Visualizing Recovery: The Power of a Vision Board for CFS

Hey Thrivers, Gallagher here from CFS Recovery. Today, I’m coming to you from Mexico, where I’m enjoying some paddleboarding. It’s a far cry from the days when I was bedbound, but it’s a dream I’ve always held onto, even in my toughest times. While my drone footage plans didn’t pan out this time, I still want to share a crucial strategy that has helped me immensely: the power of visualization and maintaining a vision board.

The Importance of a Vision Board

During the darkest days of my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) journey, having a vision for the future kept me going. Visualization is more than just daydreaming; it’s a powerful tool to keep your spirits up and your mind focused on recovery. For me, it was paddleboarding in beautiful locations—whether in Vancouver or Mexico—that I pictured when things got tough.

Creating Your Vision

Start by writing down a detailed vision of an activity you want to do once you’re recovered. This isn’t just a vague wish but a vivid, sensory-rich description of your dream. What will you be wearing? How will the sun feel on your skin? What sounds will you hear? Engage all your senses in this exercise. For instance, I imagined the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves, the color of the sunset, and the feeling of standing on the paddleboard, balanced and free.

This detailed vision acts as a North Star, guiding you through the rough patches. Whenever you face a setback or feel discouraged, revisit this vision. It serves as a powerful reminder of what you’re working towards and why it’s worth the effort.

Staying Positive Through Crashes

Crashes and adjustment periods are part of the recovery journey. They can be disheartening and challenging, making it difficult to stay positive or even neutral. But these are the times when your vision is most important. Use it to remind yourself that these setbacks are temporary. Focus on the progress you’ve made and the future you’re striving for.

Understanding the Nervous System

Remember, CFS is fundamentally a nervous system issue. If multiple doctors have found nothing physically wrong and all your tests come back normal, it’s likely that your symptoms stem from nervous system dysregulation. The recovery process involves retraining your nervous system to reduce symptoms and improve your overall well-being. By focusing on nervous system health and not getting lost in chasing every individual symptom, recovery can become more straightforward.

Taking Action

Here’s a practical step: write down your vision today. Describe in full detail what you want to do when you’re symptom-free. This isn’t just about having a goal; it’s about immersing yourself in the future you want to create. This vision will fuel your motivation and provide a mental escape during tough times.

Your vision can seem impossible at times, but holding onto it and believing in it is crucial. Even if the odds feel stacked against you, that vision can become your reality if you stay committed to the principles of recovery.

Conclusion

Creating and maintaining a vision board has been a transformative part of my recovery journey. It has helped me stay focused, motivated, and positive, even during the hardest times. So, I hope this inspires you to create your vision and use it as a guiding light in your journey to recovery.

Remember, you are a Thriver, and with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.