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Plunging Into a Sparkling Sky of Unknown Possibilities

Plunging Into a Sparkling Sky of Unknown Possibilities

*These writing prompts are part of a monthly community activity I host. You can find the link to join us at the bottom of the post. We’d love to have you with us. You can interpret the prompts any way you fancy; the possibilities are endless!

Paying

To say that October sucked would be an understatement for me. It was my fault to a certain degree, although I don’t even know why I use the word ‘fault’. I was just trying to live life like a regular person, then things snowballed and got out of hand fairly quickly.

I was actually prepared and willing to pay pain for the fun I had, but the circumstances were not quite ‘standard’ this time, so recovery is taking a somewhat different route. I spent most of my October thus locked up at home once more, down in the dumps, and just waiting for things to get better again. I feel ashamed that I’m ashamed that I had fun. Why can’t we just go past the limits every now and then without such drastic payments in terms of health? Anyway, I don’t regret much of what I did. It’s nice to ‘run wild’ and live life once in a blue moon.

Pin to Your Chronic Illness Boards:

'I feel ashamed that I’m ashamed that I had fun. Why can’t we just go past the limits every now and then without such drastic payments in terms of health?' Pinterest Quote
'It was my fault to a certain degree, although I don’t even know why I use the word ‘fault’. I was just trying to live life like a regular person.' Pinterest Quote

Attending

Since I’ve been single I’ve also been arranging quite a number of meetups, going on dates, and attending random events. One of these was ‘A Piece of Mind’, hosted by Esquire and We Work. It was held on World Mental Health Day, in a bid to raise awareness and educate the public on mental illnesses. The panel of speakers were from all walks of life in various industries, and familiar with mental illness in one form or another, either through training or personal experience. There was a psychotherapist, magazine writers, the Vice Chairmain of IMH (Institute of Mental Health), a youth support worker, and a neuroscientist from Holmusk.

I had a wonderful time chatting with the folks from Holmusk after the event on AI, which they’re using to detect depression. They were such intelligent, enthusiastic and down to earth people, and our conversations even veered towards the realm of gut health and chronic illnesses in relation to AI.

An interesting ‘trick’ that the psychotherapist shared stuck with me. We often ask people ‘are you okay?’, to which we receive a mumbled response of ‘I’m fine’ most of the time. But she said to wait a little while, then repeat the question. She uses this in her counselling sessions too, and says you’d be surprised at what people will tell you after that.

Another great tip from the speakers, especially when you don’t know what to say, is to ask genuine questions instead of dishing out unsought for advice. Ask them how they feel, what they think, etc. This can be a great way for them to open up and to reinforce your connection. Giving advice when you hardly know much about the situation or what they’ve already attempted may cause more frustration, instead. A final tip from the speakers for people who are suffering from depression is to mix your daily routines up, and introduce small changes into your life. You’d be surprised how the little things can get you out of a funk.

Pin to Your Chronic Illness Boards:

'People often say, 'I'm fine', in response to 'are you okay?'. But wait a while, then repeat your question. You'd be surprised at what might unravel then.' Pinterest Quote
'Giving advice when you hardly know much about the situation or what they’ve already attempted may cause more frustration.' Pinterest Quote
'Ask genuine questions instead of dishing out unwanted advice, especially if you odn't know what to say. Ask them how they feel, what they think, etc.' Pinterest Quote
'Mix your daily routines up, and introduce small changes into your life. You’d be surprised how the little things can get you out of a funk.' Pinterest Quote

Organising

I have quite a bit of organising to do this November, as I’m finally moving all my belongings and the birds back to my parents’ for good. Quite a sad affair as my birds recognise my ex, and I do still consider him family despite the breakup. He will always be a friend to me, and an important person in my memories. I just want to say a big thank you to him, for the six years we had together through all the ups and downs.

I will probably need to clip the feathers of the remaining birds as the windows at my parents’ place are plentiful and always open, and the ceiling fans are always turned on. Don’t want any accidents happening right off the bat! But don’t worry, their feathers will grow back in a couple months, and I’ll see what to do then. For now, both them and I will be familiarising and settling ourselves into a new environment together. All that unpacking will not be fun, but there is no rush either, I suppose.

Plunging

With the move back comes a huge plunge into a new life. A final cut, an established divider, a total change of scenery, a nostalgic feeling, and a myriad of possibilities. Our environments often have a huge effect on our decision making process, perspectives and motivations. I hope that this change will help to propel me towards a positive direction faster, and get to wherever I need to be next in life. I’m taking a leap of faith in some ways this month, which I’ll share when the time is right!

As for the work front, I will definitely need to change up some strategies, try and focus despite the depression and brain fog that have set in again, and work towards a better income flow. There are a number of recurring income sources I could build, but what holds me back is not knowing if they’ll even make a cent, and if they’ll be worth all that time and effort. But I suppose I just need to do my market research, and give it a shot. At the very least, I’ll gain some knowledge which is always a good thing! Hopefully the change in environment will do the trick, and breathe some fresh ideas into my mind and life.

Pin to Your Mental Health Boards:

'A final cut, an established divider, a total change of scenery, a nostalgic feeling, and a myriad of possibilities.'

'Our environments often have a huge effect on our decision making process, perspectives and motivations.' Pinterest Quote

'I hope that this change in environment will help to propel me towards a positive direction faster, and get to wherever I need to be next in life.' Pinterest Quote

I also have two other projects connected to A Chronic Voice that I’m thinking about (as if I don’t have more pressing things to do on my plate, heh). I agreed to two podcast interviews in the last couple of months, and to my surprise, found them rather fun and interesting! As a result, I am thinking of starting my own as well. It will be another way to revive another website I own called ‘Sick Lessons’, and incorporate it as a facet of this blog. What do you think? I have zero knowledge about podcast creations and thus find it daunting, but I figured I could learn along the way, and that it doesn’ matter if episode one is shitty for a start ;p

Listen to The Podcasts Here, and Pin to Share!

Knowing

I’m so happy that 2019 is drawing to a close. Relieved more like it. It hasn’t been the best year for me, with the dengue fever, break up, many other bad new diagnoses, unexplainable symptoms, and hospitalisation stays. I’m praying that 2020 will be kinder, happier, and I also hope to contribute to those elements through my own choices as well.

I really don’t know which way I’m headed for next year. If you really think about it, there are always a million possibilities up for grabs. Sometimes they happen quickly and at other times, drag on forever. But there is always a choice, even if the glass looks opaque for now.

For me I’m considering going back to school even though it’d take me up to seven years to graduate, and I don’t know how I’ll find the money. But it would definitely be a dream come true, no doubt about it. At the same time I’m also considering some new travels, new jobs, and new other things. It feels like a splitting of directions, but I am grateful that I have this slight possibility of choice at all. I apologise if I keep repeating certain topics, but they’re swimming around like goldfish in the bowl of my brain for now. For now I shall just prepare to move everything out and onto new pastures, whatever the colour of the grass may be.

Pin to Your Chronic Illness Boards:

'I’m praying that 2020 will be kinder, happier, and I also hope to contribute to those elements through my own choices as well.' Pinterest Quote
'There are always a million possibilities up for grabs. Sometimes they happen quickly and at other times, drag on forever. But there is always a choice.' Pinterest Quote
'It feels like a splitting of directions, but I am grateful that I have this slight possibility of choice at all.' Pinterest Quote
'For now I shall just prepare to move everything out and onto new pastures, whatever the colour of the grass may be.' Pinterest Quote

Thank you for reading, and I hope to read your responses for June’s prompts too. CLICK HERE to submit your own entry, and to read about what others are up to as well!

*Note: This article is meant for educational purposes and is based on the author’s personal experiences. It is not to be substituted for medical advice. Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding any new treatment protocols.

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Rhiann
November 19, 2019 15:37

Hello once again Sheryl

Thanks again for the wonderful inspiration you have given for this month, I know that I wouldn’t have written half as much this year without it! Having fun and then experiencing a hefty payback in terms of a flare in symptoms is one of the most frustrating aspects of living with a chronic illness. And another frustrating aspect is not knowing where that line is between overdoing it and not!

I am sorry to hear of your breakup and then having to adjust to new surroundings at your parent’s place- I hope that the change of scenery does you some good.

And congrats on the podcast – you did great!

Rhiann x

Niamh
November 17, 2019 09:34

Sorry to hear about your break up Sheryl I hope you and your bird family get setup with as little stress as possible at your folks place. Good call on the wing clipping. The podcast idea is amazing I’ve wanted to do something like it for a while but with not much of a following I figure I’d have to put more effort into building my blog audience first but I can’t wait to see what direction you take with it. I’m also moving and your words of the possibilities ahead ring true. I hope the unknown has some really lovely surprises for you up her sleeve (especially some travel R&R) xx

Sheryl Chan
November 18, 2019 01:04
Reply to  Niamh

Hi Niamh! I actually broke up almost a year ago, but didn’t want to dramatise it on my blog until everything was finalised. Now I’m home and all that. We’re all good…adaptation is in our blood! 🙂 Yea the podcast idea scares me a little, but I think might be interesting to explore at the very least. I wish you amazing possibilities ahead! xxx

Kathy
November 17, 2019 05:41

I hope that you and your birds enjoy the change of scenery! I’m glad to hear that you have ideas swimming around in your head even when you’re struggling with depression and brain fog. Hugs.

Sheryl Chan
November 18, 2019 01:03
Reply to  Kathy

Thanks lovely! Birds look a tad depressed but aren’t we all with change! We’ll all be fine after a while! Brain fog comes and goes, we’ll take it day by day 🙂 xxx

Spoonie Mom Rhonda
November 9, 2019 12:17

Dearest Sheryl,
You are such an inspiration to me! You’ve accomplished so much already and are still reaching out to grab hold of the possibilities in the coming year. I’m sending all the positive thoughts and prayers I can muster up for you young lady. 2020 is going to be your year, for sure. I can so relate to your story about trying to live like a normal person and paying a price. I recently started a list of things my body can manage to handle. Things like cleaning my ceiling fans or walking 2 flights of stairs at once. Alongside each task is how badly I will pay for it in pain the next day, if I dare engage. Then I try to limit my activities and spread them out.

So I can’t even imagine how you fit everything in. Thanks for the linkup and all that you do. Can’t wait to pin and share your inspirational quotes. xoxo #spooniehugs

Sheryl Chan
November 12, 2019 08:14

Aww…thanks dearie. I haven’t accomplished anything, really! Feels like a dragged out, wasted year. I hope things go well for you, too. Sending hugs.

Anne Sweet
November 4, 2019 06:18

It does sound like it’s been a difficult year for you and I really hope that the future really does bring some sparkling possibilities. You have to keep hoping and I can see positivity in this post too.

Sheryl Chan
November 4, 2019 23:58
Reply to  Anne Sweet

Hi Anne,

It’s been not so easy, but not the worst ever! Just hanging in that balance as usual 🙂 Yes let’s hope the future sparkles for us all! xxx

Michelle
November 3, 2019 06:16

You’re always so positive despite it all, Sheryl! You set the example for us all. Sorry you had such a rough time and I hope you’re seeing better days right now. Xx

Sheryl Chan
November 3, 2019 12:13
Reply to  Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Haha that’s quite funny…I’m generally not positive (or maybe I don’t realise it? 😉 ). Or perhaps I had time to draft these blog posts properly! 😉 Life is good. Painful but still good. Sending love x

Claire
November 3, 2019 03:01

It’s sounds like a difficult time for you but that said I am really loving the positivity you’re displaying. So many wonderful opportunities await you my love, can’t wait to see which way you go x x

Sheryl Chan
November 3, 2019 12:13
Reply to  Claire

Hi Claire,

It’s not that bad (not the worst ever!). There are positives too, guess I should express those more often too, heh. Thanks lovely, sending love too xx

Lisa Ehrman
November 2, 2019 23:22

The podcasts sound very good, and I’m glad that you enjoyed the first one. That’s something I’m not interested in, but I bet you’ll be amazing. I hope that the next year brings you better health and good things in your work. Moving is so tough ( we just did it) so I’m glad to hear that you’re going to take your time unpacking. There’s a lot of benefit in unpacking slowly.

Sheryl Chan
November 3, 2019 12:12
Reply to  Lisa Ehrman

Hi Lisa,

Yea podcasts/audio are not my thing either, but I think it might be worth just giving it a try, why not! 🙂 Thanks for the love. Let’s hope 2020 is kinder to us all!

Sheryl Chan
November 2, 2019 15:21

Thank you Alison! We’ve been broken up for a year now so it’s not exactly new, even though we’ve just been in close contact still as friends, which I think is great 🙂

Hehe…I hope they like my parents. My animals adapt quickly with some love. Much to learn from them!

And yes, I really like staying alone, so that will be a big adjustment. But I’ll take my cue from my pets! 😉

Sending hugs to you xxx

Alison Hayes
November 2, 2019 02:07

Hi Sheryl,
I’m glad you ended up feeling ready to write early this month – it would have felt weird not to start the month reading your thoughts! I’m so sorry about your breakup – relationships are hard, and ending them is hard, no matter what the details are. I hope you can heal from that emotional pain as well as that your symptoms treat you better!
Your poor birds getting their feathers clipped – but I totally understand the need to protect pets from extra risks they may not recognize – it sounds like you’re being a responsible pet parent and keeping them safe while they adjust to their new environment!

I hope the move back in with your parents runs as smoothly as possible – I remember moving back home after living independently – it was a really tough adjustment, and everybody has different mental and emotional habits and expectations about things. I hope that that too, runs as smoothly as possible.
Thinking of you and wishing you the best as you make your way through these changes!