UGH – I’m struggling

Published by

on

Late to post today – sorry – but I’m feeling pretty unwell. Not sure why, but the last couple of days have felt like a reversal of all the healing that’s been happening for the last couple of years. I know that I may never be pain free, but it’s disappointing when you suddenly return to “feeling very poorly” after you’ve been slowly moving yourself from illness to wellness.

I have to remind myself that healing is tidal – it ebbs and flows, rather than being a constant onwards and upwards situation.

Because I’m struggling at the moment, I’m not going to try to make a proper a post – and for that I’m sorry – I pride myself of doing a good job, and not wasting people’s time… but sometimes that people-pleasing, gold-star-focused attitude is part of what gets me in a state of chronic overwhelm.

I found some photos I took a couple of months ago when I had my last bad bout of migraines – for context: those are two heatpacks on my neck, a wet cloth on my eye, my almost lost mouthguard in place and my t-shirt happens to (ironically?) read: DRAMATIC. The second photo is me feeling well enough to get out of bed a few hours later – feeling like I’m 100 years old – shabby but upright… so that’s a win.

photo of the author with a migraine

They’re not exactly glamorous – but they are reality… so if you’re a migraine person – I see you – and now you see me!

Before I sign off, today’s post was supposed to be a WOO HOO shout-out to Studio Migraine in the Netherlands (I wrote about their fabulous work a while ago here). I’m thrilled to announce that late year I spoke to Ellen via zoom, and she recorded a podcast of our conversation which should be coming out in the next 24 hours – check out their website Studio Migraine and have a listen if you get a chance.

(Apologies if I got the date muddled up – my brain ‘aint really braining at the moment.)

Here’s a couple of screenshots from the video which show that Ellen and I were both getting excited (check out my waving hands!) – it always feels momentous when you talk to someone who really get’s it. I’m also including the photo because it shows the “other version” of me – the Dr Jekyll to my Mr Hyde – articulate, animated, capable… a little out-of-focus on the screen but very focused on the subject at hand.

photo of screens from podcast interview

I’ll try to do another post that better promotes what I hope will be an ongoing and exciting collaboration between Studio Migraine and The Mindful Migraine Blog soon…

Until then, I’m off to watch my favorite YouTube channel for when I need to get out of bed but have little or no energy: Qigong with Kseny – I highly recommend her short videos to help you stretch and focus on your breathing.

Then it’s back to bed (at 8.45am!).

Take care of yourselves people – while I take care of myself, Linda x

[PS – feel free to comment, but you might have to wait a few hours for a reply – know that I’m grateful for the feedback, even if I’m silent! xox]


Discover more from The Mindful Migraine

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

84 responses to “UGH – I’m struggling”

  1.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    “Two steps forward, one step back” … I do hope you feel better soon Linda

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Today’s much better – thank you! xox

      Like

  2. Sebastian Brewer Avatar

    Sending good vibes from here 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Gratefully received – they helped – thank you!!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sebastian Brewer Avatar

        Can we be friends?

        Like

  3. Liz Avatar

    Gentle hugs. I hope this soon passes for you. Take care.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Today seems to be better – and so nice to wake up to kind comments – thank you soooo much! xx

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Avatar

        I am glad today is a better day. I hope you are not feeling too drained after the migraines. X

        Liked by 1 person

        1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

          I feel like I’ve run a couple of marathons… and I never left my bed!! 🤣

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Liz Avatar

            Take it easy and do what you can just do. 😊

            Liked by 1 person

            1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

              🫠💜

              Liked by 1 person

  4. Lori Pohlman Avatar

    I’m sorry you’re feeling poorly, and that it has been carrying on for a while. I’m hoping you begin to recover soon and feel the relief and joy of better days.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Today seems to be a better day – happy to be able to sit up straight again! xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lori Pohlman Avatar

        So glad.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

          💖

          Liked by 1 person

  5. lisanordlund1 Avatar

    I’m sorry you are having a bad bout – I know what that’s like – hopefully you will feel human again tomorrow!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Human-ish today… which is enough for me; I’ll take it! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xox

      Like

  6. Edward Ortiz Avatar

    Sorry to hear, Linda, and I hope you recover quickly. 🙏🏼

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Today’s a better day, thank you – have a wonderful weekend ahead! xx

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Edward Ortiz Avatar

        That’s good. Have a great weekend, Linda.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
    Willie Torres Jr.

    Healing truly is a process, and I pray that God strengthens you in this moment of struggle. Remember, He sees you and is with you through every ebb and flow. May His peace cover you, and may He renew your strength in His perfect timing. Take all the time you need to rest and care for yourself. You are in my prayers. 💙🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Thank you as always for your warmth and kindness – the world needs it! xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
        Willie Torres Jr.

        Truly my pleasure.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Julia Avatar

    Feel better soon. Take care of yourself and get lots of rest.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Thanks – that’s all I can do – but rest does help! L xox

      Liked by 1 person

  9. joannerambling Avatar

    I hope you feel better soon

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Better-ish today… that’s a win in my books!

      Like

  10. Dawna Avatar

    I am so sorry you aren’t doing well today. Prayers tomorrow is a better day. Hugs to you my friend.

    Like

  11. SiriusSea Avatar

    Not kewl! So sorry ❤ ~ sending good vibes, healing energy, and Zen moods!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Zen is exactly the vibe I am trying to cultivate (and failing – for now) … maybe tomorrow… of in 2 weeks after the kids go back to school at the end of their summer break! 🫠

      Liked by 1 person

  12. annemariedemyen Avatar

    I’m so sorry. I hope you feel better soon. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Thank you lovely – it will pass – I just have to ride it out!! xx

      Liked by 1 person

  13. vrendes Avatar
    vrendes

    As someone who has struggled with migraines since I was 14, your ‘ebb and flow’ analogy resonates. I fought my migraines right up into my mid to late 20s and suffered. Then I learned to not to fight but to go with it. I’d watch the wave of pain rise and then I’d watch the wave flow to the shore. Every time my head throbbed, I imagined riding that wave and I learned that all waves eventually break. It was a much better way to deal with it. I am so much better these days post-menopause but they still plague me every now and again. Breathing and meditation has helped as have the newer drugs on the market. But the biggest help has been my mindset. I no longer fight a migraine but acknowledge it like an old somewhat annoying friend who arrives unannounced and overstays their welcome. I can be resentful or I can acknowledge the presence and deal with it by softening my stance. Either way, it will be with me. One way, I add to the pain through my resentment, the other way, I can be accepting and go with the flow which takes the edge off it. It took me years to learn this lesson.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      I 1000% agree with this approach – when I was fearful / frustrated / focused on the pain, then it only ever got worse. Once I “accepted” it – not gave in, but acknowledged it was part of my life, things got better – the pain was still there, but I no longer “suffered”. I’ve been working on this for 2 years now – I still “panic” from time to time, the other day was one of them – and the consequences of the pain escalates – I really have to breathe better and ride it out – no weeping or wailing, just rest in the moment that is. As words, they sound “easy” but they are hard to do in practice… progress over perfection! SO impressed that you have managed yours better – I’m thrilled for you – you are an inspiration!! Linda xoxox

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Mike U. Avatar

    Sending good, peaceful vibes from Colorado. Hope you’re feeling better soon, Linda. 😊🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      “Colorado good vibes” gratefully received!! xox

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Gail Perry Avatar

    REST! You know the power of rest; take care of Linda! 🙏❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      💖🥰❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Sheila Avatar

    Hang in there until it changes back. Like the tide as you said. You’re in my thoughts 💗

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Thanks Sheila – you were in mine too – we can do this! xox

      Liked by 1 person

  17. spwilcen Avatar

    My hope is that you find relief of some permanence..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Thank you so much xox

      Liked by 1 person

  18. majellalaws Avatar

    🌺💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      🥰

      Like

  19. noga noga Avatar

    Great, good luck, well done posting

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      Thank you so much for your kindness – it’s the highlight of my day, so I would be sad to miss it! xox

      Like

  20. aquinoaa2272 Avatar

    Just hang in there and take everything one moment at a time. You’ll get back to where you need to be.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Mindful Migraine Blog Avatar

      What lovely words – thank you! xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. aquinoaa2272 Avatar

        You’re welcome ☺️

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to noga noga Cancel reply