I’m a thinker – if you hadn’t noticed – and today, I have been contemplating a myriad of things. I can’t seem to really focus on one thing as I have so many things going on at the same time. This period of my life is little too busy for me. I like the calm, quiet, peaceful existence.
Be that as it may, I started wandering over…
the past five (5) weeks and thinking about how I felt when I was standing in the midst of my world, when it without warning, it suddenly imploded in July, and then compared that to how I feel about my life now in the middle of this transition.
I can definitely see that I have made progress, but I can also see how much more of the journey I have yet to complete.
I found myself wondering if I could have done the first leg of my journey, by myself, without any of my friends, or any help. The reality of the situation is that I really don’t think I could have. Each and every person who has reached out to me has positively affected my journey and transformation.
Much of the encouragement I have received has come from the many friends I have made online and the quiet, yet powerful, determination I have felt as each of you have chosen to stand with me. I cannot imagine how much more difficult this path would have been without those comments and encouragements.
Even though I had been blogging for over two years before starting, 4Walls and A View, I don’t think I ever truly comprehended the power of the internet. I most definitely did not understand its power for those who suffer from chronic illnesses and are delegated to their own 4Walls more oft than not.
I can’t tell you how many times I have received a comment or a private email message and the words that were delivered were just what I needed. In addition, I have truly discovered that the internet has the ability to remove all most any barrier that is placed in front of me in the real world.
A perfect example is on those days that I find myself in bed for the day only to discover that even being bed bound does not hinder my ability to connect with you all. I find that truly amazing!
What CFIDS and FMS have created as barriers and walls because of the devastation the illness(es) cause to my physical body, the internet deftly removes.
I was trying to think of a recent time where I felt completely isolated. I mean the kind where you don’t see anyone for days or weeks. I couldn’t think of any because I am now able to reach out and connect here via the web.
And blogging isn’t the only means to do that. Facebook has become a great way to ‘check in’ on those I care about quickly. I like to use Facebook when I am having a day that isn’t one of my better ones specifically because I can dart in and dart out! Love that!
Anyway, I don’t know what I would do without the ability to connect via the web. I think I could lose my sight, hearing, or whatnot and be able to adapt, but losing my ability to connect online, that would be devastating.
So that begs the question…
Is this healthy?
When I list the pro and cons, for me it has proven to be amazingly positive! I can’t see how interacting with people who are able to relate to my struggles would be anything but positive. But even more than that, I often find that what may start out being about me – my blog – usually ends up being about me having the opportunity to help someone else. More often than not, I forget about what I am going through and find myself searching for ways to make someone elses day just a little brighter.
Interestingly, I don’t think this is something I do on my own, per se, but more oft than not I think it comes as a result of the way the web is designed. When someone leaves a comment, or I read someone else blog, I am drawn to respond, to help, to lift, to encourage, as a natural recourse.
I cannot image my life without the ability to interact with each and every one of you via the web. What a lonely, sad place the world would become if I ever lost that ability.
I’m not sure that I have ever stopped to really understand the powerfully, positive impact the web has had on my these past seven (7) months until today. It is has become an incredible blessing in my life. One that I don’t think from this day forward I will ever take for granted again.
Determined to continue forward,
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I agree!!!!
I can’t imagine having this illness 20 years ago and feeling so isolated and alone. I once attended a support group that was basically some older folks who had been ill several decades. They had followed and supported each other through the years. However, very often they were too ill to attend group meetings so they just didn’t go- or a partner went for them.
What we have now with the internet allows us (even when we’re too ill to leave the house) feel a sense of community and solidarity with each other (all around the globe) in a way that wouldn’t be possible w/o the Internet. I think this community is esp. important given how maginalized and misunderstood this illness is among doctors and the public in general.
Well said, Dominique – I too, am glad we have each other. I feel so lucky to have a computer laptop (as I know there are those who probably don’t).
upnorth´s last [type] ..Dealing with Doctors – especially GPs
upnorth – I think you, yourself, summed it up really well when you said, ” I think this community is esp. important given now marginalized and misunderstood this illness is among doctors and the public in general”. That is such a great point and one I hadn’t even thought of!
I agree, well said Dominique. The itnernet has been a lifeline for me in so many ways. Especially with blogging and getting to know people who understand…when you cannot be on the phone, but can be on the internet you are STILL able to have some form of relationships and connections that are vital to our health. And being an informaton junkie makes the web my playground. My only need is balance with it!
Thanks Dominique for sharing your thoughts here….Keeping you in prayer……
Renee´s last [type] ..Mind-Full Meditation
Renee – Balance – oh boy…that could be another post in and of itself! ha ha! Thank you for the continued prayers. I really appreciate it. I am keeping you in my prayers as well. What a journey we are all walking. wow…
The internet has been my lifeline. In fact, it’s how I found my fiance!!
I love how the internet and blogging connects those of us who would otherwise have virtually no contact with the outside world. Being homebound and bedridden, I cannot imagine battling this illness without the communication and support from others going through the same thing. I’m not able to be online much, but I so value the time and friendships I have made when I am able to connect.
Thanks for this post!
Laurel´s last [type] ..Primetime Live- CFS and the CDC
Laurel – I think that is so cool that you found your fiance on the internet! Wow!
The internet has been a blessing for me because I got to meet you, Laurel. I often think of how it made that possible. My life would be so different without you in it!
You’re welcome!
Whenever I’m feeling lonely, I think of that group of people I saw interviewed some years ago who lived in Incline Village near Lake Tahoe and came down with this mysterious illness in the 1950′s that they’re now calling, yes, CFS. They were house-bound and had no way to contact the outside world except by using the phone or by hoping someone might drop by. Just look at the difference for us. We have a lot to be thankful for, and the internet is near the top of the list!
Toni – I totally agree!
Yes, thank goodness for the internet. Wish I had better computer skills. I feel
helpless if my computer crashes or I need a new one (no idea how to set it up)
Yikes – that does sound like I’m addicted to this ability to contact others in
the same boat.
Dominique, you are a dog person. I’m in a quandry about vaccinations.
The Rescue group has given me little info and vets tell me to start from
square one – expensive, may be repetitive on some shots, and energy
zapping. Online I found a book “11 Things you must know to keep your
dog healthy” by Michele Welton. Ordered it from the lib. if they have
it. She states that all the shots and so very often (yearly) isn’t needed.
One vet did says after the initial series of puppy shots they give shots
every 3 years. Because of my health, taking care of my mom and
for a long time 3 dogs (her orphans and Sammy) I just did not keep
up with any shots for years and I mean from ages 7 to 15.
Don’t want to give you an assignment LOL – please just a comment or
so on what your experience has been or what you have read about this.
Mostly wondering if giving the shot when a puppy is vital for immunity
Lucy is 9 months old. Or if a puppy never got shots would it be as
effective if the combo (adult) every three years would provide as much
protection. Please Please don’t put an energy into this like searching online.
I’m only asking you to share what you already know/think about this.
Ok? I also need quiet, calm days. Life sometimes gives us that and other
time life just keeps handing out more than we wish to deal with. I hope
and pray since you have been through so very much – that the next chapter
in you life will find you in a safe home – a real refuge – peace – a long time
of life giving you a needed respite.
Patricia – That is a hard one. I have gotten Dekker all his shots but my friend has two dogs who have not had any shots. Interestingly, Dekker has been struggling with serious issues while her’s are healthy as an ox!
So…it really is a personal call.
I wonder, however, it the shots are required because you ‘adopted’ a rescue? Also, each state has guidelines on what you must do so that will play into it as well.
I so agree Dominique! The internet has been such a valuable tool for me with my fight against CFS and Fibromyalgia. I’ve made some wonderful friends, who totally ‘get’ what I am feeling and who are also wonderfully supportive of me. I’ve also been able to learn so much about these conditions…things that help, things that cause them to worsen etc. ….so much more than I’ve ever learned from any of my traditional Doctors.
(Sorry it’s been awhile since I’ve been here…but I’ve been away back home for the last 3 or 4 weeks visiting family and friends. I’ve missed reading your blog and posts…..but am slowly catching up with my reading)
Linda´s last [type] ..Wood
Linda – I really missed you! I’m so glad you are back! I hope you had a great time!
Beautifully put!
Take care,
Laura
~X~
Laura – Thank you and thanks for commenting and dropping by!
Please forgive my tardiness on any comments that are to follow…I’m severely behind in reading…lol
I could not agree more with you! I would be completely isolated from the outside world if it wasn’t for the internet. It is a huge blessing to so many people with health issues, that keep them mostly, or totally homebound.
I could never have anticipated all the amazing connections I have made through blogging and reading other people’s blogs. It really is an amazing thing!
Nancy – No problems. I have been following you not so good days on Facebook so I knew you probably a little behind. Did you get your computer working right again?
I agree! It is amazing that we really do ‘connect’ even though we have never met in person. Awesome!