pillows or cushions to adjust their body alignment and alleviate pressure points. Others may find relief through gentle stretches or movement, when possible, or by using heating pads or cold compresses to soothe sore muscles. Breathing exercises or practicing regular hobbies can also help reduce stress and ease the mind, which in turn can ease physical discomfort.

Sometimes, it’s about creating a comfortable environment—adjusting room temperature or dimming lights to promote relaxation. And for many, reaching out to loved ones or healthcare providers for advice or support can provide both physical and emotional comfort.

What helps you manage physical discomfort, pain, or fatigue while you’re in bed?

#ChronicIllness #Disability #ChronicPain #Pain #BackPain #Spoonie #ChronicFatigue #Fibromyalgia #Neuropathy #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis
#Lupus #Cancers #Gastroparesis #MultipleSclerosis #RheumatoidArthritis #InflammatoryBowelDiseaseIBD #ChronicEpsteinBarrVirus #MentalHealth #ChronicDepression #Anxiety #PanicAttacks #InvisibleIllness
#alwaysinbed