Awareness is simply noticing how I feel without judgment or reaction, but with the attitude of a curious observer. So instead of A: (feel pain —> “I’m fucked up / disabled” narrative) or B: (feel pain —> <ignore> —> <subconscious avoidance behaviors>), it’s like C: (feel pain —> “this is a sensation I’m experiencing” —> <no action>). Needless to say, this is not an easy thing to do and takes practice.
Acceptance to me means not defining myself or my self-worth in terms of my illness(es), or comparing myself to others. However, it does not mean accepting defeat or relinquishing hope that things can improve.
Gratitude looks like being aware of and thankful for the wide world of things that you can do and experience, the people that love you (even if you can’t think of any, they’re out there), and remembering the “fact” that being a conscious creature in this strange and beautiful universe is an infinitely valuable gift.
I don't personally use it, but I'm sure being aware of it has changed my perspective. That probably explains why you can recognize it in my personal philosophies.
My body and mind completely gave out. I’m essentially fully disabled, but because it’s not directly visible I couldn’t get disability. Even when I was in bed lights off for 18+ hours a day in horrible agony.
There are limits to what the body can take without correct treatment.
Your baseline will be at a different place than someone who is healthy. You must learn it and learn to have realistic goals. You should not try to push yourself past this, it will burn you. Especially if that illness is new and you are used to how you were previously. You won't be the same, and that's alright. Don't aim for "healthy person + 10%". Instead, aim for "your reality + 10%".
What is important is to learn to aim for a little above that baseline. Push yourself in realistic ways. Hit the gym even if you don't want to. See a therapist even if it feels like a chore. Do all the thing you won't want to do. They are hard and it's okay. Especially if you were down for a long time, you probably developed bad habits. It's okay to be lazy at the start but you need to find your cruise speed.
Push yourself as hard as your illness allows. If that means only being able to go to the gym once a month and taking short walks on most weeks, then so be it. But stay active, both of mind and body.