Sanctuary over Chaos: Leading with CFS and a CEO Mindset
Author: Samantha Visser
The Skill of the Immaculate I’ve always known how to keep a house perfect. I learned from the best—my ex-husband and his mother were immaculate cleaners. I carry those skills with me to this day. But for a long time, I used those skills to manage the expectations of others. Today, as the CEO of Cosmos Somatics and someone navigating the realities of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), that skill has a new purpose: Protection.
Creating the Sanctuary My bedroom is my sanctuary. It is spotless. In a world that feels heavy or loud, that space is my recalibration point. When the rest of the house feels like a disaster—whether it’s the fallout of a family trip or a teenager who is 'truly oblivious' to a sinking ship of dishes—I have to make a choice.
Do I clean to avoid conflict? Or do I clean to provide myself with the space to heal?
Rest First, Always Managing CFS means I have to be a brutal editor of my own energy. This morning, I soaked the dishes. I didn’t rush them. I didn’t do them so my dad wouldn’t be mad. I did them because I deserve a clean counter to prepare my food. I am paying attention to my body and rest first and foremost. I don't navigate this journey in a vacuum. My commitment to rest and somatic healing is part of a larger framework of wellness. I’ll be
including a professional blurb from Dr. Goldstein here shortly, providing deeper clinical insight into why this environment-first approach is so vital for recovery.
Stoic Wisdom for the Overwhelmed The Stoic philosopher Epictetus said: “Control your desire for things to happen the way you want them to; rather, wish for them to happen as they do, and you will be happy.” My son might not see the dishes. My family might not see the overwhelm. I cannot control their awareness, but I can control my sanctuary.
A Note of Grace (Amplified Version) 2 Corinthians 12:9 > "But He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for My power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.'"
Closing Thoughts If you are leading a company, a household, or just your own healing journey, remember: Your environment is an extension of your mind. Clean for yourself. Rest for yourself. Lead for yourself.
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