Rise Up by Andra Day (Live Acoustic Version)

We help one another RISE UP each time we take the time to listen when one of us is having a tough day. Each time we say, I care about how you're feeling. Each time we pray for one another. Each time we speak words of hope and encouragement. Each time we allow someone's tears to fall, and we cry with them. Each time we support one another through setbacks, challenges, and struggles. Each time we rejoice and celebrate milestones and victories together. Each and every time. 

Sometimes, we rise up in grand ways. 
Other times, we rise up in small ways. 

Either way, it matters. 
You matter.

This song is for you, my friends. 
Be lifted up and know you are deeply loved and cared about. 

Always,

Michelle

Hold Onto Hope

My story's not over.

And neither is yours.

Keep holding onto hope, friends.

Always.

Michelle

Sisters and Brothers by The Vespers

I like to share music occasionally here on My Lyme Symphony. I'm a music lover from way back and believe it's good for the soul and the body. There's nothing quite like a good song that can express our hearts, move and inspire us, or lift our spirits. Music is certainly a language we all understand.

I've been listening to Americana singer-songwriter band, The Vespers for a couple years now and have been a big fan from the start. I find their newest song, "Sisters and Brothers," to be particularly meaningful.

So my Lyme sisters and brothers, this is for you. Hope you enjoy this live session.

"Look out for your sisters, don't forget your brothers. 

Gotta take care of each other."

Love,
Michelle

Keep Dreaming, Friends

Even though this journey is long and hard -
Don't give up.

Don't quit.

Keep hoping.

Keep believing.

HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR DREAMS.

They are worth it, and so are you.

With love and hope,

Michelle

H.O.P.E.

 1. Hope [ho'hp] transitive verb: 
a) to desire with expectation of obtainment;
b) to expect with confidence: trust; rely

2. Hope [ho'hp] noun:
a) desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment; expectation of success 
b) the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best
c) someone or something on which hopes are centered
(Dictionary.com and Merriam-Webster)

Hope doesn't necessarily exist apart from struggle. In fact, there's usually a battle raging. What hope does is to remind us there is the possibility of something better. Hope speaks a continual, "Don't quit." It 's that ever present whisper in our hearts that says, "It's not over. You can do this." It's the proverbial Rocky music in our ears. 

And there is a greater hope as well. Romans 5 hope. Colossians 1 hope. It's the ultimate hope in my life. It's what keeps me going in this long, difficult journey.

~ Michelle

"While there is life there is hope - and while there is hope there is life." 
- E.E. Holmes

Never Stop Believing

Even though the days can be long and difficult; Even though our bodies are still exhausted and unwell; Even though we may feel alone and forgotten; Even though this journey seems to be unending—

Never stop believing for something better.

Never give up on your dreams. 

Never let go of your faith.

Miracles do happen.

I'm thinking of you today, friends. And praying hope stays alive and well in your hearts. 

Remember, you are not alone.

In love and friendship,

Michelle

Bring Me Sunshine By The Jive Aces

I thought I'd share something inspiring and lighthearted for the weekend. 

Hope this adds a little sunshine to your day. 

Bless you, friends. 

Michelle

There's Still Hope

Photo credit ~ Favim.com

To My Chronically Ill Friends

I know you.

I know how sick you are. I know how hard it is. I know the crazy roller coaster ride you're on. I know how getting out of bed is more than you have the energy for on many days. I know you push yourself to do even the simplest of things.

I know you're investing everything you have, and even some of what you don't, to get well, feel better, and take your life back. I know you never imagined it would be like this. I know the obstacles seem insurmountable. I know people don't understand.

I know the frustration of not being heard, of being dismissed, overlooked, and misunderstood. I know the discouragement of doing everything right and still see little to no improvement. I know the ups and downs. I know the heartbreak and disappointment you've felt. I know the struggle. I know the mess.

I believe you.

I believe what you say. I believe the unbelievable things you've been experiencing in your body. I believe how surreal it all is. I believe how very hard you work to get well. I believe how much you try to balance everything. I believe you try to be strong for your loved ones.

I believe you're caring, competent, and capable. I believe your ability to persevere through such extreme hardship speaks volumes about who you are. I believe you inspire others. I believe you are making a difference. I believe your story matters. I believe you will overcome this.

I feel you.

I feel your inner struggle. I feel the burden you carry. I feel the aching and longing for change, for something lasting and better. I feel the deep-seated determination you have to see this thing through.

I feel the utter disbelief and outrage at the ignorance and insensitivity within certain aspects of the medical community. I feel your growing desire to escape it. I feel your drive to educate them. I feel your compassion and empathy for others who are also sick, in pain, and struggling with their own circumstances.

I understand you.

I understand the depth of what you go through. I understand the undercurrent of emotions. I understand that you've lost so much along the way. I understand not everybody can see it.

I understand how very different life is now. I understand your uncertainty. I understand those moments of despair. I understand the limitations and how frustrating they are. I understand the loneliness. I understand the brokenness. I understand the words that are often left unspoken.

I understand the need for retreat. I understand how you want to get away but can't. I understand the times you need to be alone. I understand your silence. I really do.

I understand the need for total diversion. I understand how getting out is not necessarily about physically feeling better but about doing something just for you. I understand your desire for simple joys.

I see you.

I see your true colors. I see what you go through. I see your resiliency. I see your courage. I see the love you lavish on other people.

I see the hopes and dreams and wishes you still carry in your heart. I see the depth of wisdom and knowledge you've gleaned through the many long years of suffering. I see how you willingly share it.

I see how you take the time to listen to others, even when you aren't feeling well yourself. I see that you're going through more than anybody else really knows. I see that you're hurting.

I see how easy it would be to give up. I see how you've held on. I see how you've stood your ground. I see the deep faith that sustains you. I see, though your body is weary, just how very strong you really are.

I hear you.

I hear your cries. I hear those held-back tears you shed when no one else is around. I hear your heartfelt and gut-wrenching prayers. I hear your prayers for others; how you ask God to help them hold on too.

I hear your words of support and encouragement. I hear you cheering others on. I hear how you rejoice in another's health victory; how it's really a victory for all of us.

Though buried beneath the exhaustion of illness, I still hear your passion for life. I hear the inner hope with which you speak. I hear your unique expression. I hear the truth of who you are.

And you are beautiful! 

I love you, friends.

You are not alone.

Michelle

The Healing Files: Music

What an amazing gift God has given us in music. Not only is it enjoyable, but music can calm, soothe, lighten, encourage, motivate, inspire, and in my opinion, facilitate healing. It is certainly a part of my healing protocol.

Music is a powerful expression and can uniquely do what nothing else can. It's been said that music is what feelings sound like. It has also been said that music speaks when words cannot, and I believe this is true. Music often moves us in emotion and can evoke memories. 

Music can have stress, anxiety, and pain-reducing effects as well. Numerous studies and scholarly articles document the therapeutic and biological effects of music, specifically on our nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. This is particularly interesting to me in working to heal from Lyme disease and subsequent co-infections.

Quantum Physics tells us that healthy cells vibrate in the body at a much higher frequency than unhealthy or toxic cells. I believe the vibrational frequencies within musical notes resonate with and influence the frequency that our cells vibrate at. In other words, it is possible to change the vibrational frequency of our cells through music (as through other modalities as well). This can have a positive effect on us or a negative one. If we listen to music (lyrics included) that is dark, negative, derogatory, or harsh, it can impact us and our cells in that same unhealthy way. Equally, if we listen to music that is soothing, encouraging, uplifting, motivating, or healing, it can impact our cells in this way as well. 

Melinda Bargreen, Music Reporter for the Seattle Times, wrote an interesting article in 2001 entitled, Classical Muisc Lovers May Indeed Have More Brains. In it she states: "Brain research suggests that playing Mozart, that same composer responsible for the much-touted "Mozart Effect," in which performance on certain aspects of IQ tests was improved following exposure to his music" can also have a beneficial effect on epilepsy patients. John Jenkins of the University of London has found that playing "short bursts of Mozart's Sonata K.448" (the D Major Sonata for Two Pianos) decreases epileptic attacks. Other studies suggest that Mozart also has a beneficial effect on coma patients.

Educators have long observed the benefits of early musical training on school performance. Various studies have shown that some areas of the brain are enlarged among those whose "perfect pitch" facility is revealed in that early training.

More recently, the American Academy of Neurology has released the results of a study that found "significant differences" in the gray-matter distribution between professional musicians trained at an early age and nonmusicians. The musicians in the study had more relative gray-matter volume in five regions of the brain and "pronounced differences in the cerebellum bilaterally." http://www.rense.com/general12/morebrains.htm

There are many Scriptures in the Bible that reference music. It was used in biblical times to celebrate, exhort, and comfort. 1 Samuel 16:23 says, "And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled King Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better and the tormenting spirit would go away." Music was also frequently used in praise and worship to God during the Jewish Feasts and celebrating marriages and battle victories. So it is today. Music is apart of our everyday lives, i.e. weddings, funerals, holidays, concerts, graduations, birthday parties, church services. And we, too, use music as an expression of our gratitude and worship.

Most likely, we've all experienced some kind of positive effect from music in one form or fashion. I listen to music most everyday unless I'm feeling really bad but even then; I'll often listen to soothing instrumentals or soft classical. My iPod is loaded with playlists to aid me in my Lyme treatment. Some days I need songs that spark motivation; other days I need songs that comfort and speak hope to my heart. Whatever it is, I can attest that music has been very therapeutic for me throughout my life and most certainly now during this treatment protocol. I think it's an excellent adjunct therapy for anyone whose working towards healing and wellness.

Michelle Holderman
Copyright © 2011

Photos: Favim.com