The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Hi everyone I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and have done for many years. It follows a pattern of relapse and remittance. I have applied the tools of the program where I can to my illness. I have accepted the impact of profound debilitation seriously reducing the quality of my life. I have immense gratitude as its not life-threatening and I don't have to be in and out of hospitals for treatment. 'Keep it simple', 'just for today', 'first things first', and 'easy does it' have all been invaluable in helping me get through the tough days.
I've been in a relapse for 2/3 months now and it seems to be getting worse rather than better. I've been more or less house-bound (except for my f2f's!) and much of the time sofa or bed-bound. I've managed to get on-line though for meets, reading the board and a little chat here and there. I just wanted to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my very grateful heart and soul for MIP, for Al-anon and for all you wonderful, inspirational people who make it possible for me not to feel isolated and alone during this difficult time. THANKS (((((((everyone)))))))
Also, I have been unable to attend to my financial affairs. I did what I could when I could but it wasn't enough and things got pretty serious, pretty quickly. (I was actually quite surprised by this.) I've had a Notice of Seeking Possession (eviction threat), several companies threatening to take me to court for relatively small amounts, trouble re-instating my state benefits and receiving the right money and I have to appear in court in May so am dealing with solicitors, statements etc. All worry I could well have done without but hey, life happens whether you're participating or not. I thank God I haven't had to cope with active alcoholism on top of everything else!
Now for the small success. I have managed to spend the day sorting through my papers, getting my affairs in order and contacting most of the relevant parties. Much of it has been resolved for now. If nothing else I've bought myself some time and some peace of mind. I took baby steps, did one thing at a time and before I knew it I'd made a huge leap. I still feel somewhat uncomfortable dealing with authority figures so I'm really proud of my progress.
Finally, when dealing with the telephone company who also provide my cable tv and internet services I experienced some utterly unacceptable behaviour. The telephone assistant actually HUNG UP ON ME!!! I was mortified. There was clearly a misunderstanding. I looked at my part in it and can honestly say there was nothing about my tone of voice or use of language that could have offended her, I think she just lost patience with me. I didn't fit into her 'little box'. I called back after a few moments self-reflection, dealt with the initial enquiry then made a complaint that was to go to her supervisor. (They wouldn't let me speak with the supervisor directly!) An e-mail was also sent to the Head Office and I have lodged a formal complaint in writing. Again I am proud of myself because by this time I was in a great deal of pain and wanted to take the easy way out and just 'let it go'. In my heart though I knew I couldn't do the easything I had to do the right thing. I have maintained my boundary for being treated with respect and common courtesy. It may be a small thing to some but for me it was a huge success as I responded appropriately and didn't react or worse 'lose it'.
Sorry, its ended up a bit of an epic and thank you for letting me share.
You are such an inspiration to me! I just had to let you know this. So very glad you are here and that you have been attending the meetings that are held here too! ** Stay strong.** Your in my prayers. ((BigHug))
You give me inspiration. I have no health reasons not to get up and do somethings, my problem is I just feel like a slug lol.
Thank you for sharing your accomplishments today! You help me to be mindful that I have much to be grateful for and even on my roughest days there are ways to keep on going.
Hi Ria! And congratulations on your success in dealing with all that difficult stuff! I could so relate to your story, and have been there many times in terms of paperwork, authority figures, wanting to procrastinate or just "let it go" when you know in your heart, that's not the right thing to do! It takes enormous courage to take those steps and deal with difficult things or people! I applaud you so much, and thanks for sharing that here. I need to hear stories like that, and know that after all, one still lives!
Sorry to hear about your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. That must be an ongoing challenge for you. It seems like such things throw us back on the simple but powerful suggestions of the Al-Anon program--to let go and let God, One Day at a Time, and do the next right thing, and so on. It cuts through all the fear and muddle and pain, to give us enough clarity to do the action needed. I'm so thankful for the program!
I was just off to bed, I'm in agony from sitting at the computer too long but I just couldn't tear myself away. Had to have a quick peek at my replies. Soooo glad I did, they're lovely. They touched the 'cockles of my heart'. I have such a wonderful feeling of peace and warmth that I'm positively glowing from the inside out. (Just getting the sunglasses lol) What a beautiful way to end my day, thank you all so much.
Sorry to hear that you have not been well. I have my own physical issues, really bad asthma, a kidney disease, deafness and more. I am glad that you have managed to sort a lot out. People can be very wierd around physical disability they think it won't happen to them. My a's mother is like that she is convinced she is just going to drop dead I think. She thinks no one ever gets sick. Well I guess she will find out the hard way someday we all get sick and we all eventually have physical problems
I have tremendous authority issues and tremendous issues in negotiating stuff. I am glad that you put out a boundary and stuck to it.
I suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and have done for many years. It follows a pattern of relapse and remittance. I have applied the tools of the program where I can to my illness. I have accepted the impact of profound debilitation seriously reducing the quality of my life. I have immense gratitude as its not life-threatening and I don't have to be in and out of hospitals for treatment. 'Keep it simple', 'just for today', 'first things first', and 'easy does it' have all been invaluable in helping me get through the tough days.
for meets, reading the board and a little chat here and there. I just wanted to say a huge thank you from the bottom of my very grateful heart and soul for MIP, for Al-anon and for all you wonderful, inspirational people who make it possible for me not to feel isolated and alone during this difficult time. THANKS (((((((everyone)))))))
I thank God I haven't had to cope with active alcoholism on top of everything else!
I just had to let you know this. So very glad you are here 
and that you have been attending the meetings that are held here too! ** Stay strong.** Your in my prayers. 
((BigHug))