Author Archives: Anna Redshaw

S U N D A Y • 17th • M A Y • 2 0 2 0 I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I’m sharing this message with you all. With the tea party scheduled for 7 weeks time, and with placing myself in a minimum of 12 weeks of physical distancing/isolation, theContinue reading “Join in online”

Swinging between sympathy for those who are so alien to this kind of isolation, and bitterness that so many initiatives on how to help people feel less isolated are suddenly coming into practice. The rallying of support is heartwarming. Yet at the same time it’s heartbreaking for someone like me to see, because I’ve spentContinue reading “Welcome to Our ‘Normal’”

I joked recently to my family and friends via text message that if anyone started getting ‘cabin fever’ or going ‘stir crazy’ with having to stay at home and remain isolated, that they should come to me for advice on how to cope. Nine and half years of (mostly) living within what are now theContinue reading “Social/Physical Isolation Survival Tips”

I have always known that society views me as Less. I have always known that those of us with unconventional, chronic health issues are ignored and shoved out-of-sight and out-of-mind. I have always known that society views me as a burden their tax deductions must pay for. I have always known that in making aContinue reading “We are Less (at least to Them)”

I got life right today • Not brushed my teeth, but put lipstick on • Not showered, but 50% sure I put deodorant on • Dressed, but not wearing a bra and still in yesterday’s pants • No idea what we’re having for tea, but WENT TO SEE THE LAMBS Priorities people . Priorities. Can’tContinue reading “Getting it right”

My friends, it doesn’t happen very often, but every once in a blue moon, I have a day where I wonder if this is really IT. If life is really going to be like THIS. Today, as I came to rest in bed after having my sister and nephew visit, I questioned whether my lifeContinue reading “Real Talk”

You’ll probably have heard by now that I’m getting organised for my M.E. awareness week tea party already. Alongside the Real Life event in Stamford, Lincolnshire (please do get in touch for more information if you’d like to join me in person) I will again be hosting a virtual tea party online. It’s quite simpleContinue reading “How does the virtual tea party work?”

I am feeling very poorly, even by my standards. But I am also feeling very loved and understood. Recently, I have noticed how so many of the people around me now seem to grasp that Get Well Soon doesn’t fit here. I won’t be getting well soon, but you hoping for better and easier daysContinue reading “Get Well Soon < Hope you have easier days ahead”

In my experience it can be difficult to get non-sufferers to properly engage with M.E. advocacy efforts. There can be many reasons for this. Perhaps they find it upsetting to think of the depths of their loved one’s suffering. Or they don’t have M.E. themselves so can feel too far removed from it all. Sadly,Continue reading “What have tea and cake got to do with M.E?”