A change is as good as a rest?

Earlier this month I had the immense good fortune of going away on holiday.

Despite the usual ever-present symptoms and restrictions, I felt full to the brim with gratitude.

A year ago, on holiday in the same place, I was in so much pain from Adenomyosis that I suffered so much more than I did this year. (I’ve been having Zoladex implants since April – post coming soon.)

On the whole, I know how to be at peace with the restrictions of my M.E. And so even though the family went bike riding and went off adventuring each day, I was content just to be there.

Things I felt truly grateful for:

Warmth of the sun on my skin. I have friends who for several reasons haven’t and cannot feel that for themselves.
Eating a meal each day sat up at the table with everyone.
The level of understanding, love and acceptance I get from my sister-in-law.
Choosing from a different range of coffee cups for a change.
Time with my husband while he was off work.
Managing a few hours out one day with everyone during the week.
One of the best gluten free cakes I’ve had (although we established my bar is quite low 😂)
Time with a dog when we’re unable to have one of our own
Peace and quiet in the countryside, with no traffic noise or neighbours.
Putting food in the slow cooker by myself ready for tea.
A change from the monotony that can be my every day life.
A comfy mattress (always a gamble when going away!)
A downstairs toilet!
Nephews who accept my mobility aids as nothing more than tools that make it possible for Aunty Anna to join in a little more than she’d otherwise be able to.
Getting to text my friends when I saw things that remind me of them.
Knowing the guinea pigs are well cared for while we’re away.
Being temporarily able to let go on self-imposed expectations about what I should be doing and how it might be interpreted if I prioritise my health over pleasing others.

I realise that some of these will make me sound like a small child. But chronic illness kind of allows me to shake off the expectations of what an adult should be and feel, and get right back to basics.