I have spent the last week in a flood of love! I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the many positive responses I have received about the article I wrote for Woman’s Day Magazine.

Here are just a few of your comments:

“My daughter called to tell me about the article. It was good for her to hear about FM from someone else. The more voices talking about our issues, the better. Thank you and thank Woman’s Day.”  ~Susan

“Happy congratulations! I imagine when one’s mission is to “inspire and encourage,” it’s an invitation for divine blessings on such profound work. Thank you for all you do for all of us. When I was first diagnosed in 1995, there was so little out there and most of it was alarmist. People like you continue to bring awareness, education and encouragement in a world that continues to tell us it’s in our heads.” ~Rose

“I went to my mailbox the other day and there was my Woman’s Day magazine. It sat on my coffee table. I was in a bad flare and feeling down. I felt too tired to even read. I finally did read it and was so excited and encouraged to see an article on chronic illness. It was just what I needed to hear. I have had fibromyalgia for twenty years and am the same age as you. I will be following you by email. Thank you for sharing your journey.” ~Tanya

“So excited to find your blog after reading your Woman’s Day article! It touched on a shift in my mindset as I have become older. I found myself fighting against myself as I tried to remain “normal.” I now have come to accept myself and my body and focus on what I can do. Please know that your words are having such a great and positive impact on those living with fibromyalgia! God bless you!!” ~Angela

“Great article in Woman’s Day! You really gave a voice to us suffering from fibromyalgia. Thank you!” ~Amy

No, Thank You!

Your comments are all so meaningful and important, and reinforce what motivated me to start FibroHaven over three years ago – the need for a positive voice and community for people living with fibromyalgia and related chronic illnesses. I am more committed than ever to be that voice and to grow our community. Thank you for inspiring me and recommitting me to my purpose, and to the purpose of FibroHaven.

So what’s next?

First, I am going to write a series of follow-up posts to the article. I have received many questions about my healing and recovery process, so I am going to take it step by step and share my journey – how I began, what was my mindset, what changes I made, when I began to see progress, what worked for me – what didn’t, how I experience FM now, etc.. We are each unique individuals, and we experience and process our symptoms differently, so my formula is my own, but we all share enough similarities in this condition that there is certain to be something in there to inform, inspire, and encourage you.

Second, I am going to be creating more group coaching opportunities. FibroHaven is my service, and life coaching is my career. Both are my passion, and I have combined the two with my local support group members – offering group coaching for members to come together and begin transforming their lives from a place of Self Care, Integrity, Love, Purpose, and Possibility. And now I am going to open this service up online so you do not need to be a member of my local group to work with me. Groups will range in size from 4-6 participants and are a affordable way to lower the cost of working with a life coach. It is also a great way to build a tremendous support network. If you are interested in learning more about group coaching or would like to reserve a spot, please send me a request and your information on my contact page form.

Third, I am going to continue working on one of the missions I have always had for FibroHaven – to open more support group chapters across the country. This will involve a lot of time, research, and effort to determine the best way to proceed, but I am committed to this cause so look for more info in the future about new chapters of FibroHaven.

Finally, I am going to continue to put my health and wellbeing first – which is exactly what the Woman’s Day article was about, which is exactly how I began to heal, and which is exactly what I will always recommend for each of you. I will continue to honor the times when I need to rest rather than write, when I need to practice yoga rather than work, when I need to have some quiet time rather than conversation. What you see here on FibroHaven is the very best of me, and I am committed to always delivering my best. To fulfill on this commitment, I must always and forever be committed to my health and wellbeing first. It is like that old airline cliche – I must secure my own oxygen mask first if I am going to be able to help others secure theirs.

Thank you FibroHaven community!

Thank you for taking this journey with me. Thank you for all the love, support, and camaraderie. Thank you for being an endless source of inspiration. Thank you for sharing your pains and speaking your truths. Thank you for trusting me with your hopes and desires. And most of all, thank you for being you!