The Chrysalis Effect - M.E, CFS, Fibromyalgia, Thyroid and Adrenals

18/06/2026

One of my go to easy dinners.
Salmon with rice noodles and green veg. - leeks, garlic, ginger, broccoli, pak choi, mange tout, green beans, sesame seeds. Mixed with soy sauce, rice wine. Topped with a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce.
Today, I stir fried this but when I was unwell and couldn't stand at the hob, it would have been a tray bake (microwave to wok noodles).

Nutrition is key to helping the body repair and access energy, but it can be so difficult to plan, shop and cook when you have fatigue, pain and brain fog.

I worked with one of our wonderful Nutritionalists to create a diet that was right for me and the digestive/reflux issues that are so common alongside chronic exhaustive conditions

I would make my meal in stages, pre chop veg, sitting down, then resting. I would always have frozen veg in the freezer that I didnt need to chop for those days when chopping was too much. I would make an extra portion for days when cooking was too much. On some days, I could not think of a good diet and that is ok. I did not beat myself up, as that would have used extra energy. I tied to have healthy snacks. Good enough and meeting yourself where you are is ok sometimes.

Have you got any go to meals or handy hints and tips about how to make easy healthy foods

18/06/2026

Hi Everyone,
Earlier this month, saw best friends day. This is a time to think about a special being in your life, someone who is there for you, someone who you know that you can rely on without strings, you may not see them often, you may spend most of your time with them, but you know that they are there. The relationship is healthy and reciprocal. Why is this relationship special? We invite you to spend a few moments of gratitude thinking about this today.

For me, my husband Mitch is my best friend. I know I can always count on him to be there for me just when I need him to. I don't have to ask and I know I can talk to him without judgement. Mitch has been by my side during recovery and supported me in making difficult decisions, always putting my best interests first and helping me put things in perspective. I know that he needs me too in lots of ways.

Relationships are so important to our health and wellbeing. Poor relationships where control, manipulation, or abuse are involved can sap our energy, even if we have left the relationship but not processed it. Sometimes when we have little energy, we may avoid using social and emotional energy it takes to maintain a relationship. But research shows that connection over loneliness results in better health outcomes. Even the smallest thing like a quick test to say thanks or hi to a loved one can be enough. Relationships are not always easy, especially if you have neuro divergent traits. They may require compromise, setting boundaries, assertiveness and cognitive skills. There may be times when it is necessary to leave a relationship if it no longer serves you or is detrimental to your health and wellbeing.

But today, we are focusing on those positive ones.
What could you do today to show gratitude for a relationship you value?
I have bought Mitch some of his favourite shaving foam and plan to make a nice tea for him later!

With warm wishes
Sally
💓

17/06/2026

Which one could you try?

JUNE! Is there a habit you'd add to this list? Drop it in the comments to set an intention ❤️

17/06/2026

Today I walked into the garden and noticed the raindrops on the vivid flowers, contrasting against the grey sky. I could hear the raindrops falling in them, feel the cool air on my skin and feel the dampness in the air. It made me feel alive. When was the last time you took time to be in the rain or notice the things around you in detail? By focusing on the good, it can help lift your mood and calm the nervous system

16/06/2026

Just a loving message to let you know that if things seem difficult right now, we hear you, we understand and we are there for you. Please reach out if you need so that we can offer support and hope. We have been there, we know how lonely you feel.

That is why Elaine Wilkins wanted to create this wonderful community, to reduce isolation, to inspire and give you hope for a better future. If things seem hopeless right now and you can see no way forward, we have peers, coaches and specialists who can help. Things are not constant, and everything is temporary, even if it does not seem so.

Try to notice any moments in your day when things seem better, any pleasant experiences or moments of joy. How did your body feel, what emotions did you experience, what thoughts went through your mind, what could you do to create more of these glimmers?

And remember, if you are struggling to do this today "Even the darkest nights, have a dawn"

What positive things have happened to you recently?
With warm wishes
Sally

15/06/2026

Today we would like to invite you to give yourself permission to stop, to switch off from whatever you are doing or think you should be doing. This includes:-
✨thinking about doing things
✨giving yourself a hard time because you cannot do what you or others would like
✨people pleasing
✨constant pushing and striving for recovery and return to your old life
✨Not giving yourself time for joy, fun an play because you are striving to do things
✨worry about money

Give yourself some time and space to rest, sleep or simply be.

Even machines have to stop, have downtime for repair. We are not machines but in todays world pushing through and striving can be seen as a symbol of success. But our bodies are not made in that way. Often, pushing through can be one of the reasons why we are left fatigued and unable to recover from this.
We may think that we are doing nothing but actually we are investing in ourselves, health and happiness. Sometimes it is only when you switch off, that you are able to see a way forward.

What will you switch off from? Today I am switching off from thinking about house renovations. Whilst making a nice environment is something I enjoy and has been key to my recovery, I am overthinking my new lounge space and not getting very far. I am going leave the space for a while, and when I return, just sit in the space, simply be, and if I feel it needs anything else, I will think about getting it after my little holiday with Heather next week.

With warm wishes
Sally

14/06/2026

Asking for help can be really difficult, especially if you have previously been the one with a role to help others. Accepting that you need help, does not mean that you are giving in, it does not mean that you are weak, it does not mean that you have to like the current situation. It simply means that you are not fighting what is in this moment.

By accepting that you need help, you are showing yourself compassion and sending messages that you are worthy. This helps to calm the nervous system, thereby helping with efficient energy use. You are also investing in pacing yourself so that you are giving your body some time and space for healing.

Showing vulnerability is strength. You do not have to be a victim in this, you are just communicating with yourself and others your needs. Others will appreciate it as they often feel helpless watching you suffer, they can want to help, but do not know how. They may try to help, but what they do is not helpful.

Acceptance can be the first step to setting recovery goals and creating positive change.

This week I am going to ask support from my family to give me the space to do 2 short sessions of mindfulness each day. I am going to negotiate with them what times would work for us all so that I can stick to a plan without guilt.

What support from others do you need?

With Warm Wishes
Sally

13/06/2026

Sometimes it can be hard to listen to what our body needs.
We may not like our body, because it does not do what we want it to do when we want to do it. We may have physical pain, so can focus on little else. We may have become preoccupied with our thoughts and emotions and become disconnected from listening to our body. We may feel that we need to prioritise the needs of others or the needs of our work role, so we ignore what our body is saying and push through. We may have autism or a condition that makes introspection difficult. Does any of this sound familiar?
Yet when we ignore the signals, our body stays in a state of fight and turmoil and our symptoms remain
It can be really worth taking a moment and tuning into what our body is saying. Is there an area of the body that is hurting? Do we feel tired? Are we hungry? What healthy foods could we give it? Do we need to stretch or move -even if it is just a little? Is Our heart pumping fast, our breathing quickened or do we feel dizzy? -Signalling a moment of calm. What is my gut telling me? Do I need a visit to the GP, nutritionist, yoga etc? Do I need to rest?
With gentleness, kindness and compassion, we can let the body know that it is safe and that we are looking after it. This will gradually lead us into a state of healing.

What is your body telling you today?
We would love to know