Struggling a bit over here, but I know I'll be better tomorrow. I know the chronic disease I deal with is nothing compared to what some of you go through, but I hope these tips are helpful for anyone writing through chronic illness or depression. Love to you all
I have a new baby, and I had my first zero word week last week. It was crushing (especially since I'm also on deadline), but I'm choosing to be gracious with myself and start new this week! Thank you again for your honesty. I, for one, needed this! 💕
I had a very rough day with my chronic illness called IBS and my complex congenital heart defects. My chronic pain in my hip and back flared up due to the cold windy day today. I pushed though to do my classes with my day program for adults with Autism. After classes I curled up in my chair since during my classes I was having trouble focusing and staying awake. I know I am going to pay for pushing myself over the next couple of days. I have one class tomorrow and then the rest of the days will be curled up in my chair with my pillow and my blankets and try to rest.
Thank you SO much for covering this topic. I have had chronic illness/pain/fatigue for decades. It has stolen so much of my writing dreams, and I am so blessed by you sharing your story today. I hope you feel restored quickly
I was so relieved to hear this from you today. I had never thought of my writing as a high energy exercise before, and was always hard on myself when I couldn't get motivated to do any. I will take lessons from your talk today and find low energy tasks to give myself a sense of accomplishment. That always helps me deal a little better with the bad days if I feel like I did something at least. Thank you Sarra. I really appreciate your vlogs, and you sharing your experiences. xxx
I agree with you. I keep beating myself up because I'm not writing or even reading as much as I once did. I rarely write anymore even though stories keep invading my brain. 20 years of chronic pain has taken its toll.
I took the day off today, simply because I felt tired. I write so much that friends always assume I'm headed near burn out. But I know what tired feels like and I felt it last night. So I rested all day and watched Star Trek Discovery with my son. I'm also struggling with my WIP, so I just hired a plot doctor adn we're going to talk through the plot this week because I can't see the forest for the trees with this one. So I called out for help. I'm so amazed by and proud of you for knowing your limits and letting others know that you have them. YOU ARE AWESOME AND AN INSPIRATION!
I'm always amazed by your output, but I'm not worried about you because you seem to be really grounded and intelligent about your needs. 💜 I want to start putting stars in my planner Haha
Relate so much, I’ve had Hashimotos for years and controlled it well for eight years and through my pregnancy but six months post partum my levels went haywire and almost two years later still struggling to rebalance them!! And it affects everything in my body, it’s so hard, so I feel you❤️
@April R it can be a real beast, I’ve found ways to balance my body with correct replacement med/lifestyle and live well with it once and I know I will again! Finding a good dr and doing research of your own is everything...it is a progressive disease and vastly different for everyone, which makes it harder to treat. Doctors like “one size fits all type treatments and protocols” that mentality definitely doesn’t fly with this. Good luck to you!
Ah Sarra, I'm so sorry you're in so much pain. I'm nearly in tears watching this. I hate to hear of anyone else having so much physical pain. I so definitely needed to hear this tonight. I am my own worst critic. I was just telling my partner a couple hours ago that I was really disappointed in myself for not getting as much done this weekend as I had wanted to. Meanwhile I wrote 7,281 words this weekend when my goal had been 6.5k. I need to learn to give myself more grace. I am sitting at 44,795 words on NaNo tonight. I am blown away! I am going to stop and congratulate myself for that. I know what it is like to be in pain. I have had chronic daily pain for the past 21 years. I was in a really bad auto accident in 1999 when I was 36 and a single mom with an 18 month old baby. I had two herniated discs in my back, plus injuries to my neck, and just about every other appendage. I have had chronic pain ever since and arthritis had set in pretty badly within about a year after the accident. I guess I have been living this way so long, that I am just used to hurting every time I move. I have also suffered with chronic depression my entire life, and since the accident, PTSD, anxiety and chronic fatigue. I work a full-time plus job and last week was really, really bad, plus I had to work OT on Saturday. Like I said, I so needed to hear this tonight. I am going to celebrate my small milestones and make them bigger, instead of tearing myself down. I am just so used to beating myself up, that I never take time to appreciate my accomplishments. Thank you for pushing through long enough to record and edit this Sarra. You are Magickal!!! Love you girl. I hope you feel better really, really soon! I'll be sending you positive healing energy if you want to use it! Hugs :)
As a writer struggling with chronic pain on a daily basis, thank you so much for this video. Brain fog is my archnemesis but a wrist and neck injury bugged me the most this year and kept me from writing.
"Nobody is gonna hit harder than life, but it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep movin' forward." - Stallone from Rocky Balboa
@@HeartBreathings number 4 on my list of top 5 Rocky movies. I don't like Rocky V so I totally gloss over it like it didn't happen. 5 - Rocky 3 oddly enough 4 - Rocky Balboa (like I said) 3 - Rocky. 2 - Rocky II and number one is Rocky IV - all are good movies to watch when you need the motivation to go on
Ugh... the fatigue for me sometimes makes it impossible to get myself awake earlier.... physically can’t wake up... I’m way behind in NaNo because I’ve had too many of those days this month but 🤷♀️ oh well
I struggle with the aftermath of GBS which is Gillain Barre syndrome. I no longer have the ability to walk because I don’t have much of a sense of balance. Plus I get tired more easily and even have down time.
I hate to hear that you’re struggling, but it’s amazing that you’ve found a way to work with it instead of letting it stop you. I’m looking forward to the new resources and hope you feel better soon!
*hugs* I remember you mentioning PCOS in one of your IG coffeechats. I'm sorry it's flaring up, especially now. I'm the opposite. I get stronger in the evening. I need to remember my iron supplements -- fatique from anemia is not fun either.
I feel for you. I was diagnosed with PCOS and know the struggles. Currently going through menopause. I’ve gone 3 days with no writing due to migraine. Thank you for bringing up this important topic! I hope you feel better and that flare ups lessen.
Yes! I have ADHD and medicated for it but there are days when I don't know which way is up and struggle to focus. But also with my weight comes back issues and the up and down weather has me with my itchy cough plus my family make its tough to find time to write. I have to find places to hide from my kids so I can write. My husband recently had a heart attack Oct 9th and has been home so most of my words happen when I take him to cardio physical therapy. He is fine and made a full recovery. But I am thankful for my Minecraft communities I am in and one I mod for both on Twitch and Discord they check in saying hey Adra what chapter are you on and they will ping me. Not giving up on the book and I hope you feel better soon.
I really consider you a writing mentor. I needed to hear this SO much today. I struggle with multiple chronic illnesses. (PCOS is one of them too.) Thanks SO much for posting this! You got this, Girl! Go crank that book out!
You are an inspiration, Sarra, not only as a writer but as a person. Your commitment and drive are really something. Look after yourself. Your health is the foundation of your life. Take it easy whenever you can: eat right, get as much sleep as you can cuddle your husband and kids as often you can. You work so hard; there is no room for guilt in your life. You deserve every break you take. Your fans out here in internet land will support you. xo
I feel you on the chronic illness talk. I have a strong feeling I have endometriosis according to the symptoms I have each menstrual cycle (not going into detail, but each period brings its own kind of hell), and sometimes the symptoms are acting up outside my periods, and I know that 10% of women suffer from this, but there is no cure, and the only way to be sure you have it is through surgery. And the only way to get rid of the excess tissue is also through surgery... But I also suffer from anxiety and stress disorders, alongside my depression (and insomnia, which is caused by any of those three disorders and also worsens my depressive episodes, yay!). And let's say that with all that has happened so far in 2020, my stress and anxiety disorders have been acting up quite a lot, which, in turn, hasn't helped my depression. I've been feeling exhausted since late August and nothing I've done, taking vitamins and anti-stress and anti-depression medicine hasn't helped, talking hasn't helped. Meditating, doing shadow work and all that jazz hasn't helped, because the cause of my stress and anxiety is not caused by my psyche but by the world around me, and I'm afraid for my family, especially for one of my younger sisters who's immunodepressive (and she's 28!) and has her step-son that goes to school still and could give her the virus inadvertently, and that's also not talking about my dad and my grandparents, who are in the more at risk groups... Anyways, I didn't intend to go on a rant or anything. Just to say that my mental health hasn't been the best, nonewithstanding my more-than-probable-but-not-yet-confirmed-endometriosis. And it has caused my insomnia to get crazy, and I've barely slept these past weeks, which in turn didn't help with the exhaustion and fatigue, and gave me huge migraines (3 in 4 days! how fun). A few weeks ago, it was the other way around, having to go to sleep at 9pm because I was just so fatigued and exhausted, and couldn't get any work done on my writing (because I can only write during the evening and night). However, for once, I've not been too hard on myself, because I know it's a weird time and that I have to care for myself first. If sleep is what I need, then it's what my body gets. As for my writing schedule, I always have one day per week I do not write. One day where I also don't do anything for anyone else either. I just recharge and fill my energy bars, lol. And I've also implemented buffer days unconsciously. 5 a month. It seems to be doing me good, because I have been writing consistently for more than a year after a 3 year hiatus.
Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging to listen to our bodies and that IT is ok to take a rest when needed. I struggle with a lot of different chronic illnesses , pushing me away from my writing. IT is ok and when I AM able to write I enjoy IT so much that I can better handle an off Day.
Yes!!!! I also have a chronic illness and deal with chronic pain. I always feel so bad when I just can't find the energy to get up and do the things I need to do that day. I needed to hear this. You are so right! I hope you start feeling better soon pcos sucks.
Sarra I hope this is a better day for you. I’m cheering you on from my quiet, humble corner of the internet. Btw, I’m at just over 38K words for my Nano story and these vlogs are part of what’s keeping me going. So even on your difficult days, I want you to know how much you’re helping. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you for this. I have several chronic illnesses and I’ve been pushing through this NaNo as hard as I can. But it’s hard, incredibly hard. I’ve learned that taking on a writing schedule like NaNo has totally sapped my brain power by the end of the day, which somehow also saps my physical strength too. It’s kind of crazy how that works and having CLs certainly doesn’t help! Your advice is very appreciated ☺️
I have had a hormonal imbalance since my last son was born and he's 3 now. Also, I have DDD and depression and when I write I like to sit at my desk but because my back kills me I get like 20 minutes of writing in before I'm forced to lay down and rest it. I started this month strong but I have given up on Nano. :/
I'm so thankful you shared this with us. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18 and had a few surgeries to get rid of the cysts around then. I had no idea the struggle others go through with flare ups. I get really bad aura migraines. It took years to figure out where they came from, neuro or not, and turned out to be hormonal. I'm finally on meds that stop my period. That finally stopped the constant migraines and auras where I felt 'normal' probably one week of the entire month... I had two this past weekend and had some not so nice news, so I've been feeling pretty down and in a brain fog. It was hard to look at my characters, but I did some low energy work/editing and I'm very happy I could at least do that. The same thing goes with having chronic back pain from an accident and disc flare up/degeneration. Pick and choose where to spend my energy tokens. But I know I'm doing my best. I have also learned to put those feelings into one of my characters and what they go through. Helps process and vent at the same time. Can't wait to see you hard at work again. I know you can do it. I didn't know how much I needed a positive creative influencer until I met you and this community
We keep writing because we want this and we need this more than anything. It's ok to slow down to save energy so we can keep writing. Get well. Thank you for showing us your strength and weakness. We do it together...
I am so sorry, and I understand completely. PCOS is one of the handful of chronic illnesses I deal with too, and that fatigue and pain are freaking KILLER. I struggled really hard after I had my son, and it hasn’t been great during the pandemic either. I always appreciate that you share because it’s nice to have some solidarity out there. :-) Sending you healing thoughts and I hope you can see the other side of this flare up soon.
I can’t even imaging going through this with a chronic illness (or even just kids for that matter). I’m on a first day of my period and it hurts so bad and the previous two days I was an emotional wreck and I’m sure that doesn’t hold a candle to other people’s struggles but I wrote maybe a thousand words in three days and still think it was good enough to write anything at all. You are amazing! Very inspiring!!!
Thank you for sharing this ❤ I had to take a few mental health days last week, as all I had the capacity for was keeping the tiny humans fed and happy. I am very proud that I managed to get back on track with my word count this weekend, but I know that I would have struggled for a lot longer if I'd beaten myself up about it!
I have several chronic illnesses. Today was a bad day. I have been so tired and having other symptoms from my illnesses. My teacher was really proud of me for telling her about my mental health during class. My one on one from my day program has told me if I need to take a day off that it’s ok to do so. I pushed myself to get through my classes when I shouldn’t have done it. My anxiety has been really bad lately. Me and my mom are in the process of finding me a therapist since we moved not too long ago. I know I will pay for pushing my body today. Than you! I needed to hear this today! I hope you feel better soon!
You have more energy, juggle more stuff and get more things done than anyone I know. You inspire us! Keep pressing on during the tough days but also take care of yourself and take breaks as you need them. We’re here for you! xox Erin
I actually needed to hear this today. I haven't been able to write a lot this week because of my mood disorder and an insurance change which means my meds are delayed it's a lot of BS. My husband is always telling me when I'm just sitting at the computer and I just can't bring myself to open the document to just relax and do it tomorrow. I was able to buff myself up for the first two weeks of the month and get a lot of words in, but I knew I'd hit later in the month and the chapters I need to change the most and just would hit a wall. I need to write tomorrow, I know I need to focus and just get something in since I will be just below goal tomorrow. Luckily my husband is off of work this week so it'll be a little easier to take a nap or something so I can write after the boys go to bed. I hope you feel better soon.
I deal with a disability that makes every day a struggle. I greatly appreciate your video that just addresses these things that few people are willing to talk about. I am cheering you on!
You are amazing, Sarra! Thank you so much for your honesty, openness and trusting us enough to share your struggle. So much truth here! This really has been a year, but it was encouraging to hear that it’s okay to be human. In our fast-paced world, this is too often forgotten or looked down on. But we aren’t robots. There’s truly only so much we can do before we damage ourselves. The struggle with PCOS is so real - especially the fatigue and pain. Both can be extremely debilitating. I hope you feel better soon. *hugs*
I'm sure a lot of people needed to hear this. I certainly did. You can deal with something for years, but still learn something new from hearing someone else's perspective. That's exactly what happened for me with this video. I have chronic health issues, but day to day, I plod on. As so many people must. Even though it's been my life for 7 years, I still picked up new tips from you. So thank you!
I've had days where I just can't and I struggle too. I get severe migraines pretty frequently and it stops me from being able to function on some days.. Others I can push through it. Sometimes it lasts for days though and its awful. Thank you for sharing your story, it take's a lot to talk about chromic pain and the process of working through it.
I really hope you're feeling better soon! This one got my heart as I've spent the last two days battling migraines. Glad we can show up with you to not only celebrate the joys but to also breathe through the bad! Sending love and strength 💜😘
I needed to hear that it's okay to "take a break". My mental health has been off for awhile and I need to remember to take rest days bc I can get so caught up in my goals and pushing myself beyond repair. Thank you for this completely honest talk. I think a lot of us needed this right now. ❤ 🙏
I have bipolar type 1 and deal with those mood swings and losing interest and having a lack of motivation and it sucks. I'm a newbie authortuber and I've been trying to keep up with the pace and picking up the camera (my phone) when I don’t feel it cuz I know it's good for me. I am rooting for you ❤ even if it's been a sucky day you're still doing great.
You will get through this, and you will continue to get through it every single time you have a flare-up. You are strong and inspiring and a wonderful role model for Andrew and Evie
Hi Sarra! I struggle with anxiety, depression and panic attacks, I take medicines for all of that since 2015 and I go to therapy. I love writing and reading, I do this even when I don't feel so good, but since September, after my cat's death, the end of my most important friendship and some family problems, my anxiety worsened a lot and my depression too, and now I have also insomnia. (I know my cat's death could sound stupid, an excuse for not writing, but it really isn't. I was really close to her, we had a very special bond. Tjank God I have other two cats, but they don't substitute her obviously, and I miss her so much! I'm broken since the day of her death). These last two weeks I haven't revised my novel or written (before, even if my cat was already dead, I tried and wrote a short story). I haven't read anything, I am just too tired and can sleep three or four hours a night, I awake a lot and have nightmares and panic attacks. I know two weeks are a lot, but I am devastated. Today I'll go to my doctor. Thanks for your tips! I don't do NaNoWriMo, but I admire you and all of the other people who are doing it!
Thank you so much for posting about this! I am fortunate enough not to have PCOS (I have two close friends that have it, I would not wish it on my enemy) but I do have a chronic illness of my own. Seeing that one of my idols (Yes! YOU are my IDOL!) has similar problems and is successful and happy notwithstanding her symptoms is so uplifting to me! I needed to feel human today, and you have helped me feel okay with my illness as a writer. You've got this, Girlie! We all believe in you! Keep up the great, meaningful work.
Good video Sarra, only thing I'd add is: you don't have a choice to take a day off if you are ill, it's not laziness or a reason to beat yourself up or to think you've failed!
Also have a chronic heart condition where sometimes I’m so exhausted that it feels like I’ve been hit by a truck. I know exactly what you mean! This was very helpful to hear. Take care of yourself!
I can't tell you how much this video helped me, thank you for sharing. I have several chronic conditions and am very hard on myself if I don't get everything done. When I'm low on health, my day job and kiddo come first and all my creative projects have to wait, which is sad. I'm still learning how to make the most of my time even if I have kiddo around.
As someone who has had chronic migraines for over a decade, I’m really looking forward to the energy management videos in 2021! I too plan in buffer days where possible, but my migraines are very weather influenced and sometimes I can be out for weeks at a time, so I’m still trying to figure out how best to manage my time/energy. I hope you start feeling better soon 💜
I think a lot of people will find this really helpful. Thank you! 💕 In the interest of trying to return some of that help, I wanted to encourage you (and any person that’s having similar issues) to visit your doctor. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18 and had very few menstruation issues - I had all the very visible and fertility problems - but later in life things changed. I remember for at least a year in my late thirties feeling like I had flu once a month and it seemed like every month was getting worse and worse and then eventually a routine blood test revealed that I was dangerously anemic. I had low Iron and low B12. My B12 was so low that it had actually started to cause neurological symptoms, including numbness in my legs. That turned out to be a precursor to a whole host of issues, including uterine fibroids, with such severe symptoms that I had three months off work (I’ve never been off sick for more than a few days before this!). To any person that is finding that their menstrual cycle is causing them to feel extremely unwell every month, especially if linked to fatigue, please see a medical professional. You can ask about checking your Iron and B12 levels and you can ask about having an ultrasound to check for fibroids and cysts. Uterine and Ovarian Cancer have symptoms that can be difficult to notice because people often assume that what they’re experiencing are nornal changes. If you have PCOS you can also ask about taking metformin, which is a diabetes drugs that helps to manage hormone imbalance. Menstrual health is really important and is often overlooked because we’re often very good at sucking it up and coping. It’s also not well understood and you may find some medical professionals will be quick to brush off your concerns as ‘normal’, but you know your body better than they do and, in particular, any changes from what’s normal for you should be checked out.
Thank you for this video, I really needed to hear these words. I suffer from several chronic illnesses, one of which being PCOS, and I get so down on myself because I have so many low energy days and don't feel well. You are one of my favorite people on TH-cam and I'm sorry you are in pain, but it is nice to know that I'm not alone in my struggle.
I have completely given up on Nano, I finally realised that I was expecting way too much of myself at this time. Although I have given up on Nano I haven't given up on my story which I have gone back to plotting so I'm working my way through that doing it properly this time.
Great advice. 👍. .... Do you best and when you can't, show yourself some grace. ... Treat yourself as good as, or better than you'd treat a best friend, a coworker, or even a stranger! You'd probably never speak to someone else, the way you self talk. So be kind to yourself. Do unto you as you would do to others. Sending lots of love ❤ to all y'all. From sunny 🌅 Arizona 🌵. 😷.
I needed to see this. I signed up for NaNo last minute and was doing okay. Coming off of not writing for a year because of my chronic illness so it's hard to get my feet back under. Then it was headaches, then exhaustion. I need to remind myself to be kind to myself.
Love the video. I have chronic pain and severe asthma and there are times when I just don't have any energy and I find it just too hard to sit at my desk. I have found ways to write sitting in a more comfortable chair and that has helped I can't edit very well in the chair but I can draft. But mostly I just have to cut myself slack. One thing I really learned from watching the last few videos of yours is when I'm ready to publish I need to not set pre-order or publication dates until everything is done because I don't think I could handle the stress of what you're going through and the negativity that you're facing because you're only human and you're raising a child and taking care of a home and writing and TH-cam is only part of your life. so I hope I remember not to use setting a publication date as a motivation to finish something and instead finish something first before setting a publication date so that I don't run into what you're going through.
You have no idea, how helpful this video was, so thank you so much for sharing. I'm really struggling with energy at the moment, this was the boost I needed. I had Guillain Barre in 2000, then Covid in Feb this year and been in lockdown locally since March, with likely long Covid now (about to get tested). I used to write 10k words a day and had loads of energy but right now I have about an hour of energy a day and missed three pre-order deadlines. Thankfully I have an amazing medical team (plus I got to be a part of a beta testing group for authors with Creative Catapult Coaching here on TH-cam in summer which was a game-changer) so I know I'll be back at full energy at some point, but it was such a surprise especially not knowing why my energy was so low, and being a new full-time author too. Little jobs seem to be fine but energy for creative tasks is so much harder. Really looking forward to your series on energy and chronic illness, it is one of those topics less spoken about but massively useful.
I can totally relate to everything you are saying! I have chronic migraines for most of my life now, and it is hard to manage life with the little amount of energy left. I still work on my goal to write a book and i wont give up! I had PCOS as well, fortunately my symptoms vanished when i started the ketogenic diet in may (originally i tried that for my migraines). I did not get any lab test though as i havent been to the doctor because of covid. But it gave me hope that i just have to try everything and one day i will find something that takes the pain away. Just keep going ♡
Thank you for this. I have a nasty neurological illnesses that incapacitates me at least 2 days a week, but its not a total loss because I can use that time to think over plots and day dream. Sometimes I think we have to be philosophical about our limitations. We all have them. X
Have you heard of Alisa Vitti? She wrote “woman code” and “in the flo”. She too has PCOS. I have endometriosis and her work has CHANGED MY LIFE. So eye opening and she also has productivity tips for women. We should be working differently during our different phases of the cycles. I feel like you’d love her information.
Perfect timing with this video Sarra! I did take a break today. I may not make the 50K because I'm only in the low 30s. This is my first time, and it's ok. I'm still stoked because I have 30K+ of a first draft and I'm having fun! I plan to get back at it fresh tomorrow. I hope you feel better!
I'm so sorry for you. I can sympathize with you. I don't have PCOS but I have several chronic pain illnesses that I battle every day all day. Severe Psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Along with some others. I am permanently disabled due to it. I'll keep you in my thoughts and send up well wishes for you.
It's my first 0-word day... My arthritis is really acting up today... after my first real day of my second job. Also, tomorrow, I'll be at both jobs, so I don't think I'll be able to write either... So, I understand. Don't worry, Sarra.
I hope you get to feeling better. Since this is somewhat about health I’ll tell you when I went through menopause I used Wild Yam Cream to balance my hormones. This cream saved my life with hot flashes and mood issues. There was days when I wanted to rub that stuff all over my body. It truly helped me so much. I know this won’t help your issues, but thought I might can save someone from the dreaded menopause. Don’t feel bad about taking health break.
I need help with energy management. 2020 has drained me emotionally, pushed my nursing skills to the limit, and stressed my family in ways I couldn’t imagine before covid. It’s so hard to keep pushing forward when you feel like you’re in quicksand.
Oh I hear ya! I have PCOS too. I was diagnosed at about 25 years old. I'm 44 now. For me, the worst things about it are the constant fatigue and the uncontrollable weight gain. I hate getting that 'you just need to eat less and move more' spiel from people. Like, lady, I eat less than you do and I don't have the freakin' energy to move more, don't give me that just because you look like some stick thin gym bunny, it doesn't work for people who have hormonal issues. I'm barely functioning as it is! 5 years ago I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Deep joy. Strangely enough, the diet I moved to to help with that has improved the weight issue a bit. I'm still obese, but it did come down a bit. I see other people with UC and they're like sooo thin and then there's me. So now I have 2 diseases warring my body and I feel like the PCOS is winning. LOL. A couple of months ago I felt like I had a little extra energy and decided to try some exercise. I could barely walk for 2 weeks afterwards and have been in constant pain in my knees ever since. Last week the doctors told me I have Arthritis in my knees. I just feel like I can't catch a damn break right now. Between the 3 conditions I now have, COVID-19, having to shield more than other people because I'm on immune suppressant injections for the UC, being stuck inside this house with 2 autistic teenage girls and my husband having to work from home, this year has been really hard on my mental health. It's been really hard on my creativity too and I really had to push myself even to sign up for Nano this year. All I can say is that I am soooo glad that I started searching for 'how to procrastinate less' on youtube, which lead me to Kanban boards, which lead me to you. You have been a joy to watch as I've been catching up on your videos. I've now got my own Kanban board and, although I'm still slow, tired, fat, my house is a mess, I'm slowly, slowly working my way through my very small goals and it's finally starting to make a difference in my house. So, I know this is a long reply, but you keep your chin up and remember that we're always here for you when you're going through those difficult times. Give yourself the time you need and then you'll get back to things stronger than before. (Nano word count: 42,292)
You're doing amazing with all that going on! And yes with the "just eat less" argument. I think people who haven't experienced PCOS don't understand that you can literally practically starve yourself and still not lose weight - then one day or meal of eating something sugary and it's like you gain everything back. Bright Line Eating was working so well for me, but with this pandemic year and issues with breastfeeding while on it, I just couldn't stick to it. Hoping to go back to it in December, but it's been such a struggle. Hang in there and I hope you feel better.
@@HeartBreathings I've not heard of Bright Line Eating. I'll have to look into it. I was doing keto which was working really well for me, even during lockdown. But the minute stuff reopened my brain went "oh I'm sure we can get away with having a donut from Tim Hortons, just this once", but I think I did that like 4 times. Yeah, that does not work.
I know the feeling. I have Diabetes and I never know from one day to the next what my blood sugar levels will be over all. In fact I don't know how my blood sugar will be from one hour to the next. Chronic illness is never fun.
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Struggling a bit over here, but I know I'll be better tomorrow. I know the chronic disease I deal with is nothing compared to what some of you go through, but I hope these tips are helpful for anyone writing through chronic illness or depression. Love to you all
I have a new baby, and I had my first zero word week last week. It was crushing (especially since I'm also on deadline), but I'm choosing to be gracious with myself and start new this week! Thank you again for your honesty. I, for one, needed this! 💕
I had a very rough day with my chronic illness called IBS and my complex congenital heart defects. My chronic pain in my hip and back flared up due to the cold windy day today. I pushed though to do my classes with my day program for adults with Autism. After classes I curled up in my chair since during my classes I was having trouble focusing and staying awake. I know I am going to pay for pushing myself over the next couple of days. I have one class tomorrow and then the rest of the days will be curled up in my chair with my pillow and my blankets and try to rest.
I think my fellow posters would agree with me when I say, we love you Sarra
I expect there are a lot of people who needed to hear this. 💜
Thank you SO much for covering this topic. I have had chronic illness/pain/fatigue for decades. It has stolen so much of my writing dreams, and I am so blessed by you sharing your story today. I hope you feel restored quickly
I love this topic. My day job is extremely stressful and it zaps my energy so it’s hard to be creative. Thanks for sharing your journey.
I was so relieved to hear this from you today. I had never thought of my writing as a high energy exercise before, and was always hard on myself when I couldn't get motivated to do any. I will take lessons from your talk today and find low energy tasks to give myself a sense of accomplishment. That always helps me deal a little better with the bad days if I feel like I did something at least. Thank you Sarra. I really appreciate your vlogs, and you sharing your experiences. xxx
I agree with you. I keep beating myself up because I'm not writing or even reading as much as I once did. I rarely write anymore even though stories keep invading my brain. 20 years of chronic pain has taken its toll.
I took the day off today, simply because I felt tired. I write so much that friends always assume I'm headed near burn out. But I know what tired feels like and I felt it last night. So I rested all day and watched Star Trek Discovery with my son.
I'm also struggling with my WIP, so I just hired a plot doctor adn we're going to talk through the plot this week because I can't see the forest for the trees with this one. So I called out for help.
I'm so amazed by and proud of you for knowing your limits and letting others know that you have them. YOU ARE AWESOME AND AN INSPIRATION!
I'm always amazed by your output, but I'm not worried about you because you seem to be really grounded and intelligent about your needs. 💜 I want to start putting stars in my planner Haha
Relate so much, I’ve had Hashimotos for years and controlled it well for eight years and through my pregnancy but six months post partum my levels went haywire and almost two years later still struggling to rebalance them!! And it affects everything in my body, it’s so hard, so I feel you❤️
@April R it can be a real beast, I’ve found ways to balance my body with correct replacement med/lifestyle and live well with it once and I know I will again! Finding a good dr and doing research of your own is everything...it is a progressive disease and vastly different for everyone, which makes it harder to treat. Doctors like “one size fits all type treatments and protocols” that mentality definitely doesn’t fly with this. Good luck to you!
@April R it seems like thyroid disorders accompany so many other syndromes and diseases, it sure makes it difficult.❤️
Ah Sarra, I'm so sorry you're in so much pain. I'm nearly in tears watching this. I hate to hear of anyone else having so much physical pain. I so definitely needed to hear this tonight. I am my own worst critic. I was just telling my partner a couple hours ago that I was really disappointed in myself for not getting as much done this weekend as I had wanted to. Meanwhile I wrote 7,281 words this weekend when my goal had been 6.5k. I need to learn to give myself more grace. I am sitting at 44,795 words on NaNo tonight. I am blown away! I am going to stop and congratulate myself for that. I know what it is like to be in pain. I have had chronic daily pain for the past 21 years. I was in a really bad auto accident in 1999 when I was 36 and a single mom with an 18 month old baby. I had two herniated discs in my back, plus injuries to my neck, and just about every other appendage. I have had chronic pain ever since and arthritis had set in pretty badly within about a year after the accident. I guess I have been living this way so long, that I am just used to hurting every time I move. I have also suffered with chronic depression my entire life, and since the accident, PTSD, anxiety and chronic fatigue. I work a full-time plus job and last week was really, really bad, plus I had to work OT on Saturday. Like I said, I so needed to hear this tonight. I am going to celebrate my small milestones and make them bigger, instead of tearing myself down. I am just so used to beating myself up, that I never take time to appreciate my accomplishments. Thank you for pushing through long enough to record and edit this Sarra. You are Magickal!!! Love you girl. I hope you feel better really, really soon! I'll be sending you positive healing energy if you want to use it! Hugs :)
Sending you love
Thank you for checking in with us. Your videos are what I look forward to each day. You are a strong person no matter what life throws your way.
As a writer struggling with chronic pain on a daily basis, thank you so much for this video. Brain fog is my archnemesis but a wrist and neck injury bugged me the most this year and kept me from writing.
This was one of the things, that I really appreciate hearing.
I so admire your strength and resilience. Feel better soon, Sarra. 💖
"Nobody is gonna hit harder than life, but it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep movin' forward." - Stallone from Rocky Balboa
Love this!
@@HeartBreathings number 4 on my list of top 5 Rocky movies. I don't like Rocky V so I totally gloss over it like it didn't happen. 5 - Rocky 3 oddly enough 4 - Rocky Balboa (like I said) 3 - Rocky. 2 - Rocky II and number one is Rocky IV - all are good movies to watch when you need the motivation to go on
Ugh... the fatigue for me sometimes makes it impossible to get myself awake earlier.... physically can’t wake up... I’m way behind in NaNo because I’ve had too many of those days this month but 🤷♀️ oh well
I struggle with the aftermath of GBS which is Gillain Barre syndrome. I no longer have the ability to walk because I don’t have much of a sense of balance. Plus I get tired more easily and even have down time.
Sending you love. My mother had GBS so I understand some of what you're going through.
I had GBS in 1978. Paralyzed from the head down. I recovered but had to relearn everything. Hugs to you...I know what you're going through ❤
You're doing quite well in my opinion. Keep pushing through
Thanks Sarra I really needed a comforting/ pep talk tonight
I hate to hear that you’re struggling, but it’s amazing that you’ve found a way to work with it instead of letting it stop you. I’m looking forward to the new resources and hope you feel better soon!
*hugs* I remember you mentioning PCOS in one of your IG coffeechats. I'm sorry it's flaring up, especially now. I'm the opposite. I get stronger in the evening. I need to remember my iron supplements -- fatique from anemia is not fun either.
I feel for you. I was diagnosed with PCOS and know the struggles. Currently going through menopause. I’ve gone 3 days with no writing due to migraine. Thank you for bringing up this important topic! I hope you feel better and that flare ups lessen.
So many creatives suffer from chronic and/or painful conditions. Thank you for your honesty and encouragement. 💕
I'm sorry you're not feeling well. Your video was very real & I liked listening to your strategies.
Yes! I have ADHD and medicated for it but there are days when I don't know which way is up and struggle to focus. But also with my weight comes back issues and the up and down weather has me with my itchy cough plus my family make its tough to find time to write. I have to find places to hide from my kids so I can write. My husband recently had a heart attack Oct 9th and has been home so most of my words happen when I take him to cardio physical therapy. He is fine and made a full recovery. But I am thankful for my Minecraft communities I am in and one I mod for both on Twitch and Discord they check in saying hey Adra what chapter are you on and they will ping me. Not giving up on the book and I hope you feel better soon.
Glad to hear your husband is doing well! You are amazing. Keep going!!
Mad hugs. ❤️
I really consider you a writing mentor. I needed to hear this SO much today. I struggle with multiple chronic illnesses. (PCOS is one of them too.)
Thanks SO much for posting this!
You got this, Girl! Go crank that book out!
You are an inspiration, Sarra, not only as a writer but as a person. Your commitment and drive are really something. Look after yourself. Your health is the foundation of your life. Take it easy whenever you can: eat right, get as much sleep as you can cuddle your husband and kids as often you can. You work so hard; there is no room for guilt in your life. You deserve every break you take. Your fans out here in internet land will support you. xo
I feel you on the chronic illness talk. I have a strong feeling I have endometriosis according to the symptoms I have each menstrual cycle (not going into detail, but each period brings its own kind of hell), and sometimes the symptoms are acting up outside my periods, and I know that 10% of women suffer from this, but there is no cure, and the only way to be sure you have it is through surgery. And the only way to get rid of the excess tissue is also through surgery... But I also suffer from anxiety and stress disorders, alongside my depression (and insomnia, which is caused by any of those three disorders and also worsens my depressive episodes, yay!).
And let's say that with all that has happened so far in 2020, my stress and anxiety disorders have been acting up quite a lot, which, in turn, hasn't helped my depression. I've been feeling exhausted since late August and nothing I've done, taking vitamins and anti-stress and anti-depression medicine hasn't helped, talking hasn't helped. Meditating, doing shadow work and all that jazz hasn't helped, because the cause of my stress and anxiety is not caused by my psyche but by the world around me, and I'm afraid for my family, especially for one of my younger sisters who's immunodepressive (and she's 28!) and has her step-son that goes to school still and could give her the virus inadvertently, and that's also not talking about my dad and my grandparents, who are in the more at risk groups...
Anyways, I didn't intend to go on a rant or anything. Just to say that my mental health hasn't been the best, nonewithstanding my more-than-probable-but-not-yet-confirmed-endometriosis. And it has caused my insomnia to get crazy, and I've barely slept these past weeks, which in turn didn't help with the exhaustion and fatigue, and gave me huge migraines (3 in 4 days! how fun).
A few weeks ago, it was the other way around, having to go to sleep at 9pm because I was just so fatigued and exhausted, and couldn't get any work done on my writing (because I can only write during the evening and night).
However, for once, I've not been too hard on myself, because I know it's a weird time and that I have to care for myself first. If sleep is what I need, then it's what my body gets.
As for my writing schedule, I always have one day per week I do not write. One day where I also don't do anything for anyone else either. I just recharge and fill my energy bars, lol. And I've also implemented buffer days unconsciously. 5 a month. It seems to be doing me good, because I have been writing consistently for more than a year after a 3 year hiatus.
Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging to listen to our bodies and that IT is ok to take a rest when needed. I struggle with a lot of different chronic illnesses , pushing me away from my writing. IT is ok and when I AM able to write I enjoy IT so much that I can better handle an off Day.
Yes!!!! I also have a chronic illness and deal with chronic pain. I always feel so bad when I just can't find the energy to get up and do the things I need to do that day. I needed to hear this. You are so right! I hope you start feeling better soon pcos sucks.
Sarra I hope this is a better day for you. I’m cheering you on from my quiet, humble corner of the internet. Btw, I’m at just over 38K words for my Nano story and these vlogs are part of what’s keeping me going. So even on your difficult days, I want you to know how much you’re helping. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you for this. I have several chronic illnesses and I’ve been pushing through this NaNo as hard as I can. But it’s hard, incredibly hard. I’ve learned that taking on a writing schedule like NaNo has totally sapped my brain power by the end of the day, which somehow also saps my physical strength too. It’s kind of crazy how that works and having CLs certainly doesn’t help! Your advice is very appreciated ☺️
I have had a hormonal imbalance since my last son was born and he's 3 now. Also, I have DDD and depression and when I write I like to sit at my desk but because my back kills me I get like 20 minutes of writing in before I'm forced to lay down and rest it. I started this month strong but I have given up on Nano. :/
you're doing amazing!!! I hope you get the rest you need and start to feel better soon!
I'm so thankful you shared this with us. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18 and had a few surgeries to get rid of the cysts around then. I had no idea the struggle others go through with flare ups. I get really bad aura migraines. It took years to figure out where they came from, neuro or not, and turned out to be hormonal. I'm finally on meds that stop my period. That finally stopped the constant migraines and auras where I felt 'normal' probably one week of the entire month... I had two this past weekend and had some not so nice news, so I've been feeling pretty down and in a brain fog. It was hard to look at my characters, but I did some low energy work/editing and I'm very happy I could at least do that. The same thing goes with having chronic back pain from an accident and disc flare up/degeneration. Pick and choose where to spend my energy tokens. But I know I'm doing my best.
I have also learned to put those feelings into one of my characters and what they go through. Helps process and vent at the same time. Can't wait to see you hard at work again. I know you can do it. I didn't know how much I needed a positive creative influencer until I met you and this community
We keep writing because we want this and we need this more than anything. It's ok to slow down to save energy so we can keep writing. Get well. Thank you for showing us your strength and weakness. We do it together...
I am so sorry, and I understand completely. PCOS is one of the handful of chronic illnesses I deal with too, and that fatigue and pain are freaking KILLER. I struggled really hard after I had my son, and it hasn’t been great during the pandemic either. I always appreciate that you share because it’s nice to have some solidarity out there. :-) Sending you healing thoughts and I hope you can see the other side of this flare up soon.
I can’t even imaging going through this with a chronic illness (or even just kids for that matter). I’m on a first day of my period and it hurts so bad and the previous two days I was an emotional wreck and I’m sure that doesn’t hold a candle to other people’s struggles but I wrote maybe a thousand words in three days and still think it was good enough to write anything at all. You are amazing! Very inspiring!!!
Thank you for sharing this ❤
I had to take a few mental health days last week, as all I had the capacity for was keeping the tiny humans fed and happy. I am very proud that I managed to get back on track with my word count this weekend, but I know that I would have struggled for a lot longer if I'd beaten myself up about it!
Great job covering an important topic!
I have several chronic illnesses. Today was a bad day. I have been so tired and having other symptoms from my illnesses. My teacher was really proud of me for telling her about my mental health during class. My one on one from my day program has told me if I need to take a day off that it’s ok to do so. I pushed myself to get through my classes when I shouldn’t have done it. My anxiety has been really bad lately. Me and my mom are in the process of finding me a therapist since we moved not too long ago. I know I will pay for pushing my body today. Than you! I needed to hear this today! I hope you feel better soon!
You have more energy, juggle more stuff and get more things done than anyone I know. You inspire us! Keep pressing on during the tough days but also take care of yourself and take breaks as you need them. We’re here for you! xox Erin
"whether you get up, whether you keep trying." Let it never be said that I gave up. Love you, Sarra.
Loads and loads of love to you and to all who needed to hear this! You all rock!! You got this!
I actually needed to hear this today. I haven't been able to write a lot this week because of my mood disorder and an insurance change which means my meds are delayed it's a lot of BS. My husband is always telling me when I'm just sitting at the computer and I just can't bring myself to open the document to just relax and do it tomorrow.
I was able to buff myself up for the first two weeks of the month and get a lot of words in, but I knew I'd hit later in the month and the chapters I need to change the most and just would hit a wall.
I need to write tomorrow, I know I need to focus and just get something in since I will be just below goal tomorrow. Luckily my husband is off of work this week so it'll be a little easier to take a nap or something so I can write after the boys go to bed.
I hope you feel better soon.
I deal with a disability that makes every day a struggle. I greatly appreciate your video that just addresses these things that few people are willing to talk about. I am cheering you on!
You are amazing, Sarra! Thank you so much for your honesty, openness and trusting us enough to share your struggle. So much truth here! This really has been a year, but it was encouraging to hear that it’s okay to be human. In our fast-paced world, this is too often forgotten or looked down on. But we aren’t robots. There’s truly only so much we can do before we damage ourselves.
The struggle with PCOS is so real - especially the fatigue and pain. Both can be extremely debilitating. I hope you feel better soon. *hugs*
This is good and practical advice. I appreciate your transparency.
I'm sure a lot of people needed to hear this. I certainly did. You can deal with something for years, but still learn something new from hearing someone else's perspective. That's exactly what happened for me with this video. I have chronic health issues, but day to day, I plod on. As so many people must. Even though it's been my life for 7 years, I still picked up new tips from you. So thank you!
I've had days where I just can't and I struggle too. I get severe migraines pretty frequently and it stops me from being able to function on some days.. Others I can push through it. Sometimes it lasts for days though and its awful. Thank you for sharing your story, it take's a lot to talk about chromic pain and the process of working through it.
I really hope you're feeling better soon! This one got my heart as I've spent the last two days battling migraines. Glad we can show up with you to not only celebrate the joys but to also breathe through the bad! Sending love and strength 💜😘
I needed to hear that it's okay to "take a break". My mental health has been off for awhile and I need to remember to take rest days bc I can get so caught up in my goals and pushing myself beyond repair. Thank you for this completely honest talk. I think a lot of us needed this right now. ❤ 🙏
I have bipolar type 1 and deal with those mood swings and losing interest and having a lack of motivation and it sucks. I'm a newbie authortuber and I've been trying to keep up with the pace and picking up the camera (my phone) when I don’t feel it cuz I know it's good for me. I am rooting for you ❤ even if it's been a sucky day you're still doing great.
You will get through this, and you will continue to get through it every single time you have a flare-up. You are strong and inspiring and a wonderful role model for Andrew and Evie
Hi Sarra! I struggle with anxiety, depression and panic attacks, I take medicines for all of that since 2015 and I go to therapy. I love writing and reading, I do this even when I don't feel so good, but since September, after my cat's death, the end of my most important friendship and some family problems, my anxiety worsened a lot and my depression too, and now I have also insomnia. (I know my cat's death could sound stupid, an excuse for not writing, but it really isn't. I was really close to her, we had a very special bond. Tjank God I have other two cats, but they don't substitute her obviously, and I miss her so much! I'm broken since the day of her death).
These last two weeks I haven't revised my novel or written (before, even if my cat was already dead, I tried and wrote a short story). I haven't read anything, I am just too tired and can sleep three or four hours a night, I awake a lot and have nightmares and panic attacks. I know two weeks are a lot, but I am devastated. Today I'll go to my doctor.
Thanks for your tips!
I don't do NaNoWriMo, but I admire you and all of the other people who are doing it!
Aww, it's not stupid at all. Our pets can be such a lifeline and so close to our hearts. I'm sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much for posting about this! I am fortunate enough not to have PCOS (I have two close friends that have it, I would not wish it on my enemy) but I do have a chronic illness of my own. Seeing that one of my idols (Yes! YOU are my IDOL!) has similar problems and is successful and happy notwithstanding her symptoms is so uplifting to me! I needed to feel human today, and you have helped me feel okay with my illness as a writer. You've got this, Girlie! We all believe in you! Keep up the great, meaningful work.
Good video Sarra, only thing I'd add is: you don't have a choice to take a day off if you are ill, it's not laziness or a reason to beat yourself up or to think you've failed!
Also have a chronic heart condition where sometimes I’m so exhausted that it feels like I’ve been hit by a truck. I know exactly what you mean! This was very helpful to hear. Take care of yourself!
I can't tell you how much this video helped me, thank you for sharing. I have several chronic conditions and am very hard on myself if I don't get everything done. When I'm low on health, my day job and kiddo come first and all my creative projects have to wait, which is sad. I'm still learning how to make the most of my time even if I have kiddo around.
As someone who has had chronic migraines for over a decade, I’m really looking forward to the energy management videos in 2021! I too plan in buffer days where possible, but my migraines are very weather influenced and sometimes I can be out for weeks at a time, so I’m still trying to figure out how best to manage my time/energy. I hope you start feeling better soon 💜
I think a lot of people will find this really helpful. Thank you! 💕
In the interest of trying to return some of that help, I wanted to encourage you (and any person that’s having similar issues) to visit your doctor. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18 and had very few menstruation issues - I had all the very visible and fertility problems - but later in life things changed. I remember for at least a year in my late thirties feeling like I had flu once a month and it seemed like every month was getting worse and worse and then eventually a routine blood test revealed that I was dangerously anemic. I had low Iron and low B12. My B12 was so low that it had actually started to cause neurological symptoms, including numbness in my legs. That turned out to be a precursor to a whole host of issues, including uterine fibroids, with such severe symptoms that I had three months off work (I’ve never been off sick for more than a few days before this!). To any person that is finding that their menstrual cycle is causing them to feel extremely unwell every month, especially if linked to fatigue, please see a medical professional. You can ask about checking your Iron and B12 levels and you can ask about having an ultrasound to check for fibroids and cysts. Uterine and Ovarian Cancer have symptoms that can be difficult to notice because people often assume that what they’re experiencing are nornal changes. If you have PCOS you can also ask about taking metformin, which is a diabetes drugs that helps to manage hormone imbalance.
Menstrual health is really important and is often overlooked because we’re often very good at sucking it up and coping. It’s also not well understood and you may find some medical professionals will be quick to brush off your concerns as ‘normal’, but you know your body better than they do and, in particular, any changes from what’s normal for you should be checked out.
Thank you for this video, I really needed to hear these words. I suffer from several chronic illnesses, one of which being PCOS, and I get so down on myself because I have so many low energy days and don't feel well. You are one of my favorite people on TH-cam and I'm sorry you are in pain, but it is nice to know that I'm not alone in my struggle.
I have completely given up on Nano, I finally realised that I was expecting way too much of myself at this time. Although I have given up on Nano I haven't given up on my story which I have gone back to plotting so I'm working my way through that doing it properly this time.
Great advice. 👍. .... Do you best and when you can't, show yourself some grace. ... Treat yourself as good as, or better than you'd treat a best friend, a coworker, or even a stranger! You'd probably never speak to someone else, the way you self talk. So be kind to yourself. Do unto you as you would do to others. Sending lots of love ❤ to all y'all. From sunny 🌅 Arizona 🌵. 😷.
I needed to see this. I signed up for NaNo last minute and was doing okay. Coming off of not writing for a year because of my chronic illness so it's hard to get my feet back under. Then it was headaches, then exhaustion. I need to remind myself to be kind to myself.
Love the video. I have chronic pain and severe asthma and there are times when I just don't have any energy and I find it just too hard to sit at my desk. I have found ways to write sitting in a more comfortable chair and that has helped I can't edit very well in the chair but I can draft. But mostly I just have to cut myself slack. One thing I really learned from watching the last few videos of yours is when I'm ready to publish I need to not set pre-order or publication dates until everything is done because I don't think I could handle the stress of what you're going through and the negativity that you're facing because you're only human and you're raising a child and taking care of a home and writing and TH-cam is only part of your life. so I hope I remember not to use setting a publication date as a motivation to finish something and instead finish something first before setting a publication date so that I don't run into what you're going through.
You have no idea, how helpful this video was, so thank you so much for sharing. I'm really struggling with energy at the moment, this was the boost I needed. I had Guillain Barre in 2000, then Covid in Feb this year and been in lockdown locally since March, with likely long Covid now (about to get tested). I used to write 10k words a day and had loads of energy but right now I have about an hour of energy a day and missed three pre-order deadlines. Thankfully I have an amazing medical team (plus I got to be a part of a beta testing group for authors with Creative Catapult Coaching here on TH-cam in summer which was a game-changer) so I know I'll be back at full energy at some point, but it was such a surprise especially not knowing why my energy was so low, and being a new full-time author too. Little jobs seem to be fine but energy for creative tasks is so much harder. Really looking forward to your series on energy and chronic illness, it is one of those topics less spoken about but massively useful.
You are such an inspiration. I just love your channel and the vibe you set and the message you send.
Thanks for talking about this. I'm looking forward to the energy videos
I can totally relate to everything you are saying! I have chronic migraines for most of my life now, and it is hard to manage life with the little amount of energy left. I still work on my goal to write a book and i wont give up! I had PCOS as well, fortunately my symptoms vanished when i started the ketogenic diet in may (originally i tried that for my migraines). I did not get any lab test though as i havent been to the doctor because of covid. But it gave me hope that i just have to try everything and one day i will find something that takes the pain away. Just keep going ♡
Hugs!!
Get well soon. I'm definitely taking a break tomorrow after that 9k weekend. Great video as always.
You are awesome. Hope you’re feeling better today!
Whoo hoo! Good word count!
First! Love your channel
Thank you so much!
Thank you for this. I have a nasty neurological illnesses that incapacitates me at least 2 days a week, but its not a total loss because I can use that time to think over plots and day dream. Sometimes I think we have to be philosophical about our limitations. We all have them. X
Have you heard of Alisa Vitti? She wrote “woman code” and “in the flo”. She too has PCOS. I have endometriosis and her work has CHANGED MY LIFE. So eye opening and she also has productivity tips for women. We should be working differently during our different phases of the cycles. I feel like you’d love her information.
Hope it’s ok to leave my review "In the Flo" Book Review | Period Synching, How to have easier cycles
You are so inspiring, thank you for doing this blog and sharing your own story! It is helping me very much!
Thank you so much for this, Sarra. I'm really looking forward to the managing energy and health stuff in 2021. You're such an inspiration. Take care.
Perfect timing with this video Sarra! I did take a break today. I may not make the 50K because I'm only in the low 30s. This is my first time, and it's ok. I'm still stoked because I have 30K+ of a first draft and I'm having fun! I plan to get back at it fresh tomorrow. I hope you feel better!
I'm so sorry for you. I can sympathize with you. I don't have PCOS but I have several chronic pain illnesses that I battle every day all day. Severe Psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Along with some others. I am permanently disabled due to it. I'll keep you in my thoughts and send up well wishes for you.
I understand totally. My times get bad like a storm coming to shore then other months it's calm. Scarlet witch isn't nice sometimes...😯😢😭🥺
🤗💚I hope you feel better soon.
Hope you are feeling better ❤️ Thanks for the pep talk
Thanks for this video Sarra! I definitely needed this today xoxoxo. I hope your feeling better. Love all your videos :) xoxox
*just a snapshot in time*
💜thank you.
I have Hashimotos and endo and I’ve discovered stress and eating gluten/dairy/sugar make symptoms SO much worse
Yes this is so true for me too! I'm determined to get back to the right way of eating for me.
@@HeartBreathings me too- it’s just so hard with the holidays. Plus eating well takes a lot of prep work... it’s a vicious cycle!
I wrestled a really bad migraine the past Friday, so I wrote a little by hand that day and added the words to my count.
It's my first 0-word day... My arthritis is really acting up today... after my first real day of my second job. Also, tomorrow, I'll be at both jobs, so I don't think I'll be able to write either... So, I understand. Don't worry, Sarra.
Not to mention when my depression is active...
I hope you feel better soon!
I LOVE YOUR PEP TALKS!!!!
I hope you get to feeling better. Since this is somewhat about health I’ll tell you when I went through menopause I used Wild Yam Cream to balance my hormones. This cream saved my life with hot flashes and mood issues. There was days when I wanted to rub that stuff all over my body. It truly helped me so much. I know this won’t help your issues, but thought I might can save someone from the dreaded menopause.
Don’t feel bad about taking health break.
I really appreciate this as it is a tough time lately.
Needed to hear this today, thank you!
I need help with energy management. 2020 has drained me emotionally, pushed my nursing skills to the limit, and stressed my family in ways I couldn’t imagine before covid. It’s so hard to keep pushing forward when you feel like you’re in quicksand.
Oh I hear ya! I have PCOS too. I was diagnosed at about 25 years old. I'm 44 now. For me, the worst things about it are the constant fatigue and the uncontrollable weight gain. I hate getting that 'you just need to eat less and move more' spiel from people. Like, lady, I eat less than you do and I don't have the freakin' energy to move more, don't give me that just because you look like some stick thin gym bunny, it doesn't work for people who have hormonal issues. I'm barely functioning as it is! 5 years ago I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Deep joy. Strangely enough, the diet I moved to to help with that has improved the weight issue a bit. I'm still obese, but it did come down a bit. I see other people with UC and they're like sooo thin and then there's me. So now I have 2 diseases warring my body and I feel like the PCOS is winning. LOL. A couple of months ago I felt like I had a little extra energy and decided to try some exercise. I could barely walk for 2 weeks afterwards and have been in constant pain in my knees ever since. Last week the doctors told me I have Arthritis in my knees. I just feel like I can't catch a damn break right now. Between the 3 conditions I now have, COVID-19, having to shield more than other people because I'm on immune suppressant injections for the UC, being stuck inside this house with 2 autistic teenage girls and my husband having to work from home, this year has been really hard on my mental health. It's been really hard on my creativity too and I really had to push myself even to sign up for Nano this year. All I can say is that I am soooo glad that I started searching for 'how to procrastinate less' on youtube, which lead me to Kanban boards, which lead me to you. You have been a joy to watch as I've been catching up on your videos. I've now got my own Kanban board and, although I'm still slow, tired, fat, my house is a mess, I'm slowly, slowly working my way through my very small goals and it's finally starting to make a difference in my house. So, I know this is a long reply, but you keep your chin up and remember that we're always here for you when you're going through those difficult times. Give yourself the time you need and then you'll get back to things stronger than before. (Nano word count: 42,292)
You're doing amazing with all that going on! And yes with the "just eat less" argument. I think people who haven't experienced PCOS don't understand that you can literally practically starve yourself and still not lose weight - then one day or meal of eating something sugary and it's like you gain everything back. Bright Line Eating was working so well for me, but with this pandemic year and issues with breastfeeding while on it, I just couldn't stick to it. Hoping to go back to it in December, but it's been such a struggle. Hang in there and I hope you feel better.
@@HeartBreathings I've not heard of Bright Line Eating. I'll have to look into it. I was doing keto which was working really well for me, even during lockdown. But the minute stuff reopened my brain went "oh I'm sure we can get away with having a donut from Tim Hortons, just this once", but I think I did that like 4 times. Yeah, that does not work.
As someone with Crohns and other chronic illnesses I totally get it. Someday it is a struggle just to get out if bed nevermind do anything else.
Very inspirational. Thanks for that.
I don’t have PCOS but I have endometriosis and it’s so hard at times ❤️
I know the feeling. I have Diabetes and I never know from one day to the next what my blood sugar levels will be over all. In fact I don't know how my blood sugar will be from one hour to the next. Chronic illness is never fun.