OK Here is the list….

1. I have learned the word “no” – and I KNOW how to use it.
2. I have a collection of pajamas that just about anyone would envy. I am to pajamas as Imelda Marcos is to shoes.
3. Through experience, I have come to realize that medications do not necessarily bring about a better quality of life- there is always another answer – you just need to look a little harder.
4. I always have an excuse to bail out of undesirable situations (if for some reason “no” doesn’t straight out work).
5. The company I enjoy the most, is my own. I could not have reached that state, if CFS did not come into my life.
6. When insomnia hits, I have a great collection of reading material (bookmarked websites included) and movies, to fill my time – which makes me way more interesting than all of my friends – because I am well versed in intelligent culture.
7. My apartment is almost always clean, because I just don’ t rest well, when its in disarray.
8. I have found new talents (such as blogging) – as my old standbys just weren’t working like they should.
9. I am surrounded by just the best people possible (people who read this blog are included in that) – there is no room for unworthy friends – this is the first and best rule that I learned through the CFS journey.
10. I know how to make a bed properly, something that I didn’t know how to do before CFS entered my life.

There are other reasons, but they weren’t as fun as these ones. Perhaps I will save them for another installment.

I would love it, if you would share the positive aspects of your own journey with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

picture source – flickr

Post from: Blisstree

What CFS Has Given Me (The Good Stuff)

You probably know that when you are present (I mean really present) your day will become a lot easier. Stress is almost non existent (ok not really), but you will definitely cope a lot better, if you are truly in the moment. This is just one of the many many reasons why we should be practicing mindfulness.

It is very difficult to stay in the moment long term (I can’t say for certain, but I think it might be impossible) – so when a moment of presence arrives – it is a joyous occasion.

I “practice” mindfulness everyday; usually while I am doing mundane activities. Activities such as making my bed, or brushing my teeth – (I have tried it while washing the dishes, but so far that activity is too mundane for mindfulness – yet).

Brushing your teeth is an easy way to start. You just pay attention to what you are doing. What muscles are being used when you squeeze the paste onto your brush, how it feels to lift the brush up to your mouth. Pay attention to the movement the brush is making against each tooth.

When you are done rinsing out your mouth, you have just completed 4 minutes of mindfulness. A time when you solely focused on the task at hand, and all “intrusive thoughts” were let go.

Try it, it isn’t nearly as difficult as it sounds.

**Picture Source can be found here.

Post from: Blisstree

The Mindful Way to Start Your Day

1. It helps make your bedroom look pretty and restful. It makes your room look 100 times neater. Along with having a cup of tea, and a book on the nightstand, it makes the room look way more comfortable.

2. Tucked in sheets and blankets, helps one feel more secure while sleeping.

3. Making a bed brings some order to the beginning of the day ~ and its a great feeling coming home after work to look at a pretty and restful bedroom.

4. It encourages mindfulness. I use those first few minutes of the morning to practice being “present”. Its one of the few times during the day when I am truly in the moment (with the exception of meditating, and brushing my teeth)…. all other hours of the day are spent either multitasking or sleeping.

5. It brings a sense of accomplishment. On the not good days, when all I am able to do is make my bed and have a shower, before I crawl back into bed; at least I feel like I have done something….and so I won’t feel like a complete sloth.

6. Its a lot more fun (and much safer) to bounce on a made bed….less rumpled covers to trip over.

7. A made bed helps keep your feet warm….good for people who can’t or won’t wear socks to bed.

8. It reduces the chance of bedbugs…..ok I don’t actually know if this is true. The idea of there being something creepy that crawls around on 4 or more legs in my sheets is highly disturbing to me. I would much rather have those bugs on the outside of all covers.

9. Saves you time when actually going to bed, because there is no repositioning of the blankets.

10. It makes you feel better….and sleep better.

Most people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome spend A LOT of time in bed. I shouldn’t speak for everyone, but I spent a lot of time asleep. I very quickly discovered, that when I made my bed I was much more restful. Even now, if I don’t make my bed, I will spend hours tossing and turning instead of falling asleep, and usually end up getting up and making it anyway. Yes, I am just that neurotic.

All it takes is 5 minutes. Surely you have an extra 5 minutes to spare, to tuck in your sheets. Try it for a week. Trust me, I know what I am talking about.

Post from: Blisstree

10 reasons to make your bed