The last couple of years haven’t been easy. I went through an unhealthy relationship that ended in a not very nice breakup. I moved to another city where I only knew one person who a few months later decided that we couldn’t be friends anymore because of how I deal with my chronic illness/disability. Another friend, whom I had known for 10 years, also ended the friendship, apparently because I had changed. Almost none of my contacts survived my moving away. So I was alone in a new city when Covid arrived. In addition to that my heath got worse. It hadn’t been good for years, but at least I could do some things. But by the end of 2019 I wasn’t able to take care of myself anymore. But a few months had to pass by for me to ask for help. The people who saw that I needed help and supported me saved my life. It’s been a year since and staying at home doing nothing but concentrating on my health really has helped me. It’s been a lonely year, but that’s okay.
Normally I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions, but when 2021 came around I suddenly had gained enough strength to set three ‘goals’ for this year. Or let’s call them 'projects’, because whether I finish them or not - it will be a better year than the last few were. So the projects are:
- lose weight (yeah, I know, but I’m doing it for me and not because anyone says so)
- declutter my appartment
- get a dog
The last point actually was my therapist’s idea, because it would give me a reason to leave the house. And since I’m capable of taking care of a pet, we decided to put it on my list.
So far, I lost 13 kilos (28 pound), my flat is ¾ done - and I got a dog. It had been a lifelong dream of mine to own one and I still can’t believe it has come true. Her name is Pippa, she’s about 5 months old, and a Hrvatski Ovcar (Croatian Sheepdog). She’s such a lovely dog and I just love her. She spent her first few months roaming the streets of Gospic before being rescued and brought to Austria where I adopted her. She likes to cuddle and play ball and is just so happy all the time. My cat is not as happy as I am, but I’m pretty sure they’ll get along well.
This being said, I will dedicate this blog to Pippa’s and my journey getting to know each other and finding a way to live a life together - despite me having CFS/ME.
It’s been two and a half weeks now since she moved in and there’s one thing that I noticed the most: Some people suffering from CFS/ME say that they really benefit from pacing - doing something for a short while, resting, doing something and so on. I was never able to do that, probably because of my ADHD-brain being not satisfied with 'doing something for a short time and not finishing it before resting’. But ever since Pippa moved in, I’m forced to do pacing: She’s not house-clean yet, so I have to go outside every 1.5 hours. She’s still a puppy so she sleeps a lot - that’s when I can rest for an hour or two, before I have to go outside again. I never thought I would benefit from pacing, but I really do. It’s not that I’m healthy all of a sudden, but it helps me cope with the tiredness and fatigue.
To wrap things up… My life has changed big time and I’m so happy it has.
Hey guys, I know I made a terribly long post yesterday about my first love and I know a lot of you guys really don’t care for all of that and are probably wondering what Whit thinks about it. For starters - Whit and I both had to 2 different experiences with “first loves”. Mine was a great experience, his was not.
I want to get something out of the way while I’m talking about this, so please don’t take it the wrong way. I, in no shape, form, or fashion, want to be with Danny again. I will, however, always be there for him as a friend. Nothing more, nothing less.
Now that we got that out of the way - I will be getting a new phone on the first of next month! It’s not an IPhone so it will be something to get used to. I’m really going to miss having an IPhone, but maybe this Samsung will be a little better. At least it’s a phone, right? So be expecting pictures, videos, and much more coming soon! I just feel like my blog has been really…boring lately because I haven’t posted any pictures or videos. For those of you that continued to follow and support us throughout this, thank you so very much! We love each and every one of you guys and are so thankful for all that you do! Please, please, PLEASE continue to keep us in your prayers and thoughts as we continue to go through this journey!!
