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A Life Hidden

@a.lifehidden

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Reflections on life within the constraints of severe illness

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“Every aspect of living is impossible because it just aggravates the symptoms and makes you even more ill.”

Interview with Naomi Whittingham, describing life with Severe ME when she was unable to move and light, smell, touch, or even sound could cause lasting deterioration.

Naomi is also a talented writer, and her blog @a.lifehidden contains years of thoughtful writing about life with ME.

#MECFS

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(Clickable link in bio)
“The Trouble With Recovery Stories” by Naomi Whittingham @naomiwhittingham (with severe ME for decades) @a.lifehidden

https://alifehidden.com/2024/11/05/recovery-stories/
(Clickable link in bio)

An excellent, articulate article discussing “Recovery Stories” and the complex impressions and impacts they bring about

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"But it’s not difficult to see how the emphasis of such stories could be misconstrued by a casual reader unfamiliar with the reality of ME; or why such publicity might be of concern to a patient population routinely told to pull itself together, try harder, and get outside
more."
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"But media coverage such as this can have repercussions for the wider ME community, both in terms of the influence on public perception of the illness, and also the emotional impact on individuals living with it."
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"Perhaps the hardest [feelings] of all [following reading a recovery story] being the painful self-doubt of questioning whether, if it’s all as straightforward as it sounds, I’m trying hard enough, experimenting with new treatments enough, & wanting to recover enough"
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"A large number [with ME] also lack family support, financial security & suitable housing. When basic survival consumes all resources, anything more is an unattainable luxury. In any story of recovery or
improvement, there will always be a sound helping of good fortune."
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"But the silent story for most of us is that we “decided to get better” but couldn’t; started doing a little more each day but had a relapse; tried yet another treatment and found it wanting; and then,
having lost everything, built the best life we could from the ruins."

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Very much recommended blog post (for a quote see slides) of one of my favourite writers on ME, Naomi from A Life Hidden. @a.lifehidden

Naomi has, since a friend has shown her blog to me, always kept me impressed with her humble wisdom and ability to express her experience. I find myself understood in her words, in her framing of the weakest sometimes being the strongest of all.

Since we have so many recovery narratives going around, I think it's a good idea to reflect a little on this topic, to detach oneself from the common media narrative, and to find one's own that may serve many of us much more realistically.

https://alifehidden.com/2024/11/05/recovery-stories/
Link to the full text also in my stories (or story highlight "ME/CFS+ problems".
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#MECFS
#MEAwareness
#severeME
#recoveryjourney
#blogger
#millionsmissing
#alifehidden
@a.lifehidden

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🌻Peace. Harmony. Calm. I think these are the foundations for joy.

☀️A peaceful life needs much effort to build and maintain.

💛It doesn’t need perfection or abundant consumption. It needs contribution and care so that we are at peace with our circumstances.

🌈It’s been an odd week for me as I’ve talked a lot about my health to try to help the wider community know more. I find that very difficult but have appreciated the kind comments and messages greatly.

🌼I love my quiet life. I love my relationships and work. They give me peace.

💫Sending that love and peace your way.

#drrebeccad #LifejoyBooks #WeAreMint

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🌻It is M.E Awareness day. I hope I’ve done my bit. It takes huge emotional energy to talk about it because it’s sad and difficult. But I am fortunate in many ways so it has to be done.

💛I spent much of twenties campaigning and fundraising for research.

☀️I write and speak about resilience, hope and joy as a direct result of the experience and education that has come to me.

❤️There had to be a loving purpose from it. Here is the dedication in my first book. Sending great love.

#drrebeccad #meassociation #Lifejoybooks

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🌻Coping keeps you hoping too!

☀️Good Afternoon from Land of Silent Wifey.

👩🏼‍💻I’ve become very good at coping and hoping over the last three decades.

👭I have worked hard to help many good souls with their challenges.

🌈It isn’t a ridiculous optimism or naive positive. It’s more than that...

💛It’s unique coping strategies to help you be calmer, contented and capable.

🤞The more peace you have the brighter you can shine, whatever your situation.

😊Have a restful and joyous weekend my pals. Blog coming tomorrow on Bank Holidays!

#drrebeccad #lifejoybooks #wearemint

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🌻Hopeful Thursday! Hello pals.

💛I am rather joyous about my little Lifejoy shop and even more joyous when some good soul supports it.

☀️With every order comes more than you would expect....

👨‍🔬Shh..Big Din is sleeping and I am editing next next book!

👩🏼‍💻If you’re a bit unfamiliar with ordering on line you can always just pop me a message and I will sort it for you.

#DrRebeccaD #LifejoyBooks #KeepBeccaPosting

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🌻Big book news!

👩🏼‍💻I’ve got three on the go at once!

☀️Each at different stages and making lovely progress.

😊Thought I’d share a gem from the next next next book!

🌈Shhhhh...have a safe day my pals.

#DrRebeccaD #WeAreMint #LifejoyBooks

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🌻There seems to be much evidence that these qualities make life more joyous.

🌼Being full of manners make us better.

🌞Being full of initiative makes us brighter.

☀️Being full of persistence helps us achieve good things.

💛When we combine all three values we can endure, enjoy and embrace all of life.

#DrRebeccaD #WeAreMINT #LifejoyBooks

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🌻Been a big week in Lifejoy Towers...been on a podcast, edited Ivy (next book and it’s joyous), Kev done crazy shifts and painted a garden pot! Got lovely Lifejoy Friends interview coming this weekend. To hear it join our newsletter on www.drrebecca.org.uk

#KeepBeccaPosting #WeAreMint #DrRebeccaD

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#MeetTheMint challenge~ goals.

🌻My priorities and goals are congruent~ health, unity and joy. I thought about putting an image of my next book (due in November for another Lifejoy Festival) but that’s the outcome of these intentions. These images inspire my soul, reassure my heart and invigorate my mind. Hope you love them too. (Book is gorgeous by the way!😊)

#DrRebeccaD #LifejoyBooks #KeepBeccaPosting

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🌻Meet Granny Postbox! She is tall, kindly and has lots of space!

😍Join us for Lifejoy zoom at 11am for joyous friendship.

#WeAreMint #KeepBeccaPosting #DrRebeccaD

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