Thank you so much for this excellent, encouraging writing. It really touched me today, as I sit here having to surrender to my body during this flare, instead of all the things I WANT to do. I shared it with my wife, who is slowly building her gentleness, care, and trust of her own body as she claims her grief and anger about the constant, lifelong gaslighting by family and medical professionals. A horrendous pain in the ass and infuriating but at least she's no longer participating and reinforcing it. 😢
I feel like there are also a lot of explicit and implicit messages from society to chronically ill people that further point 2: you’re not doing xyz (even things you can’t do or would be actively harmful for your particular condition) therefore it’s your fault, presenting chronic illness as a moral failing. For me, body mistrust shows up a lot when I’m about to do something out of my comfort zone or go to a place where I had a bad flare up before. Trying to be patient, listen to what my body says, but also know when I need a gentle push is a tough balance!
10000% societal messages WANT us to blame ourselves, breaking that blame requires going against society. And it makes a lot of sense for activities outside of your comfort zone to bring up the mistrust. No need to push too hard, patience may actually get you there quicker as you say 🌻
I can so deeply relate to these thoughts, especially the last three.
My health anxiety has really hit a high recently and has stopped me from living my life and seizing opportunities for joy and freedom.
I think i could really benefit from the affirmation that I will meet the future when it comes and, for now, i will take care of my body(and mind) as it is in this moment.
point 2 is me all over. I was actually speaking on this sort of earlier today - where often times it feels like I'm not trying hard enough when recommendations by specialists aren't working for me and my body. Yet I'm still trying my best with what I've got and what I know, whilst also trying to find other options for the recommendations that work best for me and my body
Your experiences make complete sense, and your feelings are valid. It’s so difficult to not internalize our symptoms as us not doing enough. But as you said, you are doing exactly what you can while working toward more options. Sending love 💗
Thank you so much for this excellent, encouraging writing. It really touched me today, as I sit here having to surrender to my body during this flare, instead of all the things I WANT to do. I shared it with my wife, who is slowly building her gentleness, care, and trust of her own body as she claims her grief and anger about the constant, lifelong gaslighting by family and medical professionals. A horrendous pain in the ass and infuriating but at least she's no longer participating and reinforcing it. 😢
I’m so glad it found you both today, sending love 💕
I feel like there are also a lot of explicit and implicit messages from society to chronically ill people that further point 2: you’re not doing xyz (even things you can’t do or would be actively harmful for your particular condition) therefore it’s your fault, presenting chronic illness as a moral failing. For me, body mistrust shows up a lot when I’m about to do something out of my comfort zone or go to a place where I had a bad flare up before. Trying to be patient, listen to what my body says, but also know when I need a gentle push is a tough balance!
10000% societal messages WANT us to blame ourselves, breaking that blame requires going against society. And it makes a lot of sense for activities outside of your comfort zone to bring up the mistrust. No need to push too hard, patience may actually get you there quicker as you say 🌻
I can so deeply relate to these thoughts, especially the last three.
My health anxiety has really hit a high recently and has stopped me from living my life and seizing opportunities for joy and freedom.
I think i could really benefit from the affirmation that I will meet the future when it comes and, for now, i will take care of my body(and mind) as it is in this moment.
Thank you for your continued wisdom. ❤️🔥
Awareness is the first step 💗
I found myself slipping into these mistrust patterns this week so this was a very timely reminder, thank you 💛
So glad it was timely!
point 2 is me all over. I was actually speaking on this sort of earlier today - where often times it feels like I'm not trying hard enough when recommendations by specialists aren't working for me and my body. Yet I'm still trying my best with what I've got and what I know, whilst also trying to find other options for the recommendations that work best for me and my body
Your experiences make complete sense, and your feelings are valid. It’s so difficult to not internalize our symptoms as us not doing enough. But as you said, you are doing exactly what you can while working toward more options. Sending love 💗
Love this one - I saw so much of myself in it, and felt so seen. Thank you!
So glad you felt seen, Jane. Thanks for letting me know 💗
Thanks for that loving mirror. It helps me locate myself today and feel a heck of a lot less alone.