Honestly, have you ever seen a more relaxed dog? Archie is such a sweet cutie pie. I love this photo of him. It’s not the best photo of Robbin and I, but it sure showcases how relaxed, happy and at ease he is.
Archie teaches me and reminds me to take the pressure off myself. I sometimes forgot to be compassionate to myself while I’m on this journey of living with chronic fatigue syndrome. He is so relaxed, playful and goofy and he helps me get out of the worries for my future just by being his cute self.
He doesn’t care if I have chronic fatigue syndrome or not. He just wants to be pet, walked, played with and fed delicious food. And so, I thought I’d take the pressure off myself and think about what I want out of daily life. Maybe that will help me see that chronic fatigue isn’t actually preventing me from having a full life, but more that it’s my beliefs about it that are.
And so, here it is, what I want out of life:
- Rest for my tired body
- Quality time with my husband and son
- A walk with the dogs
- Chances to connect with friends and family
- Mental stimulation from a good book, learning, a puzzle or other games, or a great show/movie
- Opportunities throughout the day to create safety for my nervous system
- Preparing and eating delicious food
- Doing a chore or two for our wonderful home and belongings
That actually is pretty simple, isn’t it? I get all of that, every day. Isn’t that miraculous? Sometimes it really is just my perception of life with chronic fatigue that colors my experience. I’ll do my best to remember that! In fairness to me though, it is difficult to enjoy doing some of these things when I have so little energy or when my other symptoms are super strong. So some days, even though I get to do the things that make me happiest, it is just hard with how tired I feel. Okay, good, I’m glad I’m taking a balanced approach with this realization or else I’d just be putting more pressure on myself to enjoy every day, even on days where making a meal is too tiring.
And so, wherever you are, and whatever life is bringing you in terms of joys and challenges, may you be well, and may it be easy for you to reflect on what is good in your life and give yourself a hug for whatever is hard. A bit of both is a recipe for compassion, kindness and grace.
All my best! Bradlee 🌟💕
©️ Bradlee Zrudlo 2025. All Rights Reserved.
PhD in Being Me 
Thank you Bradlee for sharing and inspiring from your heart. I often put so much pressure on myself. Maggie’s picture truly touched my soul. I love how you are staying present and honoring your blessings in life each day. May we continue to give our hearts grace each day. Love you xo Carla
LikeLike
Hi beautiful Carla 🥰🥰, writing this post reminded me of the two of us staying up all night on New Year’s Eve and writing about our hopes and dreams. I wanted to write the list about what I want out of life to ground me, and it really helped.
I have loved our friendship, how we share, support and uplift each other, and how we both keep growing and loving despite our struggles! May we celebrate our resilience and may we give ourselves grace, compassion and kindness. You are so worthy of all the loveliness 💖💖💖. Love you too! Xoxoxo
LikeLike