kind of a weird ask but I saw you mentioned once on sheydmade that you have chronic illnesses. I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia (in April) and I'm having a really hard time understanding it all. The medication side effects really scare me and I had a bad reaction to the first we tried. I know you mentioned you used herbalism, dietary change and teas for some of your symptoms. Is that bc medication issues is something you dealt with too? And has disability impacted your magical practice? I feel so drained of energy all the time and my practice has taken such a hit over the last 2 years I was dealing with this before being diagnosed. I'm trying ro bounce back in my practice routine but I'm struggling badly. 😔
I'm sorry to hear you're going through it. I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia, along with myalgic encephalitis, some years back and have definitely experienced both the specialists and medication route as well as the lifestyle changes, herbs, and teas route. I, too, had horrible reactions to medications, which ended up being more harm than help for me personally, so I've come to very much rely on mitigating symptoms through herbalism, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and dietary changes (I've personally found that a vegan, higher fibre, higher antioxidant, lower trans fat diet with inclusion of foods/herbs that have anti-inflammatory uses works well for me). That being said, I recommend that people listen to their own bodies, because we all have different needs and different reactions to medications, to herbs, to diets.
One thing I will say is that while chronic illnesses and disabilities don't get easier, as time goes on you will very likely learn more about your limits and what your specific triggers might be for flare ups or exacerbation of symptoms, and it's important that you listen to your body and prioritize your health — physical, mental, and emotional.
As for impacting my witchcraft practice, there have definitely been times that this is the case, when I've just not been able to find the energy to do things I need or want to do. I've learned not to push myself too far in those instances, and sometimes, yeah, you just have to take a step back and do nothing, which is very difficult. My advice would be to cut yourself some slack. You're going through a major life change right now, and transitionary periods of any kind can present challenges and upsets in our magical crafts and routines, but especially when those transitionary periods involve issues with our health. Do what you feel you can and try not to convince yourself that this isn't enough. You'll have good days and bad days, and that's okay. The most important thing for me was to learn and accept was that pushing myself to do too much when I'm unwell won't help make bad days worse, and I can't stress that enough.
I hope you know that you are certainly not alone. Countless practitioners have been where you are now, and their crafts have not only survived but some have even adapted to empower and support them as they move through the world and life with different needs. I'm here rooting for you and I wish you nothing but the absolute best!
