I made the statement in one of my recent posts that "Fibromyalgia and chronic illness can be very isolating if you let it." I wrote it in reference to a conversation I was having with members of my support group, trying to come up with ideas to encourage inactive members to attend. I wasn't expecting it to hit a nerve with anyone, but it did, and I think it led to a very interesting communication between us. I want to share it with you to continue the conversation and also to applaud the commenter, Kathy, for speaking out and holding me accountable for my word choice. Kathy Okay, I’m … [Read more...]
Bloggers Unite for Fibromyalgia Awareness Day
Today I celebrated Fibromyalgia Awareness Day by attending a luncheon with members of my Fibromyalgia support group. As always, it was fun and restorative to spend the afternoon with others who understand. There is never a hesitation if someone stops speaking mid sentence because they lost their train of thought, or if you have to get up and walk around after sitting for 15 minutes. We understand and can laugh about the uglyness of Fibromyalgia, because when we are together we are not alone in our struggles. I started a discussion by asking how I could encourage some of our members who … [Read more...]
In Honor of Every Mom Living with Chronic Illness
I often wonder how you do it. How do you take care of your health and wellbeing while fulfilling the numerous selfless duties of motherhood? And I think I know the answer. After the dinner is cooked and the homework is done and the teeth are brushed and everyone is tucked safely in bed, maybe then, for a moment, you have a chance to consider yourself. Sometimes a flare-up may force you to consider yourself sooner than you normally would have, but even then you struggle with putting yourself first. Mom's by nature are selfless and your children are blessed because of it. I honor and … [Read more...]
Why I Love Yoga, and Why You Will Too
It has been just over two months since I took my first yoga class and discovered how healing and compatible with Fibromyalgia the practice is. I know I have mentioned my new passion for yoga on several posts since, but I have not gotten in to the "Why?" and "How?" of it. Each time I leave a class I have a huge desire to reach out to everyone I know suffering from Fibromyalgia and chronic pain and share with them how light, refreshed and rejuvenated I am feeling - a feeling I have never experienced, even before I was diagnosed with FM and was active and fit. The gentle and controlled movements … [Read more...]
Embracing Your Diagnosis as a Gift, Teacher & Blessing
Embracing your diagnosis as a gift, teacher and blessing. Sounds a little convoluted doesn't it? Well yes it is a complex concept, but Hillary Rubin is living proof that it is possible. A few weeks ago I did not know Hillary, but she sent me an e-mail introducing herself and sharing her philosophy on wellness: Personally my journey began back in 1996 when I was working in the fashion industry for Prada in NYC and was diagnosed with MS. Like most I was upset, angry and thought my life was over. At the same time I also found yoga and now from keeping up a healthy lifestyle (left … [Read more...]