I was invited by my friend Kathy over at The Fibrochondriac to participate in her blog carnival. The theme of her carnival is: What do you want people to know about you? I was surfing around through my old posts, looking for an appropriate one to share, and I came across this post I originally published October 13, 2008, the same month I began my blog. Selflessly Selfish I struggle every day with who I am. I am different because of the Fibromyalgia. I am not the independent, fiercely productive person I once was. Every morning I envy (but am grateful for) my husband and his ability … [Read more...]
Balance – Or the Lack Thereof
When I thought about what my first post in over a month should be, I could only think about how difficult it has been to balance my new professional career with my on going FibroHaven responsibilities. 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 … [Read more...]
Your Illness May Be Invisible, But You Are Not
In support of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week I am approaching the one year anniversary of my blog. I have grown a lot over the past 11 months. I have made many wonderful new contacts. I have learned to be more open and honest about my health - with myself, and with my family and friends. I understand more about the causes and contributing factors of Fibromyalgia. I could go on and on about my growth, but this post is not about me. This post is a celebration of you. If you were to ask me the most important thing I am taking away from this past year, I would say YOU. From the … [Read more...]
Focusing on Fibromyalgia with the NFA
Last month I had the honor of hosting the first Fibro Focus event organized by the National Fibromyalgia Association and their sponsor Pfizer Inc. The event was open to the local North San Diego community, and was attended by more than 50 people, including members of FibroHaven support group. I was thrilled to get the opportunity to meet Lynne Matallana, founder of the NFA. We share a passion to support, educate, and raise Fibromyalgia awareness. I have looked to her example many times over the course of the last several months since beginning my blog and support group. Meeting her in person … [Read more...]
Perspective & Priorities
There is nothing like a Fibromyalgia flare to put things in perspective and to force me to prioritize! I have been feeling pretty awful lately. I can always count on the heat of summer to bring on several really bad flares, or just one continuous knock-me-on-my-butt-and-suck-my-joy-of-life kind of flare. This summer had been kind, mild even. And then last week happened. Wouldn't you know, it picked my birthday week to turn miserably hot. Blech! Perspective: Regardless of my enthusiasm for turning 40 and the promise of a brighter future, I still have a lot of work to do. I still have an active … [Read more...]