2006-08-22

prioritizing you

I guess everyone has had an experience with cancer in some shape or form. Mine has been secondary - through my father, who had terminal cancer a few years ago. It was truly a gruelling time for us all. But it did teach me to appreciate life and the people in your life - every second.

It taught me to always end a phone conversation with 'I love you'. Sounds soppy I guess, but what was important to me back then, is different to what is important to me now.

In particular and on a personal note, my journey with ME/CFS has, I think, made me a better person. That is the silver lining to my cloud.

I was bedridden at points, and wheelchair bound. For many years I was largely housebound. I realised I had a choice in the way in which I could view the situation I had come to find myself in. I chose to channel the negative into a positive that became Sleepydust. I'm glad I did it. It's amazing to see how it has helped so many people the world over.

But I also have, more recently, learned that you must put yourself first, in order to help others. Something I wasn't so clued up on. For years Sleepydust came first, I came second.

It has become clear to me more recently, that, to best help others, you must help yourself first. To become happy and strong.

What am I trying to say? I don't know. Maybe I'm trying to say - to all those 'selfless' sufferers out there - it's ok to focus on you and to put yourself as a priority. It's important. Without your sanity, health, and happiness, there are more people that miss out on your potential in addition to yourself.

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