Category: Blogs

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness9 Comments

October is here! Autumn, the nights drawing in, the beautiful colours outside, digging out the winter warmers, Strictly Come Dancing (huge fan here!) and Halloween…..not quite such a big thing here in the UK as for some of my virtual pals across the pond, but it is growing!  It also brings a special anniversary in our house tomorrow….more of that to come!Monday Magic - Inspiring Blogs for You!

If you saw my post yesterday, you will already know that I haven’t been too well this last week as my autonomic nervous system went into melt down…..causing severe dysautonomia with me unable to stand up, fainting, ear pain (anyone else get this?) and severe brain fog.  Unfortunately this coincided with a call from Ofsted for the school where I am a governor for an inspection that we have been expecting and wanting for some time.  Whilst I managed to get to the school the evening before to meet with the head, the chair and my co-vice chair, I became so aware of the effects of brain fog as I couldn’t recall any recent figures or information that may be necessary for the inspection.  Of course stress often exacerbates illness symptoms – whether chronic or otherwise – and as a bit of a worrier/internaliser (typical of EDS anxiety) I struggled more than usual to sleep and then on the morning of the “big day” I was unable to even sit up without snow vision and nausea. Great – just when I needed to use my brain, which was once OK despite what my kids may say, it was full of enormous balls of cotton wool and opiate sized holes.  My colleagues were of course just fine without me…..but once again I am left with that feeling that I have let other people down.  The loss of clarity and independence drives me bananas!9c1efbf4cd9c5c62d212584a665278e1

So once I was able to read a computer screen again – the light can make the visual disturbance so much worse – I have spent some hours over the weekend looking for some more great blog posts for you.  I am mindful that not everyone who follows my ramblings has a chronic illness, so this week I have found a mixture of posts from cookery to a podcast.

I have my coffee in my hand, so I invite you to sit down and join me for a virtual cuppa whilst enjoying reading some fantastic posts.

https://cookandenjoyrecipes.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/caashifas-apple-crumble/

https://blondewritemore.com/2017/10/01/how-to-survive-blogging-with-a-small-following-sundayblogshare-blogs-bloggers/

https://orianasnotes.com/2017/09/28/5-monthly-favorites-september/

https://www.beecontentyoga.com/aqua-yoga-for-arthritis-research/

warrior-III
Image from BeeContentYoga Blog

https://upbeatliving.net/12-tips-chronic-pain-care-despite-changing-laws/

https://makinglol.com/is-blogging-right-for-you/

https://lifeofstones.com/index.php/2017/09/22/how-changing-your-mindset-can-improve-your-life/

https://cityskippergal.com/2017/10/02/klosterman-welcomes-pink-in-october/

https://poisoninlethaldoses.wordpress.com/2017/10/02/follow-your-gut-because-it-doesnt-lie/

https://makeitultrapsychology.wordpress.com/2017/10/01/negative-core-beliefs-podcast/

Please remember to comment, share, like and make a blogger’s day!

Claire x

 

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness9 Comments

Welcome to another week and to some more great blog posts!  It has been a busy week in our household and some of you might have seen my post about moving one son home and the other off to university.  Funny how Duncan and I have both woken up with splitting headaches this morning…..the only extra comment today on the move to Nottingham, is how can a supposedly bright young man arrive in his room at university and have not packed a single pen in his luggage??

File_000 (4)

We have also celebrated my daughter’s birthday this week and we did wonder what we were letting ourselves in for when we agreed that she and her friends could have an evening at home….pizza, popcorn, films.  Eleven girls, aged 15 & 16, on a school night – how hard could it possibly be?  Actually it was easy….but extremely loud!  The girls restored my faith in teen friendships, having heard about various fallings out in girls’ groups and bitching recently. My girl is always very concerned about her friends and tends to be the problem solver in the group, quietly trying to keep the status quo between the more vocal characters.  There have been some subtle changes in the group dynamics recently, but I can honestly say that this particular group is kind and caring.  They had made her a wonderful “Pride striped” birthday cake and arrived with a personalised balloon.  Long may it continue.File_000

 

Last night I watched the opening of the Invictus Games in Canada, and yet again I was unable to stop the tears.  How can we not be moved by these service men & women from across the globe, who have been so badly physically and mentally injured serving, yet have pulled themselves back from the brink to represent their countries again? A very different theatre undoubtedly, but the courage, strength and sheer bloody mindedness is inspirational. It does make me wonder what I have to complain about…..am I trying hard enough….but it is all relative.  However I was inspired to get some physio done in next door’s gym this morning! Monday Magic - Inspiring Blogs for You!

So whilst we are on subject of inspiration, I hope that you will enjoy this selection blog posts that I have put together this week…..a mixture of chronic illness, motivation and even preparing your own coconut oil (the photos on this post are fanatastic!).  So time to get that drink, sit down and enjoy!

https://motivatemenow.co.uk/2017/09/18/how-to-create-a-more-fulfilling-future-blog-series/

https://blondieaka.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/how-to-make-your-own-coconut-oil/

http://thedailymanic.com/manage-life-change-future-unknown/

http://xofaith.com/3-epic-reduce-stress/

https://www.mymeenalife.com/surprising-things-diagnosed-with-lupus/

http://alifewellred.com/3-ridiculously-easy-ways-save-money-holiday-season/

http://coffeeheartmind.com/meet-ivy/

http://mini2z.com/after-the-storm/

https://alifelessphysical.com/2017/09/24/perfect-presents-for-people-with-chronic-pain/

http://www.jennavon.com/?p=584

Please comment, like & share these posts, and support your fellow bloggers,

Claire x8

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness14 Comments

8

I am shattered today, PainPals and those pals not in pain!  Saturday was the day for the big reunion – that is 3 decades – 30 years since we left school.  I’m not quite sure which timescale sounds better!  How did that time pass so quickly? I remember my grandma telling me to value every day as the older you get the faster the time flies…but as a youngster I never took any notice.  Put together a group of people, some who haven’t seen each other for said 30 years, but who grew up together during those important teenage years….and it will feel like yesterday.  Similar theme to last week!

Food, drink, friendship!
Hard core – last men standing!
Still Messing!

I was worried on Saturday morning for 2 reasons – firstly would anyone turn up and secondly I was feeling extremely POTSIE with the shakes and snow vision and forgot to take my midodrine pills with mine!  But on the up side about 20 people turned up over the course of the day/evening….and whilst I spent the first part of the day in my wheelchair the adrenalin seemed to kick in and I was able to stand for periods in the pub, sent out for my pills (good old Duncan) and was still in the pub for dinner in the evening.  It is amazing how you can push yourself when you need to and when you want to.  I find that it is about picking the occasions wisely to use your spoons, as it isn’t possible to live like this every day when a chronic illness is your constant companion.

The feedback has been fantastic – we had a great day renewing old friendships, reminiscing (being thrown out of choir, altering the wording on the carol service leaflet, sending Valentine cards, hockey, rowing, detentions for pranks…..the teachers) but also learning how everyone’s lives have moved on.  We had doctors, a headmistress, lawyers, an acupuncturist, a sports coach, a teacher, a horticulturist, an entrepreneur….the list goes on. Families have grown..and shrunk. Life goes on!

Class of 87 pic
Class of 87

So whilst I have had to sit back due to a self imposed inability to stand, I have found some new blog posts for you.  This week we have blogging posts, a yummy looking recipe site, a musical tribute and the feelings encountered when a pet is found to be very sick.  I am delighted to report that my list of blogs I have shared here has grown to 230 and many of these have been featured several times.  What a wonderful community you are!

Hope you have a cuppa in your hand, an hour to sit back and the enthusiasm to enjoy and explore these fantastic blogs.

https://www.disabledgo.com/blog/2017/09/activists-plan-day-long-musical-tribute-to-radical-and-brilliant-robert-dellar/#.Wb7PB7KGPIU

http://www.youcanalwaysstartnow.com/2017/09/11/is-the-universe-pushing-your-buttons-deal-with-it/

http://www.blessingmanifesting.com/2017/09/self-care-awareness-month.html/

http://riverandquill.com/2017/09/identity-theft.html/

https://beinglydia.com/2017/09/17/what-finding-out-my-dog-is-sick-has-taught-me/

http://www.livingnaturaltoday.com/2017/09/heart-goes-texas/

http://raisingzebras.weebly.com/blog/brain-mri-and-the-wheelchair-arrives

https://starbrightcooking.com/21-tips-classic-comfort-cooking/

http://www.strugglingwithserendipity.com/blog/accepting-harvard

http://www.angiecruise.com/what-i-learned-in-my-first-year-of-blogging/

Please, please share, pin, like, comment to let our bloggers know that you have enjoyed and value their writing. Have a lovely week!

Claire x

78-conan-o-brien-quote_1_orig
Picture from Struggling with Serendipity blog

 

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness15 Comments

Another week, time for another Magic Monday!  The events in our household really pale into insignificance compared to the natural disasters taking over so many parts of America at the moment.  The majority of us, thankfully, will never have to encounter the devastation that these natural phenomena wreak, but I want to send support and good wishes to all our American blogging pals who are living through this.  There is an additional blog post this week that my pal Cheryl at Chronic Mom blog wrote last week about what no one tells you about surviving a natural disaster with chronic illness – but I think that there are  probably aspects that apply to everyone!

 

8

We had an unexpected trip over the weekend – hence no blog post – and as it was a long trip for this chronic bird to make in a day, we paid an impromptu visit to old friends to beg a bed for the night.  Panic not other old friends, we gave them 24 hours notice!!  We haven’t seen each other for about 5 years, yet we have known each other for nearly 30 years – we “girls” did our nurse training together and the blokes have always been hifi and gadget buddies. Not forgetting that this fellow hifi nut was hubby’s best man 25 years ago!  With just a few precious friendships the years roll away and it is possible to appreciate the long and deep connections that you have with each other. As two couples, we have had our fair share of traumas over the past couple of years – we decided we should form the “Happy Pill” brigade as we must have shares in antidepressant companies between us – but we have survived and it is testament to our friendship that we can come together as if it was yesterday!  How many people in your life can you call on and truly rely upon to be there for you no matter what?  Quick shout out here for our fab friends’ facebook page – check it out (chocolate brownies to die for) Keeley House Bakery 

 

9

 

I have found some great blog reads for you this week including  becoming a real mermaid (just read it!), a fab book review, and using your imagination when putting pen to paper.  There is also a piece about the scandal currently coming to light about the use of mesh implants in surgical procedures.  So grab a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy some fabulous writing in these inspiring blog posts!

http://www.chronicmom.com/2017/09/what-no-one-tells-you-about-surviving-a-natural-disaster-with-a-chronic-illness.html/

http://www.nataliemabbott.com/quitting-everything-to-be-a-mermaid/

http://moonglotexas.com/2017/09/10/book-review-death-at-thorburn-by-julianna-deering/

https://1stimeblogger1232.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/every-scar-tells-story.html

http://www.meaction.net/2017/09/01/reading-matters-lets-hear-it/

https://dystoniaandme.com/2017/09/10/5th-blog-birthday/

http://www.amundanelife.co.uk/2017/09/anxiety-is-not-trend.html

http://invisiblyme.com/2017/09/05/the-mesh-scandal/

https://globehousesitterx2.wordpress.com/2017/09/10/a-pen-paper-and-my-imagination/

https://mindovermetablog.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/how-to-deal-with-toxic-people/

https://ginlemonade.wordpress.com/2017/08/30/when-the-accessible-hotel-room-is-inaccessible/

51XzYZSFU1L

Please share this post and make a blogger’s day with a like, share, pin or comment….it makes it all worthwhile.

Have a great week!

Claire x

 

 

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness, chronic pain, Poem12 Comments

Good Morning and welcome to another week, another Monday Magic and some more great blog posts to explore!  Monday Magic

Here in England the schools return this week, much to my daughter’s disgust, and it feels slightly odd that we only have one child still at school.  I have almost missed the ritual trip out to buy school shoes and stationary, but my 15 year old doesn’t need me for this any longer.  Note that I have said ALMOST, not really missing queuing up with a numbered ticket in a branch of Clarks along with a bunch of harassed mums and boisterous children……however there are going to be some shopping lists I should think, ahead of the soon to be politics student going off to uni in a couple of weeks.  He is more concerned about his football season ticket and joining the Facebook freshers’ group than how many sets of bed linen and cutlery he might need. Who am I kidding? One set of bedding will last the term, won’t it – there is no way my 18 year old son will change it of his own accord, YUK!

Moving on swiftly, September is Chronic Pain awareness month and naturally with my background I will be mentioning it….just a few times!  This week also happens to be Fibromyalgia awareness week – which falls under the chronic pain umbrella – and Kat writes about this over on Chronically Composed – a Scottish journey with Chronic Pain.  The other posts I have found this week include a back to school guide, an emotive poem about depression (you can see I have commented on it), a young dad struggling with illness and surgery whilst raising his family, and a face that many of you are already familiar with – Danny from Dream Big who is currently concentrating on his Youtube channel and MS awareness.  Plus a great post looking at what is more important in blogging…numbers or friendship?

But to kick off I have kindly been given permission to bring you this fun poem from Anna on Healing Hugs and Hope blog……

An Ode to My Heating Pad

Oh, heating pad,
 your warm hugs ease
my aches and pains.
I need your healing squeeze
When my feet get cold,
or when I get one of my migraines.

From arthritis to subluxations,

you’ve nursed me through.
When I find my muscles tied,
I cuddle up to you.
It’s so nice and toasty,

with you by my side.

Due to my poor circulation,
I’m often very cold.
When my thyroid acts out,
you are too hot to hold.
Still, you know I’ll be back,
  it’s your gentle hugs I’m mad about.
If you love your heating pad so much, why don’t you marry it? Well, maybe I will….

A Silly Poem for People with Chronic Illness by Anna Ottlinger HEALING HUGS AND HOPE

So now time for feet up, cuppa in hand and enjoy some great posts!

https://chronicallycomposed.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/my-fibromyalgia-awareness-week-2017/

https://thezebramom.com/2017/08/24/back-to-school-guide-for-parents-with-chronic-illness/

http://lifesapolyp.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/dialectical-behavioral-therapy-for.html

http://angelanoelauthor.com/inspiration-motivation/be-awesome-in-real-life/what-matters-more-numbers-or-relationships/

http://channongray.com/talk-mental-health-awareness-stigma/

https://thisreallifedad.com/surgery-going-knife/#comment-332

http://www.homeschoolinsights.com/2017/09/trials-of-chronic-illness.html

http://www.weareholistic.com/mental-health-care/might-call-depression/

 

I really hope that you enjoy these as much as I have – and had a giggle at the poem from Anna. It appealed to me as I really can’t go anywhere without my heating pad!  Please explore the blogs leave some messages and share posts you enjoy.

Claire x

 

Your Invite – Blog Improvement Series – starts Monday 4th September

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs3 Comments

10-1

Calling all bloggers!! This is your invitation to the Blog Improvement Series being run over at Scale It Simple.

Check it out now.

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness, Disability15 Comments

Monday Magic

Good Morning, all!  Hope that those of you enjoying a Bank Holiday are having a fantastic day, and that everyone else has had a great weekend!

The weather is beautiful here and we have a family BBQ planned for later in the day – coincidental, but it just happens to be my parents 52nd wedding anniversary.  Dad would tell you that he would get less for a life sentence!!

A very good friend contacted me earlier in the week with the sad news that her mum had died.  She has been living in a nursing home for several years now and has gradually deteriorated, but in recent weeks she took a turn for the worse with a bad chest infection and just wasn’t strong enough to fight it. This week has been very hard for my friend, her brother & sister, and particularly her dad.  They had been married over 60 years.  It struck me that no matter how old or how sick a loved one is, the sense of loss at a death just can’t be anticipated.

File_000 (41)
Beautiful bank holiday Monday!

When I received that message my own mum was here and I should probably point out that we have a great relationship.  She has been staying with me whilst the family have been away and has effectively been my carer again! Talk about turning the clock back, becoming the child again.  I felt so dependent physically and even a short car journey left me struggling, but it never fails to amaze me how that parent/child psychological bond is always there.  No matter how old you are,  it is always possible to feel like a teen again! A naughty teen at times!  Seriously though, thanks mum, I couldn’t have managed without you.

This week I have been able to spend time finding new groups and meeting new bloggers online.  So the inspiring blog posts I have for you are from a mixture of sources – one of them being the Facebook group Big Up Your Blog! – run by Suzie from “Suzie Speaks”.  I have included her post about self censorship on our blogs – it is something all bloggers should read, no matter what your content matter. I think that I have probably failed miserably on all counts!!  There is also a beautiful poem about a relationship break up, the role we play ins supporting new mothers emotionally and a shout out for a new disability campaign for parents later this year.

So as usual, grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy…..

https://suzie81speaks.com/2017/07/08/should-you-self-censor-your-personal-blog/

https://fancypaperblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/22/mental-health-be-kinder-to-new-mothers/?fref=gc

https://iwillnotliveinvain.wordpress.com/2017/08/26/vaguely-nauseated/

https://mindovermetablog.wordpress.com/2017/02/22/why-its-sometimes-good-to-look-back/

https://jellified.wordpress.com/2017/08/25/from-the-start/

https://addandsomuchmore.com/about-the-name-add/

https://nolightwithoutdarkness.com/2017/08/23/when-your-mental-health-affects-your-job/

https://fibromyalgia-chronic-pain.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/to-reduce-stress-and-pain-in-your-hands.html

https://cfsmeandkingdomliving.wordpress.com/2017/08/27/redefining-the-dark/

http://blossomandcompany.co.uk/italkdisability-campaign/

Please remember to comment, check out other posts on these blogs and find a new writer to follow,

Claire x

img_0592-600x900

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness12 Comments

Welcome Pain Pals!

I have had various personal posts floating around my head, but am struggling with the key board as am on day 6 of a shoulder dislocation! Fellow bendies will understand…..everything in my shoulder is so stretched that it just keeps slipping out! Avoiding A&E as I know how hard they pulled it last time to relocate it and I think it just makes it worse in EDS as this stretches already stretched ligaments & muscles!!  So a sling and rest it is….must say my  neck, shoulder and arm feel pretty tired, in fact I do.

Enough of that now as I just want to acknowledge that 2 fellow bloggers have nominated me for awards recently and I haven’t followed through..yet!  The wonderful Bipolar Cat  at High Risk blog has nominated me for The Mystery Blogger Award and the equally wonderful Terri at Reclaiming Hope has nominated me for the Sunshine blogger award – thank you ladies so much and I promise that I will post properly!  I think that being recognised for the little that I do in such a massive blogging community is quite overwhelming and humbling.Monday Magic

 

You all know that I love connecting with other bloggers, meeting a making new friends, and there is no better way than linking with new posts.  So for our usual Monday slot – sit back, relax and enjoy some inspiring posts – varying from a review for beautiful eyshadows to organising ourselves as bloggers to a medical text about proprioception!

 

 

http://chronicallywhole.com/learned-simple-life-lesson-pause-perspective/

https://amigraineurslife.wordpress.com/2017/07/04/i-have-lost-all-faith-trust-and-confidence-in-our-medical-community/

http://www.mastattack.org/2017/08/stolen-summers/

http://www.mamasick.com/2017/08/what-is-dysthymia/

http://www.lazythoughts.co.uk/2017/08/how-i-use-my-bullet-journal.html/

https://justplainmarie.ca/self-reliance-important/

https://dgkayewriter.com/guest-feature-madelyn-griffith-haynie-power-reading/

https://bendybeauty.com/2017/08/18/opv-yemoja-eyeshadow-palette-review-swatches/?fref=gc

https://hannahelizasite.wordpress.com/2017/08/20/going-back-to-work-week-one/

http://www.doctorschierling.com/blog/fascia-as-a-proprioceptive-organ-and-its-relationship-to-chronic-pain

opvyemoja04
Image from Bendy Beauty blog
bookmagic4deb
©Creative Commons by Mysticartdesign 

Please like, comment and follow these great bloggers – make someone’s day!

Claire x

Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You!

On By Claire Saul (PainPalsBlog)In Blogging, Blogs, chronic illness12 Comments

Hello and Happy Monday!  I hope that you have all enjoyed a relaxing weekend and are ready to face the week ahead.

This past week has offered us a smorgasbord on the world stage from the battle of words between the White House and North Korea to the retirement of possibly the greatest athlete to date, Usain Bolt.  As America’s top military officials arrive in South Korea and the leaders of China and Japan speak out publicly, let us all hope that this becomes no more than a war of words, not only for the the people of Guam, but for the world at large.

Over the last week our household has been glued to the IAAF World Athletics Championships. There have been some amazing highs and some breathtaking lows.  Athletics on the international stage is experiencing its own war at the moment: doping scandals, athletes fighting to prove that they are “clean” and able to compete,  medals being stripped and bans imposed.  The public made their feelings very clear with the booing of US athlete Justin Gatlin – an runner who has served 2 drug related suspensions and has become the representative bogeyman of all those accused of doping.

But we can also view many aspects of the championships as beacons of light in our allegory for world peace.  The final track races of sporting legends Usain Bolt and Mo Farah didn’t end as fairytales do, but instead showed these remarkable men to be human. They both won medals – just not the colour that everyone hoped for.  If Farah’s races had been the other way around and he had won his silver first and the gold medal last would this really have altered his achievements – or just the way his final race was reported in the media.  I don’t believe that anyone wanted to see Bolt fall in pain to the track rather than finishing his final race, but he showed his strength of character by returning to take a final bow for his international fans as the games closed.  Out with the old guard….but in with the new.  So many talented young people have sprung onto the world stage this week showing a spirit and enthusiasm that fires up even a chronic illness old crone like me!  There have been inspiring stories of overcoming injury and surgery, tears of disappointment and tears of joy.  For me a really memorable moment was when the Syrian high jumper realised that he had won a bronze medal, the first ever World Championship medal for his country.  The disbelief and ecstasy on his face told such a story of this man who lives and trains in war torn Damascus.  What an inspiration to us all!

89ff2e69-4236-4b54-86d8-99abce24ae80
Bronze High jump World Champion Majd Eddin Ghazal Picture from IAAF.org

You must have wondered where that was all leading, but it can only be to one place – one set of inspirational people to another!  So grab a drink, sit down and allow yourself some “me time” finding and exploring some inspiring posts from some more inspirational bloggers!

http://blog.michellerosado.com/2017/07/5-benefits-of-meditation/

https://yadadarcyyada.com/2017/06/02/nobody-puts-bloggers-in-a-corner/

love9

http://blog.mangohealth.com/post/159941981912/dont-suffer-in-silence-why-talking-about-pain-is

https://wheelescapades.com/2016/10/31/wimpole-estate-down-on-the-farm/

http://www.writersam.co.uk/post/163802388755/the-power-and-purpose-of-blogging-and-why-you

http://www.navigatingthestorms.com/coping-skills/you-respond-plans-change-unexpectedly/

https://intrestinalfortitude.wordpress.com/2017/08/13/letter-to-my-surgeon/

https://laurachamberlain.co.uk/2017/08/07/echo-prescription-app-review-uk-an-app-to-order-nhs-prescriptions-to-your-door/

http://www.diseasecantstopme.com/5-second-rule/

https://cozyclothesblog.com/2017/06/14/what-if/#more-1312

Please remember to like, comment and even share if you enjoy these posts,

Claire x

Monday Magic