About This Blog

My blog shares my recovery journey from childhood abuse to living with mental illness. I've been involved in twelve step groups and therapy since 1982. I accepted Jesus as my Savior in 1988. To the best of my ability, I have followed where He wants me to go and what He wants me to do. Maybe you'll find the hope and strength you need through what I write. Maybe you want to stop hurting yourself. Maybe you have a friend who needs help and can benefit from my story. I was newly disabled when I asked God this question: "What do you want me to do with my life?" I closed my eyes and paused for a few moments to still my mind. This is what I sensed from Him: "Amy, I want you to write your story to bring hope and healing to those who are still suffering." And that's exactly what I am doing!

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Fatigue

One of the symptoms I dread most about mental illness is fatigue.  The low energy, sluggish feeling that looms darkly for days or weeks at a time.  It doesn't matter if the sun is shining or if my mood is good.  It's fatigue and it sucks.

This time, all of my joints were screaming in pain.  I ached all over.  The weather in Chicagoland wasn't helping.  Ah the joys of winter leaving and spring arriving.  I decided to go see my doctor just to be sure something else wasn't wrong (I had other symptoms, too).  Lots of bloodwork later, I was fine.

Now I wait.

I make sure I rest and push myself just a little bit to take care of myself and the living around me.  Namely, my cats.  I don't isolate.  I keep taking my meds as prescribed.  I do the basics.

One day, the fatigue will lift.
One night, I will sleep better.

Until then, I keep my faith in God that He'll give me the strength I need each day to do His will.  Today, He gave me the strength to do some writing.
For that, I am very grateful.

It's the little things!