Shelley’s Story
Shelley, Artist
"I never ‘looked’ sick. To feel so unwell, and to be dismissed by the people and doctors who are supposed to help you, was a traumatic experience. To lose so much hope found me in a dark, dark place. I lost being a mother, I lost being a wife, I lost being a friend, I lost my new design business, I lost who I was, I lost my mind.
I take comfort in knowing that other Lyme warriors understand this experience. You understand the physical and mental strength it takes to see a way out of such suffering. After ten months of serious medical treatment, my healing towards wellness took 2.5 years.
The thing is, in our darkest hour we rise. I found a spark of gratitude. No matter how my body felt, I grew this spark everyday through yoga, meditation, art, wellness, and nature until I practiced it into habits, and now I live my best possible life. It’s a process. Through my digital motion art I released the intense anger, and I worked toward acceptance, gratitude and wellness.
It’s also all about perspective. Did I lose four years of my life to suffering? Or for four years did I have the greatest love affair with myself? I finally learned I’m a kick ass warrior fueled by love, joy, compassion and kindness.
To all the Lyme warriors before me who showed me that healing is possible, how grateful I am to you! We rise each other up.”
Stories reflect the experiences and perspectives of the individuals featured and are not intended as medical advice.
