PRODUCT CATEGORIES
Fibromyalgia Support
ME/CFS Support
HEALTH TARGET
Allergies
Brain Supplements
Heart Health
Immune Support
Sleep Help
Weight Loss Supplements
See More Health Targets »
YOUR BODY
Bone & Joint Supplements
Brain Supplements
Head & Sinus
Skin Care
See More Your Body »
HEALTH CONCERN
Allergies
Inflammation
Sore Muscles
See More Concerns »
SUPPLEMENT TYPE
Antioxidants
Energy Supplements
Essential Fatty Acids
Multi Vitamins
Probiotics
Vitamins
See More Supplements »
HEALTHY LIVING
Air Filters
Goodnighties
Healthy Home
See More Healthy Living »
HEALTH TOPICS
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME
Fibromyalgia
|
|
By Clarissa Shepherd •
ProHealth.com •
April 25, 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clarissa Shepherd wrote this tribute to people living with chronic illness in honor of May 12 Awareness Day, 2012. She is honoring her own support group, formed two years ago,* but also the very large circle of souls around the world who understand what she means. Thank you, Clarissa!
_________________________
Walk in the Light of Your Fearlessness
By Clarissa Shepherd
Many times we feel disconnected from everyone due to chronic illness. We can't always express how or what we feel to others. This leaves us frustrated and alone in a room filled with people.
We reach deep inside to see a part of us that many people never need to find.
We hold on tight to places in our mind that many people never need to go.
Survival is a daily task, and peace can many times be a stranger to us.
As I think of those surviving chronic illness, I am reminded of how brave you are.
You are not your illness. You are a mighty sword, of a warrior, going to battle each day for your life.
You are not your harmful thoughts, for they are imposed on your mind. Yet, as a mighty sword, you are greater than those awful thoughts that enter the mind and affect your body and life.
Together we stand, for apart we fall. We each give to the other the strength to move forward even when we would rather lie down and quit.
You show your strength and courage with each breath you take, every obstacle you overcome, each time you learn new ways to cope.
You are fearless, even in your pain, for you move ever forward, in spite of it.
All of your adversity has rebuilt you, mind, body and spirit.
Allow the reality of this truth to wash over you. To fill up your innermost being, bind you, hold you, carry you and settle inside you.
You are heroes of a unique kind, taking a journey down a very winding road.
With uncertainty around every curve, you rise to the occasion with grace.
Walk in the light of your fearlessness, for you are the description of courage.
___
* Clarissa Shepherd founded the Fellow Travelers FMS, MCS, and CFS/ME Support and Chat Group in May 2012 (http://www.facebook.com/groups/Fellow.Travelers). Their friendly door is open to all. Clarissa is author of Find Your Way: A Guide to Healing While Living with CFIDS and Fibromyalgia.
|
|
|
Get the World's Largest Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome & Fibromyalgia Newsletters
View Archives »
|
 |
Plus - Instantly
download our ME/CFS
& FM Information
Guide for FREE |
|
|
ProHealth offers a wide range of nutritional supplements for optimal health.*
*These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
|
| (5 existing comments) |
 |
|
|
A Tribute to Courage
|
Posted by: MicheleK
Apr 26, 2012 |
Was this review helpful? 
34
|
|
Beautiful. Clarissa always writes from her heart and her heart is a beautiful place, large, full of room for others. Thank you for sharing this. I plan on sharing it in a couple of support group settings. Very nice!
|
Reply 
|
|
|
Clarissa's tribute
|
Posted by: NIELK
Apr 27, 2012 |
Was this review helpful?
20
|
Thank you Clarissa,
These are the exact words my soul needed to hear!
|
|
Reply
|
|
|
Clarissa
|
Posted by: vrjjstover
Apr 27, 2012 |
Was this review helpful?
17
|
|
What a beautiful Tribute! God has blessed my dear and wonderful friend the ability to write. The words just flow from her pen. Clarissa and all my friends at Fellow Travelers have been such a lifesaver to me. I was filled with frustration, not knowing what was wrong with me. I suggest to all of you that have constant pain from FM/ME/CFS and other painful illnesses, join us at Fellow Travelers and you can read more of Clarissa's knowledge on dealing with pain and so much more. The support, understanding and the "cheering on" is always there from the members. Clarissa also has a book that she has written. That book stays on my nightstand for easy referral. THANK YOU CLARISSA!
|
|
Reply
|
|
|
A Tribute to Courage
|
Posted by: sjs7658
May 1, 2012 |
Was this review helpful?
17
|
|
Clarissa is a wonderful gift to those of us with invisible illnesses. Though she struggles with CFS/FM she always makes herself available to others in need. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Clarissa!
|
|
Reply
|
|
|
Thank you for a moving piece!
|
Posted by: livingwithcfsfibro
May 3, 2012 |
Was this review helpful?
10
|
|
This beautiful tribute reads like poetry. It resonates with me and the ordinary daily courage I encounter with people with CFS/FM. Thank you, ProHealth, for letting me discover Clarissa's work for the first time...and thank you, Clarissa, for the gift that you are to all of us. - Lisa (http://livingwithcfs.com)
|
|
Reply
|
|
|
|
Get the World's Largest
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome &
Fibromyalgia Newsletters
View Archives »
 |
Plus - Instantly
download our
ME/CFS & FM
Information
Guide for FREE |
On Your $49 Order* 
Fibromyalgia Study Suggests Muscles Are ‘Wired and Tired’ [more]
You Are Not Alone [more]
Metabolism Math: Why Counting Calories Doesn't Add Up [more]
Natural Solutions to Chronic Stomach Problems [more]
An Interview With Julia Newton, Founding Member of Newly Launched CFS/ME Research Collaborative [more]
|
|
