You and your words are such gifts! Thanks for sharing it all:the light and the dark. I feel that I have a friend who understands this unexplainable journey. ME can be so damned lonely, it feels good to have a kindred spirit to connect with. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Wow, Hal. I know what you mean about that reverse question..."do you know when other people's birthdates are?" I've asked myself that and other similar questions and I'm always embarrassed. I also know how it feels to send someone a card...especially if it's one I know they won't expect. It feels much better than, "why did no one remember my birthday?" I ALSO know the feeling of realizing you don't have as many friends once you've had a medical crisis...and that sucks. Happy birthday to you, and happy birthday (in July) to me. I'm on the way to only getting older. LOL
As I was waking up and asking Spirit to help me stay in the present today, I asked myself what I was going to do today. And there was nothing. Just nothing. I can so relate to what you wrote today! I am mostly bed bound. I am mobile enough to get up to go to the bathroom, and get something to eat, but otherwise I'm laying in bed watching TV. It could be so boring if I depended on live TV (snore), but I have access to some streaming apps and they make a lot of difference. I like thoughtful TV; documentaries and how-to's, but I also have favorite series' that I rewatch every year, and there's new stuff to check out all the time. I love to cook so sometimes I try to do that (it totally wears me out so sometimes I ask my caregiver to help me with part of the recipe). I can't stand store bought frozen dinners but sometimes I have to rely on those. You're very blessed to have all the help you do. I live alone and have caregivers come in various times during the week to do the dishes, give me a shower, get my mail, etc. And I'm not feeling sorry for myself - I love living alone and it would make me crazy to have someone around every day, so I'm blessed to have that preference lol. So this is what I have to say today. My birthday is in June so I have awhile to give you my info. Have a wonderful week! I really enjoy reading your stack.
Thank you for sharing your story, Gypsy. Thanking Spirit for my ability to get up to go to the bathroom and get something to eat. The tools we have for surviving the bed life are amazing and incredible. I'm glad you're here. :). H
I do kiss my knees! In yoga folds and pyramid pose, every time I get close enough. Everyone should kiss their knees! And also take any chance they can to kiss a baby’s knee!
Oh, Hal, I could listen to you speak all day...that voice! Anyway, I think compassion plays a big role in my life (even before my son developed ME & before Mike was diagnosed with cancer). I see people needing help and I just want to jump in and help all the time. In fact maybe a little too much. Opening a door for a person struggling with their walker, asking a homeless person if I can buy them lunch, and donating my time to volunteer several hours a week. I see suffering everywhere around me in the city, and it affects me deeply. Truth be told, I think it's selfish of me sometimes. When I see others and try to help, I think I'm healing myself. Old wounds from past traumas, new wounds from challenges I face as a caregiver, and future wounds that will inevitably come. Someone once referred to me as an empath. I'm not sure if that is true, but as a teen, my mum called me selfish once, and honestly, it was like a slap in the face. Since then, I've tried to put others before me as best I can.
Anyways that's a lot of words for one question. I just want to finish by saying thank you for sharing your life & perspectives with us. It really is a gift I enjoy reading/listening to here in Substack. Wishing you lots of smiles on your birthday. It's worth celebrating in any way. You are a gift!
Thank you, Sue. You lift me up. I'm sorry about Quiet Time... It's my sister's Zoom account and it seems that she had another Zoom meeting going when I wanted to start the meeting. Sorry to miss you this week! H
Gee, I was thinking about your birthday when your substack turned up. I listened and loved it. Now I really don't know what to do for your birthday!!! Anyways, thank you for the compliment. Love you
Hi Hal , happy birthday on Wednesday . My birthday is the week after on 12 March . I will be 67 . Today I walked to my favourite local haunt . It was sunny but at the water edge it was bitterly cold . It was so good to see the blue sky . I wish I could attach a photo
Happy Birthday on Wednesday, Hal! I certainly don’t need a card, but I did turn 60 on Jan 11. Thankfully, I feel good. I hope you’re given a reprieve from your symptoms on 3/5 (at least!). Btw, I loved watching Severance. What a cool opening theme and video, too, right?? So creative. Looking forward to the second season.
Hi Suzanne. OMG. I'm watching the season finale of Season 1 tonight. It's wild! If I had your address, I would love to send you a card next January. :) Enjoy 60!
When I think about compassion I have for others in meditation, I think that I am working to improve myself, so that I can better serve others than I could have in the past. Meditation has been a true form of growth for me, and the growth I hoped to see was to be more present and thoughtful of others around me. I want to treat everyone in my life better. While my meditation is thinking about just me in that moment, I’m thinking about me so I can better support and love others in my life.
P.S.- This was the sign I needed to watch Severance! I’ve been meaning to for a few weeks, but now I have to watch it. Thank you for your amazing words Hal.
Casey. Thank you so much for sharing this and sharing so honestly about yourself on the Google Form. I'm really glad you're here. Can't wait for Dec. 7! :) H
Thank you for the card you sent for my birthday. Most kind.
I met my husband through an M.E Singles Group in the M.E Association. We wrote to each other, spoke on the phone, he came up to stay, I was taken down to West Wales (200 miles away from where I was) and the rest, as they say, is history.
Hal, I agree. Remembering other people’s birthdays is fulfilling. Lately, due to ME, it’s become a chore for me. Thanks for giving me a new perspective. A shot in the arm. It’s beautiful to celebrate others as I wish to be celebrated.
No problem. Hope you’re ok. I was going to ask on the call if you would b willing to share your address so I can send you a happy birthday card. Only if you’re comfortable doing so. It’s a gift to be your friend. Thank you for thinking of me as such.
Is the word for Severance unsettling? It’s a compelling series. May I recommend The Good Place as a future show? It’s very funny and very philosophical at the same time. Happy Ash Wednesday Birthday! I feel like that’s a coincidence that could mean absolutely nothing or lead to deep philosophical discoveries.
Unsettling could be the word. The more I watch, I find it so fascinating. Thanks for letting me know about my Ash Wednesday birthday. I'll look into that. :) H
Sorry I couldn't finish all I heard was your sponsor brushing off your actual needs and concern. Not self-pity but needs and concerns. Kind of like CBT and other forms of therapy that use gaslighting. So I couldn't read on. Feel all your feels it's good you have a right to feel them and move through them they are real and they're yours.
HI Tamra. Thank you for your comment. I'm sorry you weren't able to finish the piece. My experience of having a sponsor has been very positive. My sponsor asks me questions that often help change my perspective. In this case, his questions prompted a wonderful cascade of gratitude and purpose. All the best to your on your Substack journey. H
You and your words are such gifts! Thanks for sharing it all:the light and the dark. I feel that I have a friend who understands this unexplainable journey. ME can be so damned lonely, it feels good to have a kindred spirit to connect with. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Thank you Gwen. Your comment made my day. I’m so glad to know that my words are helping. H
Wow, Hal. I know what you mean about that reverse question..."do you know when other people's birthdates are?" I've asked myself that and other similar questions and I'm always embarrassed. I also know how it feels to send someone a card...especially if it's one I know they won't expect. It feels much better than, "why did no one remember my birthday?" I ALSO know the feeling of realizing you don't have as many friends once you've had a medical crisis...and that sucks. Happy birthday to you, and happy birthday (in July) to me. I'm on the way to only getting older. LOL
This is amazing Hal I love these episodes and happy early birthday
Timothy! Thanks so much for your comment and for giving me your birthday. I'm really glad that you're here. Can't wait for June 7! :) H
Me too I turn 14 and get to enjoy it with my family and friends i love your stories and your music, thank you for replying
As I was waking up and asking Spirit to help me stay in the present today, I asked myself what I was going to do today. And there was nothing. Just nothing. I can so relate to what you wrote today! I am mostly bed bound. I am mobile enough to get up to go to the bathroom, and get something to eat, but otherwise I'm laying in bed watching TV. It could be so boring if I depended on live TV (snore), but I have access to some streaming apps and they make a lot of difference. I like thoughtful TV; documentaries and how-to's, but I also have favorite series' that I rewatch every year, and there's new stuff to check out all the time. I love to cook so sometimes I try to do that (it totally wears me out so sometimes I ask my caregiver to help me with part of the recipe). I can't stand store bought frozen dinners but sometimes I have to rely on those. You're very blessed to have all the help you do. I live alone and have caregivers come in various times during the week to do the dishes, give me a shower, get my mail, etc. And I'm not feeling sorry for myself - I love living alone and it would make me crazy to have someone around every day, so I'm blessed to have that preference lol. So this is what I have to say today. My birthday is in June so I have awhile to give you my info. Have a wonderful week! I really enjoy reading your stack.
Thank you for sharing your story, Gypsy. Thanking Spirit for my ability to get up to go to the bathroom and get something to eat. The tools we have for surviving the bed life are amazing and incredible. I'm glad you're here. :). H
I do kiss my knees! In yoga folds and pyramid pose, every time I get close enough. Everyone should kiss their knees! And also take any chance they can to kiss a baby’s knee!
I agree. Kissing knees is the best! Thank you for being here. :). H
Oh, Hal, I could listen to you speak all day...that voice! Anyway, I think compassion plays a big role in my life (even before my son developed ME & before Mike was diagnosed with cancer). I see people needing help and I just want to jump in and help all the time. In fact maybe a little too much. Opening a door for a person struggling with their walker, asking a homeless person if I can buy them lunch, and donating my time to volunteer several hours a week. I see suffering everywhere around me in the city, and it affects me deeply. Truth be told, I think it's selfish of me sometimes. When I see others and try to help, I think I'm healing myself. Old wounds from past traumas, new wounds from challenges I face as a caregiver, and future wounds that will inevitably come. Someone once referred to me as an empath. I'm not sure if that is true, but as a teen, my mum called me selfish once, and honestly, it was like a slap in the face. Since then, I've tried to put others before me as best I can.
Anyways that's a lot of words for one question. I just want to finish by saying thank you for sharing your life & perspectives with us. It really is a gift I enjoy reading/listening to here in Substack. Wishing you lots of smiles on your birthday. It's worth celebrating in any way. You are a gift!
What a lovely episode! I have found that when I do something to lift another person up, something magical happens and I am also lifted up!
Thank you, Sue. You lift me up. I'm sorry about Quiet Time... It's my sister's Zoom account and it seems that she had another Zoom meeting going when I wanted to start the meeting. Sorry to miss you this week! H
Diana. Thank you so much for your words. What wonderful descriptions of compassion you offer. Sending love to you and your family. Hal
Gee, I was thinking about your birthday when your substack turned up. I listened and loved it. Now I really don't know what to do for your birthday!!! Anyways, thank you for the compliment. Love you
Looking forward to seeing you this week. That's my only birthday wish. :). H
Dearest Hal, We adore you, your kindness, your words spread love, love! Never forget this! 59 will be a great year! Share your address too!
Thank you, Clarissa. I'll send you my address in a Substack message. H
Hi Hal , happy birthday on Wednesday . My birthday is the week after on 12 March . I will be 67 . Today I walked to my favourite local haunt . It was sunny but at the water edge it was bitterly cold . It was so good to see the blue sky . I wish I could attach a photo
Hi Chrissie! If I had your address, I'd send you a card. :). Thank you for sharing. H
That’s so sweet of you .
Happy Birthday on Wednesday, Hal! I certainly don’t need a card, but I did turn 60 on Jan 11. Thankfully, I feel good. I hope you’re given a reprieve from your symptoms on 3/5 (at least!). Btw, I loved watching Severance. What a cool opening theme and video, too, right?? So creative. Looking forward to the second season.
Hi Suzanne. OMG. I'm watching the season finale of Season 1 tonight. It's wild! If I had your address, I would love to send you a card next January. :) Enjoy 60!
When I think about compassion I have for others in meditation, I think that I am working to improve myself, so that I can better serve others than I could have in the past. Meditation has been a true form of growth for me, and the growth I hoped to see was to be more present and thoughtful of others around me. I want to treat everyone in my life better. While my meditation is thinking about just me in that moment, I’m thinking about me so I can better support and love others in my life.
P.S.- This was the sign I needed to watch Severance! I’ve been meaning to for a few weeks, but now I have to watch it. Thank you for your amazing words Hal.
Casey. Thank you so much for sharing this and sharing so honestly about yourself on the Google Form. I'm really glad you're here. Can't wait for Dec. 7! :) H
Happy March, Hal! I'll try to remember to check birthdays in 3 days. 🙏🏾. I need to improve on this. Hopefully, I see you on social media then too.
Hi Dar. Thank you! Hal
Happy Birthday for Wednesday.
Thanks Karen! H
Thank you for the card you sent for my birthday. Most kind.
I met my husband through an M.E Singles Group in the M.E Association. We wrote to each other, spoke on the phone, he came up to stay, I was taken down to West Wales (200 miles away from where I was) and the rest, as they say, is history.
I hope you can meet your girlfriend one day.
Karen x
Happy birthday to the best man I ever met❤️
Thank you, lovely Emma. ❤️
Hal, I agree. Remembering other people’s birthdays is fulfilling. Lately, due to ME, it’s become a chore for me. Thanks for giving me a new perspective. A shot in the arm. It’s beautiful to celebrate others as I wish to be celebrated.
Hi Loretta! Sorry for the Zoom confusion today. I'll get it worked out for next wee. Thank you so much for your comment and for being my friend. H
No problem. Hope you’re ok. I was going to ask on the call if you would b willing to share your address so I can send you a happy birthday card. Only if you’re comfortable doing so. It’s a gift to be your friend. Thank you for thinking of me as such.
Loretta😊
Hi. I will send my address in a Substack message. I hope you'll share your address and birthday with me. :). H
My address will b on the return label of your card. My birthday is July 4. Yes, it’s true. 😊
Is the word for Severance unsettling? It’s a compelling series. May I recommend The Good Place as a future show? It’s very funny and very philosophical at the same time. Happy Ash Wednesday Birthday! I feel like that’s a coincidence that could mean absolutely nothing or lead to deep philosophical discoveries.
Unsettling could be the word. The more I watch, I find it so fascinating. Thanks for letting me know about my Ash Wednesday birthday. I'll look into that. :) H
Sorry I couldn't finish all I heard was your sponsor brushing off your actual needs and concern. Not self-pity but needs and concerns. Kind of like CBT and other forms of therapy that use gaslighting. So I couldn't read on. Feel all your feels it's good you have a right to feel them and move through them they are real and they're yours.
HI Tamra. Thank you for your comment. I'm sorry you weren't able to finish the piece. My experience of having a sponsor has been very positive. My sponsor asks me questions that often help change my perspective. In this case, his questions prompted a wonderful cascade of gratitude and purpose. All the best to your on your Substack journey. H