2017 – My Year

After 4 years of suffering from 2 chronic conditions – CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia and losing my job because of it, I decided that 2017 would be “My year” I finally seem to have my pain under a little control, not huge amounts but better than it’s ever been since I became unwell. After 4 years or so of suffering from both conditions losing my job was not what I needed at the time, it made things a million times worse for me and I lost trust in my mentor/manager who I had blindly looked up to and admired for years and years. When the chips were down he wasn’t there. He kicked me when I was down. But now a few months on and with time to reflect. I realise how miserable I was at my work. My eyes have also been opened up to seeing people for who and what they are and that people are NEVER who they seem. Even people you think you know and people who you think are on your side aren’t. Hence the reason in December 2016 I decided 2017 was going to be different.

With January beginning I started to put my “plan” in place. Firstly I decided that I wanted to be my own boss (after the horrendous treatment I received when I was ill-health retired)

I did some research and business plans but none of it came to fruition. So my business ideas have been set to aside for the moment. Set aside but not forgotten!

A sporting opportunity arose and it was just what I was looking for – Roller Derby. Derby has been so good for my overall health and well-being. I am getting adrenaline from it and it certainly has positively impacted my health and life. Met a great group of lasses through it too. I feel proud to be part of it. I managed to do 21 laps in 5 minutes the other Wednesday night so I am eligible to attend the Monday night speed sessions but I have never been well enough to do so which is upsetting but I have to look after myself. Hopefully, I will reach the 27 laps in 5 minutes which you need to be able to do in Derby amongst loads of other moves.

I went to Voluntary Action Orkney and enquired about volunteering opportunities. I managed to get a placement at the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau which I am really happy with. It is only for 3 hours every Tuesday.  I enjoy it and it beats lying about the house all day.

Then I set my sights on learning to drive. It has been a slow progress due to my health not being the best at times. Enjoying learning and I hope I pass my test in the future. I am nowhere near yet. Only had 4/5 lessons and some practice with Baz my husband.

I have completed a marketing course. I will be doing a Personal Licence course as well as training on how to use the Sage Accounting program and in September I will hopefully be starting a Management evening course.

I had a fabulous weekend down in Inverness with Kelly. She treated me to a Spa day in Nairn and it was beautiful. There was a Hot tub outside, the sun was shining and the temperature outside was 20 degrees. I managed to squeeze in a training session with Inverness City Rollers. We had a lovely BBQ on Sunday night before I came home. It was THE most perfect weekend that I have experienced in a long time.

Not bad for the first 6 months I don’t think. I am pleased with my progress. I have to keep pushing myself but at the same time, I need to know my limits and listen to my body more which isn’t easy when your mind is stronger than your body. I am happy with what I have started and what I have achieved so far. Although I feel exhausted and sore every day I still have to remind myself that I suffer from 2 chronic conditions and that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself all the time. I have tasted a period of being well and now my health is up and down like a yo-yo. I just have to accept that it happens and it could just be a blip. It does stress me out not knowing if or when my good health will return.