The 'Fibromyologist'

Having a healthy mindset or outlook to life is no doubt what many of us strive for. Having a chronic illness can mean that you have to work a bit harder at keeping it that way. A complicated balance of enough attention to mind, and body can leave little energy for the spirit.

I feel this is where Grace fits in. To me Grace is a powerful force, an energy even. I call in Grace when I need to be extra with something. I call in Grace when I’m about to do something adventurous or exciting. I call in Grace when I feel a need for extra guidance or direction.

Dealing with chronic anything pain or illness related can be draining emotionally, mentally, and physically. It can have you question your spirituality or faith. It can be difficult to remember that your body is not angry at you. Your body has not betrayed you. You did not do anything wrong to attract this illness.

In fact this blog is dedicated to the research of Dr. St. Amand in his 60+ years of work discovering how to not only treat fibromyalgia but what is actually happening in the body of a fibromyalgic. (Dr. St. Amand believes it is in our genetics.) He is definitely an unsung hero in the mainstream doctor department as far as I’m concerned.

It is your obligation or mission – should you choose to accept it is, to be loving, and gentle with yourself. Standing in your power with boundaries. In my own case, at two different times in my life, I was in denial, and totally resisted my diagnosis! (Mostly because I didn’t realized that fibromyalgia can manifest with different symptoms at different times of your life, and can look different in different people.) Well wth? No wonder doctors have a difficult time making the diagnosis.

On harsh days, I ask Grace to see me through the end of the day, with my sanity intact. I guess it is like my little prayer. If you have fibromyalgia most likely you are talking to some higher power. Your higher self, angels, God, it matters not, in my point of view. I just happen to see myself, and others with this diagnosis’ like this as the badasses they really are.

I now look at wearing the cloak of fibromyalgia with deep honour. I honour myself with whatever my body, mind, and heart need in the moment as best I can. If you’re a parent or have other full-time responsibilities or obligations balancing your health wealth is first and foremost. You can’t pour from a glass that is empty. I liken my energy to being tucked in a treasure box. You open the lid made of gold and check the contents, meter, or graft to see where you can engage in your life or where you have to postpone some things. Sometimes there is only enough energy for a shower in the day. Take your shower, and revel in it. It may sound silly but I recall many days that that was all I could accomplish. I was damn proud of myself. Of course, when the days of a shower were not possible – I didn’t speak negatively to myself. Those are the days of sponge baths, and dry shampoo. Adaptation with Grace.

Communication in your family about your limitations is important. Call in Ease and Grace for those times. Take on more responsibilities when you are feeling better.

When necessary I give myself the Grace to clear my anger, hurt or confusion about my condition. Talking to a trusted friend about my struggle is helpful. Of course they may not understand what I am physically going through, pain is pain. Most people can relate to that at some level. Sometimes just an enlightened witness to my struggle for a few minutes can give me the courage to see my magnificence in spite of everything I am going through.

Find something that you can enjoy while not feeling good just yet. Trying something new makes new neutral pathways in our brain. Yes, even with brain fog. Call in Grace when you need ideas to re-invent yourself. Or to get that long needed project finally done.

Call in Grace when you feel fibro is on your last frayed nerve. Call a friend too. I’m so proud of you.

Make your recovery, your new discovery❤️

https://www.amazon.com/What-Your-Doctor-About-Fibromyalgia/dp/0446694444