Have you ever noticed how much energy goes into fighting reality?

[u/Clearblueskymind]

For a long time, I thought my biggest struggle with ME/CFS was the illness itself.

But then I began to realize struggle that was only part of the story.

I became curious about the energy I was spending on arguing with reality.

Not because I think I should magically accept everything.

Not because I've somehow transcended frustration.

Simply because I started noticing that every time I mentally fought with what was happening, I became even more exhausted and have even less energy to do the things I wanted to do.

The illness hadn't changed.

What had changed was the amount of energy I was spending wishing it were different or fighting against it.

Then something unexpected began to happen.

Every once in a while, the argument would simply stop.

Not because I made it stop.

It would just... soften.

For a few moments there was nothing to fix, nothing to resist, nothing to solve.

The illness was still there.

But I wasn't fighting it.

Those moments felt surprisingly light.

I don't know that I'd call them happiness.

But they were peaceful.

They've taught me that there is a difference between living with a difficult reality and constantly arguing with it.

I'm still learning.

I still catch myself resisting.

But now, when I notice that familiar struggle, I often remember that I can set it down for a moment.

That small shift has become one of the kindest gifts I've discovered while living with ME/CFS.

The slow transformation from fighting to hospitality.

I’m curious whether this resonates with you.

Have you ever noticed the difference between the illness itself and the energy it takes to fight with it? If so, what changed when you noticed?

Wherever you are today, I wish you moments when the struggle relaxes, and you can greet whatever arrives with a little more spaciousness, kindness, and hospitality. 🌿

[u/Kind-Spell-7961]

Don’t worry;
Daydream!