If you’ve visited my blog before, you may know that I’m working on getting a PhD in Being Me. What does getting a PhD in Being Me mean these days while I am off work to take care of my physical and mental health? It means:
- Being here and with myself as I live my life.
- Being compassionate with myself as I learn more about me and my needs.
- Developing the inner awareness and courage to notice and act on my needs.
- Getting to know the parts of me that are protecting my most hurt parts, and feeling how very tired they are through Internal Family Systems work.
- Noticing when I am putting pressure on myself to get better faster and choosing to have compassion for myself whenever possible.
- Being here for the days when I just want to be better, and knowing that I’m not always aiming for an A+ in getting a PhD in Being Me, especially on the hard days. Just being with myself is enough, and that equally counts towards my PhD in Being Me. And so does all the work I am doing to support myself, which ranges from working with healthcare professionals for my physical and mental health, to making time for fun, lying on the couch, reading, crying and spending time outside.
- Receiving kindness from others, like my friend who told me about new research that shows that chronic fatigue syndrome can be genetic. She encouraged me to switch from being hard on myself for having chronic fatigue to managing my symptoms as best as I can. That kindness went straight to my heart ❤️.
- Developing my intuition and inner compass by trusting what I feel inside. For example, trying out what a healthcare professional recommends but noticing if it helps or makes me feel worse, and following what is best for me.
- Giving myself permission to be exactly as I am. I’ve been off work for nearly a year, and I’m still coming down from working these last several years with debilitating fatigue. As I relax more into myself and learn more about my realities, I am realizing how exhausted I truly am 💕.
May this post inspire you to give yourself a hug and know that I send you one too.
Take care, Bradlee
©️ Bradlee Zrudlo 2025. All Rights Reserved.
PhD in Being Me 
Thank you Bradlee for sharing your heart and love. Am sending you conpassion, healing and comfort for your mind, body and soul. It’s so inspiring seeing you soar towards health, inner healing and awareness. Giving our hearts grace and acceptance to where we are now. Reflecting on how resilent you truly are. I often have to remind myself to look back on my path and the growth I have achieved. Am so very proud of you developing your inner compass and trust within so inspiring. Continue to shine your beautiful light. Love you ❤️ Carla
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Dearest Carla, thank you, thank you and thank you! I am doing my best and reflecting on how far I have come, and how I am approaching my healing going forward really helps. One step at a time. I love you lots and I see you, beautiful Carla! Xoxoxo
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