November has always been a full month of thanksgiving for me. I wrote daily notes to people who I especially appreciated that year. I moved to ecards when that became a thing. I also kept a gratitude journal. There is so much to be grateful for everyday.
But November over the last years has come to mean something else: every year, come late October/early November, I crash with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Every year. I didn’t notice its regularity until my daughter pointed it out 2 years ago. (That crash lasted until March – right when Covid-19 shut us down.)
Well, Chronic Fatigue is here and brought with it brain fog and dizziness. Not unexpected, but unwelcome just the same. When I feel good I can think about – and do – all sorts of things. When I’m crashing I can think of nothing else. In the past, I’ve tried to power through it, but I’m powerless. But I can manage it with short bursts of effort (15 minutes to start) interspersed with long periods of rest. Good to remember when all I want to do is moan and complain.
Which brings me to this blog. In the past I’ve ignored my unpleasant November reality. Then I came upon this:
So, what if this year I focused on the reality of gratitude in spite of dis-ease? I could use a rewired brain, to say nothing of less stress and greater self-esteem. In fact, there is nothing on that list that I don’t need. How about you?
So here goes:
Even my problems. Even my fatigue. With gratitude and joy.
Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord is your strength!”
Nehemiah 8:10 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
So,
And tomorrow, I will choose joy again!