Virtual Inspiration

I am constantly amazed by the Internet. The world is literally at your finger tips. And since I started blogging I have been introduced to another part of the cyberspace family: virtual support and inspiration.

I tell you, there is no need to get off the sofa to feel inspired. All you need is one laptop and an open mind. (And a blog, if you really want people to wow you!)

Blogging has opened my world to some amazing people. The words of encouragement and support always lift me; stories of others handling the most unimaginable challenges with bravery and grace can help me keep my own challenges in perspective; or people that are determined and positive can give me that little kick I need on a difficult day.

The last week has been particularly busy on the virtual inspiration front. I did a guest post on Change Your Thoughts (Do You Believe in Something Called YOU?) and the comments were so supportive. I want to share one particular comment with you as I think Sofa and the City readers may find it inspiring too:

Hi Karen,

I so appreciate your thoughts and mindset. Many people, like myself, have overcome incurable diseases and it begins with the choice to get well. It seems small, but to understand that medical science is a 'closed shop' which excludes even proven things like chiropractic, is a big realization. It was from that realization that I determined I would not succumb to the surgeries offered which clearly would have left me in a wheelchair. I determined I would look at everything the doctors didn't know about and evaluate these modalities myself until I found my answers.

The formula is simple: Evaluate the results of all caregivers. Keep adding new things to the mix, continue to evaluate results, and then listen to those who help you the most. Continue this process until you've tried everything traditional and alternative that you can. What most people do is to continue to visit the 'closed shop' until they lose hope altogether, give in, and 'learn to live' with the disease.

Keep plugging and keep believing. I left three 'incurable diseases' in my wake. Late stage Ankylosing Spondylitis, Cancer, Multiple Debilitating Allergies, and certain emotional residues from childhood difficulties. Today I'm free! I'd suggest you find people who are winning from incurable diseases and evaluate what they did. Maybe it could help you get free too.

My best
Gary Blier

I have never had any contact with Gary before yet he took the time to write this to me. How wonderful is that?!

It’s hard to hold onto faith in recovery when you are in a dip. But in many ways this is when you need to have faith the most. And I have found that 'hanging out' with inspiring people has helped keep my mental state on track (even if my physical state ain’t all that at the moment).

There is a lovely lady who I met on Twitter called Robin Easton. She is an adventurer and has even lived in the Australian Rainforest! She has a very successful blog called Naked in Eden and for some reason she has taken me under her wing on Twitter. She says lovely things about me, she RTs my blog posts and she suggests me to others. She doesn’t need anything from me (I am way too far down the blogging food chain to help her). It is just the way she is. And I have watched her be this 'Cheer Leader' with others. How magical.

Then there is Laurel from Dreams at Stake. I often think about Laurel; about how she copes with such severe M.E.; how does she stay so strong? She is a beautiful writer and her latest post is truly inspiring. She has the most amazing ability to still see joy in life despite the unbelievable daily challenges she lives with. She also has the most generous spirit; she never belittles my experiences even though she is significantly more unwell than I am. Laurel inspires me to keep going; to keep believing; to count my blessings. And to smile; because whenever I think about her I smile.

And there is the kind and supportive (and very funny) Billygean who took time out of her Saturday evening to reply to my email asking for advice on getting out of this dip. And it was excellent advice too! Billygean is much better than I am at listening to her body. When I am dipping you are more likely to find me pushing than pacing. But I am doing my best to listen to Billygean and to listen to my body too.

Energy may be low but I am feeling very inspired on the sofa. These people (and many more) have made such a difference to my week.

I have started actively seeking virtual inspiration. If I am feeling fed up because the God of Energy is nowhere to be seen I take five minutes to look at the people who inspire me on Twitter for a bite sized pick me up. Or if I have a bit more energy, I visit one of my favourite blogs for a slightly larger sized motivational snack.

Because when the going is tough, the tough get inspired!

Do you find inspiration in the virtual world? How do you stay inspired when the going is tough? Would love to hear your thoughts....xx