Finally got the chance to read this (at the perfect time) and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this piece. It's can be such a challenge trying to return to yourself and your creativity, especially in the midst of the frustration of health challenges and feeling completely drained. I recently bought The Artists Way and I've just started The Creative Act. I'm so incredibly grateful for the words you've written Sarah! ❤️
You’re so welcome, Yvette. Sorry you find yourself in a challenging place. It can be hard to see a way out, I know, but you seem to be resourcing yourself in wonderful ways. Hope you enjoy The Artists Way. My first experience of it was so healing 💛
Thanks Sarah. It really can! I'm doing my best, also trying to listen to those inner calls for creative rest. Thank you, it's quite aggirning to see the two books I've set myself to read this month mentioned in your article. That's good to hear, I'm hopeful ✨️❤️
Sarah this is gorgeous and I relate whole-heartedly. When I’m able, my rejuvenation is in the water. In the quieter moments it’s at home with tea and crochet. This is just so important to remember 🙏💕
Oh this really struck a chord in so many ways. My history with ME/fibromyalgia started back in 2012 when I was 41 with three young children at home and my husband working and living away during the week. Although in all honesty, the roots go back far further, chaotic.
What I do remember is not believing the GP who first sent me away with a urine sample bottle, who then told me I had post-viral fatigue and that it would be gone in 6 weeks. I just knew what I was feeling was different and wouldn't pass easily or swiftly so I changed GP. Someone I knew vaguely, I chose her because she was a mum of three and I thought she might listen. She did & she admitted she knew little about ME/fibro but said she'd support me in every way she could. She pushed through a referral to The Mineral hospital in Bath and I had my diagnosis of ME/fibro in super quick time and with that label I felt I could finally give in, stop pretending I was ok. I could point to those words and say, 'look, I'm not well, the doctors say so'.
I could go on...I think I got lucky with her but it's taken years for me to really learn, tune in to myself and my body. I spent decades looking externally for validation, for answers, looking everywhere other than myself. It's only in recent years that I've got comfortable with looking inside, tuning into me and what I need. I think I have writing to thank for that. And nature, yes, totally. Water, absolutely. Different types of rest, so interesting. Thank you for this, you've given me a lot to reflect on.
Thanks for taking the time to share your story, Harriet.
My first diagnosis was post-viral fatigue. I wound up in A&E one night and could tell they didn’t know what to do with me so I was drugged up, sent home and told I’d be fine in a month or so. Granted the support I received from rheumatology was slightly better but the real validation came from Dr Gabor Maté’s work and his book When the Body Says No. That exploration of the connection between body and mind, particularly how stress and trauma can manifest as physical illnesses like fibromyalgia, was helpful for me. I found a brilliant physio too.
So pleased you found someone early on but agree that living with chronic illness also requires self work which takes time 💛
Thanks so much, really pleased it landed with you. I read the book soon after it was released. Perfect for anyone trying to dig deep into their creative well ✨
Sarah, reading this just made me burst into tears because I am exactly where you were. I have been on a rollercoaster of rheumatology appointments, endless MRIs that have (fortunately) found nothing serious but with no clear answers either. I’ve been given various diagnoses so the doctors can tick their boxes and send me on my way but none that really feel like they are the correct one. I have saved this piece to read and re-read because my friends and family think I have lost my mind but reading this made me feel a little bit less like I am going crazy. I can’t thank you enough for that.
Thanks so much for your openness and sharing your experience, Victoria. I'm so sorry you’re going through this. I recognise what you’ve described and the invisible weight of it all is so hard to carry, especially when the people around you can’t quite see it.
Revisiting this brought a lot back for me this week, and while it wasn’t easy to edit, I think I needed the reminder because I'm feeling a little frayed and trying to stay mindful.
I think there’s also something really comforting in knowing that you’re not alone, that someone else has had a similar experience. The invisible weight is heavy and I hope you have some space to be kind to yourself now. ❤️
Oh absolutely. I remember feeling incredibly lonely at the time. People seem to be more open about their experiences now but it’s still hard to find and make those connections. Here if you ever have any questions 🥰
Finally got the chance to read this (at the perfect time) and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this piece. It's can be such a challenge trying to return to yourself and your creativity, especially in the midst of the frustration of health challenges and feeling completely drained. I recently bought The Artists Way and I've just started The Creative Act. I'm so incredibly grateful for the words you've written Sarah! ❤️
You’re so welcome, Yvette. Sorry you find yourself in a challenging place. It can be hard to see a way out, I know, but you seem to be resourcing yourself in wonderful ways. Hope you enjoy The Artists Way. My first experience of it was so healing 💛
Thanks Sarah. It really can! I'm doing my best, also trying to listen to those inner calls for creative rest. Thank you, it's quite aggirning to see the two books I've set myself to read this month mentioned in your article. That's good to hear, I'm hopeful ✨️❤️
Sarah this is gorgeous and I relate whole-heartedly. When I’m able, my rejuvenation is in the water. In the quieter moments it’s at home with tea and crochet. This is just so important to remember 🙏💕
Really pleased this spoke to you, Emma, and glad you have your own bolsters. Wild swimming is such a tonic 💛
Isn’t it 💙💙
Oh this really struck a chord in so many ways. My history with ME/fibromyalgia started back in 2012 when I was 41 with three young children at home and my husband working and living away during the week. Although in all honesty, the roots go back far further, chaotic.
What I do remember is not believing the GP who first sent me away with a urine sample bottle, who then told me I had post-viral fatigue and that it would be gone in 6 weeks. I just knew what I was feeling was different and wouldn't pass easily or swiftly so I changed GP. Someone I knew vaguely, I chose her because she was a mum of three and I thought she might listen. She did & she admitted she knew little about ME/fibro but said she'd support me in every way she could. She pushed through a referral to The Mineral hospital in Bath and I had my diagnosis of ME/fibro in super quick time and with that label I felt I could finally give in, stop pretending I was ok. I could point to those words and say, 'look, I'm not well, the doctors say so'.
I could go on...I think I got lucky with her but it's taken years for me to really learn, tune in to myself and my body. I spent decades looking externally for validation, for answers, looking everywhere other than myself. It's only in recent years that I've got comfortable with looking inside, tuning into me and what I need. I think I have writing to thank for that. And nature, yes, totally. Water, absolutely. Different types of rest, so interesting. Thank you for this, you've given me a lot to reflect on.
Thanks for taking the time to share your story, Harriet.
My first diagnosis was post-viral fatigue. I wound up in A&E one night and could tell they didn’t know what to do with me so I was drugged up, sent home and told I’d be fine in a month or so. Granted the support I received from rheumatology was slightly better but the real validation came from Dr Gabor Maté’s work and his book When the Body Says No. That exploration of the connection between body and mind, particularly how stress and trauma can manifest as physical illnesses like fibromyalgia, was helpful for me. I found a brilliant physio too.
So pleased you found someone early on but agree that living with chronic illness also requires self work which takes time 💛
So well written piece, filled with solid advice. Rick Rubin’s book gave me spark during the dark fall months.
Thanks so much, really pleased it landed with you. I read the book soon after it was released. Perfect for anyone trying to dig deep into their creative well ✨
Sarah, reading this just made me burst into tears because I am exactly where you were. I have been on a rollercoaster of rheumatology appointments, endless MRIs that have (fortunately) found nothing serious but with no clear answers either. I’ve been given various diagnoses so the doctors can tick their boxes and send me on my way but none that really feel like they are the correct one. I have saved this piece to read and re-read because my friends and family think I have lost my mind but reading this made me feel a little bit less like I am going crazy. I can’t thank you enough for that.
Thanks so much for your openness and sharing your experience, Victoria. I'm so sorry you’re going through this. I recognise what you’ve described and the invisible weight of it all is so hard to carry, especially when the people around you can’t quite see it.
Revisiting this brought a lot back for me this week, and while it wasn’t easy to edit, I think I needed the reminder because I'm feeling a little frayed and trying to stay mindful.
Please know your experience is real and valid 💛
I think there’s also something really comforting in knowing that you’re not alone, that someone else has had a similar experience. The invisible weight is heavy and I hope you have some space to be kind to yourself now. ❤️
Oh absolutely. I remember feeling incredibly lonely at the time. People seem to be more open about their experiences now but it’s still hard to find and make those connections. Here if you ever have any questions 🥰