Poem: A Beacon of Hope: Compassion for Those with ME/CFS

To all those who walk the path of ME/CFS,
I extend my heartfelt understanding and compassion.
In the depths of this invisible struggle, you are not alone.

I see your relentless battle, your courage in the face of uncertainty.
Each day brings a new set of challenges, and yet you persist.
You navigate a labyrinth of symptoms, limitations, and unanswered questions,
But through it all, your spirit remains unyielding.

I know the longing for a life unrestrained,
To run, to jump, to embrace the world with boundless energy.
But please remember, your worth is not defined by your productivity.
You are inherently valuable, simply by being.

In the moments when fatigue engulfs you,
When pain steals your breath,
Find solace in the knowledge that you are seen, heard, and understood.
Your struggle is valid, your emotions are valid.

May you find comfort in the gentle embrace of self-compassion.
Be kind to yourself, as you would to a dear friend.
Listen to your body’s whispers and honor its need for rest.
You are not lazy, you are replenishing your strength.

Together, let us release the weight of guilt and judgment,
Replacing them with a tender acceptance of our limitations.
In this shared journey, let us find solidarity and support,
Empowering one another through compassion and empathy.

Remember, you are more than your illness.
Your spirit shines bright, resilient and unbreakable.
Even amidst the darkest days, you possess an inner light,
A beacon of hope that guides you through the shadows.

Though the road may be long and treacherous,
Hold onto the flicker of hope that resides within your heart.
Embrace the moments of reprieve, however fleeting.
Celebrate the victories, no matter how small.

For you are a warrior, embodying strength and grace,
Navigating a path that only a select few can truly comprehend.
May you find peace in the knowledge that you are loved,
And that your presence in this world is immeasurably significant.

Together, let us forge ahead, hand in hand,
Supporting one another as we rise above the challenges.
Know that you are not alone on this journey,
And that, together, we can overcome, endure, and thrive.

With unwavering compassion and understanding,
A fellow traveler on the path of ME/CFS

🙏🕊️🙏