The EGG Dish is an email list for Elly's Gratitude Group (EGG), a mind-body-soul discussion group for people w/ chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, orthostatic intolerance & similar (IBS, MCS, POTS, NMH, MVPS/Dysautonomia...).

Members post single things they are grateful for, stories of appreciation, short lists of "gratitudes" and/or commentary about how adding more gratefulness has impacted their coping with long-term health problems and all that goes along with them. Sometimes posts include "the processing" it takes to get to the gratitude for an event or situation.

An attitude of gratitude can spread to the body and beyond, and reconnect us with ourselves and each other in ways we couldn't imagine before it happens. Gratitude is about noticing, remembering what is already going well, giving us a momentary break from all the challenges and difficulties we face. It has been known to lead to more laughing and ease with stress.

Members are also encouraged to notice their language and how it affects them, to look for new word choices that add gentleness to ourselves and our lives. Word play has lead to many new insights in EGG.

Unlike a positive or wishful thinking exercise, gratitude writing is about focusing on this moment, on what already exists. It gives us a tool to relieve the stress inherent in "should statements." Should statements focus on what is lacking, missing or disappointing us; gratitude is for discovering what is here now nourishing us, strengthening us, even amidst our crises in life.

EGG also meets by voice via long distance teleconference monthly. Meetings are announced through CFSupport and EGGdish Yahoo emails. EGG is sister group of the NOVA CFS/ME & FMS and MVPS/D & OI Support Groups.

As we dish, let's see where a group attitude of gratitude can take us....