First let me start by saying I am thrilled to be working again. Thrilled that my body is cooperating for the most part. Thrilled to be out in the world, making connections, networking, and feeling like a productive person again. Is it horrible that my self worth is so closely tied to my ability to make a paycheck?

All my work on FibroHaven was satisfying emotionally and spiritually, but never financially. I LIKE MONEY! I like the freedom it brings. I like contributing to my household again. I like seeing a light at the end of our Debt Highway.

That being said, I have missed FibroHaven – missed my blog and facebook community, missed tweeting with the FM community on Twitter, missed the local members of my support group and our therapeutic meetings. It has all been neglected.

I think we all clearly understand about how hard it is to find balance living daily with chronic illness. It is always a matter of “If I do this, I know I will not be able to do that.” Prioritizing, making sacrifices, coming to terms with limitations, and on and on. Living well becomes a matter of balancing options and making smart choices.

I can tell you the smart choices I have been making for the better part of a year are really paying off now. I completely contribute my ability to work to the elimination of gluten from my diet and to my practicing yoga. My body has responded and rewards me every day. Even on bad days, I recover more quickly and have new tools – breathing exercises, stretching, etc. – to help me through.

But my heart is still in FibroHaven. So now it is up to me to find the balance. I know I can. I know I will.

And breathe…