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Introduction Text I have CFS/M.E. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). Any activity and exercise is very difficult for me. I know God has a purpose for my illness and I want to glorify Him in everything. Several years ago, my highest weight was 142. Through a couple of stressful events in my life, I lost some weight, but I'd rather not have to lose weight that way. Hoping I can lose a few pounds more healthfully and keep weight from creeping back up again. I've learned a lot from Sparkpeople (been here for a few years) and have been so encouraged and blessed by the people I've met here! Update 10/14: My weight has been creeping slowly back up again. One of the most frustrating things about life with chronic illness (and CFS specifically) is post-exertional malaise -- an actual biological consequence of exercising or any strenous activity with CFS. Too much can actually make me crash (or shut down physically). I wrestle with doing enough, but not doing too much. I am currently researching if there is any way I can achieve a certain amount of activity/exercise enough to be healthier, but not triggering that pesky little thing called post-exertional malaise. I am swimming once a week for about 45 minutes. This is all I can manage for now. But I never feel like it is enough. Quotes: "We first make our habits, and then our habits make us." -- John Dryden We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. -- Aristotle Being defeated is often temporary, giving up makes it permanent. -- Marilyn von Savant Know the true value of time; snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. -- Lord Chesterfield Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results. -- Unknown Mottos for living: Babysteps, babysteps -- Flylady Slow and Steady wins the Race! -- Flylady This too shall pass -- Bible Each small step is still a step! One Choice at a Time "A PRAYER FOR RESTORATION FROM FATIGUE Gracious God, at times my life seems to be too much. Too full. Too demanding. Too consuming. Everything feels necessary, even important, but weariness creeps across my body and soul like storm clouds gathering in an open sky. As my body is depleted of energy, my mind loses interest in what normally enthuses me. My tired soul sags as if it were a balloon losing its air. Sometimes I feel so spent that even restorative sleep seems to elude me. Help me sort the truly important from what only seems important. Give me courage to say no to what drains rather than feeds me. Help me find brief moments to sit in perfect stillness while you massage my soul. And, when I go to my nightly sleeping place, wrap your darkness around me like the softest cloak, so that I may sleep peacefully in your embrace. I ask this for the sake of your love. Amen." -- by GLORYSEEKER65, posted with permission.

I want to live as healthy a life as I can even though I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Babysteps will get it done. 1/09: I seem to be stuck at the same weight for quite some time now. I hope this new year to be able to exercise more and tone some muscle. I have to try this very slowly though, as I have experienced crashes and flares in the past. Update: 4/10: --Write down and measure EVERYTHING I put in my mouth. --Try to stay in the lower range of calories. --Cut down on sugar and saturated fats. Curb the cravings with healthier options. --Strength training moves in everyday activities. --Learn gentle yoga moves to strengthen my core and improve my flexibility --Walk .5-1 mile on treadmill or outside on most days. Start at 30 min/mile pace and work up to 20 min/mile pace. If I crash, cut back, but DON'T give up! --Drink 6-8 glasses of water and other liquid daily. Drink before I eat whenever I "think" I'm hungry.

I am mostly just being very careful about what I eat. I am trying very hard to stay in the lower range of calories (1200-1350). Some days I make it, others I go way over. I'm unable to exercise as much as I might like to. *Update 4/10: After being here on SP three years, I am back at the highest weight I've been since being here. Needless to say, I'm discouraged and frustrated, but I'm admitting it here, so I can move on. Time to get more serious again. --Along with exercising and cutting down on sugar and sat. fats as mentioned above, I'm also measuring and recording EVERYTHING I put in my mouth, because somehow I am sabotaging myself. --Eating more nutrient dense foods: more fruits and vegetables, fiber, beans, whole grains, etc to keep myself feeling fuller longer.

I live with my husband of fourteen years in a small town in central Illinois. I LOVE to serve/help others out and encourage others, and believe that is the best way to "do" church -- to "be" the church! Other interests include reading (books are a passion of mine!), crafts, history and gardening, being frugal and saving money! I just learned to crochet. I am involved in several online communities. I'm on facebook and pinterest.

I desire to serve and love the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart! I fall short all the time, but I am so thankful for His Grace! He keeps me going through all of my ups and downs. He is my constant Friend!

Add a Link Co-leader Christians with Fibromyalgia Co-leader Chair Exercise Team "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Is. 40:31 "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise both for the present life and the life to come." - 1 Tim. 4: 8
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