Topics:

* 2 years since this journey began in earnest
* thanks for support and kindness (esp fellow CS/CFS/FM/etc)
* pardons for my possible sloppy/oddness
* hamster wheel of medical appts
* the past is awsum (and is the past)
* the future is unwritten (and i’m optimistic-ish)
* reinvention begins today
* unbridled goodwill towards all kind beings
* don’t forget Nepal
* postcards therapy

Background: 

In the summer of 2013, I was diagnosed with Central Sensitivity Syndrome and variety of related syndromes. This news hit me hard as i was used to living an active life — both personally and professionally — and things seemed to be going great with lots of travel, speaking and creation on the docket. The result is: I am weak, weary, often confused and experience near-constant muscle and joint pain.

My treatments include all manner of medications to aid sleep plus therapies such as dry needling, acupuncture, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and mediation (individual and group), gentle exercise to keep conditioned while not going outside of my energy envelope. Also therapy from a counsellor and a few other things i’ve probably forgot. My calendar is packed with tests, treatments and checkups.

Through this journey, i’ve also battled depression and malaise which spirals me down to deep sad places. I’ve worked to rebuild myself from the mind out and learned a lot about neuro-plasticity and the connection between mind and body. I work earnestly to stay positive and receive affection from others and remain calm as my body is “locked” into a fight/flight/freeze mode.

Along the way, i’ve shared my journey with friends, co-workers and for my future self to track my progress. I’ve found chilling out in mineral rich waters (oceans, seas and hot springs) are a good place for me to heal as well as having kind friends and family around in support and sending me letters and vinyl to amuse me.

Along the way, I’ve made videos about my healing journey as well as videos about arts and crafts projects you can find in other playlists plus some videos about the recent passing of my beloved Dad which i was able to provide palliative care to in his final days.

Overall these videos are for me and you and perhaps others faced with the same ailments.