As I bond with my sofa and contemplate where I find myself once again, I have been reflecting (imagine that) on what I need to do to care for myself. I have been re-reading Popov’s book, “A Pace of Grace”, and came across a wonderful passage in the chapter entitled, “Support Yourself”. Popov says:
“Be a friend to your body. Have compassion for yourself. Be the caregiver to yourself that in your heart of hearts you know you need. Surrender to what you need while having the courage to sustain your hope. Aim for the highest level of health. The balance between acceptance and hope is your holy ground“.
I have been reading the new book by Connie Strasheim ~ “Insights Into Lyme Disease Treatments” and more than one doctor writes about the fact that people who have chronic Lyme often do not get well. This is very discouraging, especially when my own LLMD has told me the same thing. I know I have to accept this, BUT if all I do is stay with the acceptance it eventually turns into resignation for me and then doom and gloom sets in. On the other hand, if I am only in a place of hope and am in denial about what damage Lyme has does to my body over the past 25 yrs., I will not be able to take properly care of myself. So hearing Popov name the balance holy ground, really spoke to me. This is where I am most comfortable. This is where I believe I will find the sacred, the ability to heal. Healing cannot come without acceptance, but it also cannot come without hope. Living and walking within our holy ground is one of the best ways of taking care of ourselves. It is where I strive to be. Is it easy? No, but we do not do this alone. We have support from the village we surround ourselves with, from within, and from God.
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.
6 comments:
Thank you, Renee. I needed to read this right now. Love the line, "Surrender to what you need while having the courage to sustain your hope."
Thank you. I'm praying for you and Joel. Gentle hugs and blessings, Lisa
This spoke to me Renee. I agree wholeheartedly. You can't just roll over but at the same time you have to be realistic.
I think humility plays a part here too. To be humbled by the power of our illness but not humiliated by it.
Recovery is always possible, even if it's not 100%.
Sobering thoughts.
Although I am much improved I still suffer with some symptoms and when I stop one of my antibiotics swallowing problems return I am just beginning to realise these may be cranal nerve problems which is somewhat sobering.
Sending prayers your way too, Lisa. Glad this was helpful for you, I know it spoke to me.
Jo, I love your humbled vs humiliated statement. I read it to Joel and we both pondered on that and I plan to tuck it away in my book of reminders...
Glad it spoke to you too....
Thank you Joanne for your comment and sharing. This Lyme battle is a difficult challenge isn't it...
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