Well, it’s nearly the end of 2024, and I have deep thoughts to share as the year comes to a close.
I grew up at a time where success in life looked a certain way, and I recently realized how much I was holding myself to those societal expectations.
As a person with a disability, I have been blaming and shaming myself for not being able to get over my chronic fatigue syndrome and for not being able to heal it no matter how hard I have tried.
It’s only after resting a lot these past few months that I can truly feel the depth of the fatigue I have with this condition. It’s as much a part of my whole being as any other part of me. I honestly thought I was less of a person because of this condition, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.
I have written posts in the past about how chronic fatigue has taught me to be more accepting and compassionate with myself. And that is completely true, but I have reached a new depth of acceptance these last few weeks.
I feel like I can stop fighting now. I can stop trying to be perfect, I can stop pretending that I can keep going while my health fails, and I can just stop, breathe, and be me, exactly as I am.
It is a relief to stop fighting and I am hoping that I will continue to relax into this new state of being. I can only imagine how healing that will be for me ❤️.
During my reflections, I have realized that every life has value, no matter how the person living it experiences it. Each way that we are different from each other is important and valid.
No more trying to fit humanity into tiny boxes, but instead, learning from each other and honouring the uniqueness of our individual experiences
That is the new way that my heart is seeing the true measure of success in life. Am I able to honour where I am at, with kindness and compassion? And can I treat all people that way? Wow, that would be a powerful way to live.
And so, as we transition to 2025, I honour you, dearest reader. Thank you for taking the time out of your precious life to read my reflections on getting a PhD in Being Me.
Lastly, I created the piece of art above to remind myself that I am special, loved, and adored. May you fill up with the message, too, and may you know just how precious and lovely you are, no matter the circumstances of your life.
Big hugs, Bradlee ♥️
© Bradlee Zrudlo 2022-2024. All Rights Reserved.
PhD in Being Me 
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