Tag Archives: stress

Compassion

Posted on November 25, 2020 by Jennie Spotila

I have spent a lot of time reflecting on compassion this year. It’s been impossible not to, as I read the news each day. 2020 has been–well, it’s been 2020. I have felt such anger and frustration at the lack … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

I’ve Missed You

Posted on August 17, 2019 by Jennie Spotila

I’ve missed you, my lovelies! I dropped off the grid for awhile in hopes of making progress on my book. I wrote some words. I also saw some beautiful things, and visited beloved friends and family. My husband and I … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

Drinking From A Fire Hose

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Jennie Spotila

News is coming at the ME community at a crazy pace right now. Each time I go online, there is another controversial article that requires a response. First there was the NPR chronic pain piece and ensuing debacle. Then came … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

“It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.”

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Jennie Spotila

It’s been twenty-four years. Twenty-four years since the morning I woke up with a sore throat, went to work, and got so sick I could barely walk home. Twenty-four years since I became incurable. And this year, I hardly noticed. … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

How To Be Sick . . . Again!

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Jennie Spotila

Toni Bernhard has just published a second edition of her classic How To Be Sick, or as I like to call it: The Book That Will Make You A Better Human. I have relied on How To Be Sick since … Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Taking Care of Your Self

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Jennie Spotila

Self-care is one of those internet buzzwords that people casually throw around, as if a coloring book or a kitty will solve all your problems. I’m not knocking coloring books and kitties, but generally I think that kind of advice … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Better Late Than Not At All

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Jennie Spotila

Last night, I was really struggling to come up with anything to be grateful for. I can’t say that no one in our family died this year. I can’t say my husband is getting closer to returning to work. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

More Thoughts on Suicide

Posted on November 16, 2017 by Jennie Spotila

Last week, Johanna Haban provided some important resources and information for people with ME who are overwhelmed or are contemplating suicide. This topic is complicated and very important to discuss, so Johanna and I spoke further about issues related to … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Crisis and Suicide

Posted on November 5, 2017 by Jennie Spotila

The list of people with ME who have taken their own lives is too long. Fortunately, there is help available for anyone in crisis, and their loved ones. There are many issues to discuss about suicide and end of life, … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

23 and ME

Posted on October 6, 2017 by Jennie Spotila

May the depths you have reached hold you still – John O’Donohue Twenty-three years ago today, I woke up with a sore throat. I went to work, and within a few hours I had a high fever and could barely … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 43 Comments