Alexis Senge Johnson
Reading the blogs of others who handle Fibromyalgia in their daily lives as well has really helped me to keep my head above the Fibro depression water line recently. Of course I am selective in which blogs and articles I read as I really want to stay positive in my way of thinking. Recently another Floridian wrote a wonderful blog that challenged me to list my “blessings” that have come out of my illness. At first I thought she must be crazy, but after thinking about it a little longer I realized learning about my Fibromyalgia diagnosis uncovered quite a few “blessings.”
I never would have imagined that a syndrome that is taxing and painful would uncover so many things in my life that I am so very thankful for. Since I was diagnosed in May of this year I’ve also learned a lot about those who chose to still be a part of my life and those who just pretend as if they are a part of it. Many days I’ve had my very patient boyfriend by my side, slowing down his pace and asking what he could do to help me as he knows I’m trying not to give in and let my Fibro take over my lifestyle. It has changed the way I do many things, but I still do them. It is funny how when you face something serious with your health you suddenly become more serious about your habits.
Today isn’t exactly one of my better days. It’s more like one of those days that you would just prefer to stay in bed and not move so that you can control the amount of pain experienced. However, I pulled myself together and am at work like usual. Days like this have a habit of trying to push my attitude down, but today I’m trying to remember all the good things that have improved in my life since being diagnosed. It hasn’t exactly helped the pain, but at least it is keeping my spirits up as I make my list of blessings and see how many things I am lucky to have around me. My pain might exist, but it has brought many other items of joy to my life that I am lucky to have discovered.
I now encourage you, as the writer of “Restoring My Soul” did for me, to list your blessings that have come out of your battle with Fibro or any other health concern that you’ve decided to not let bring you down. You’ll be amazed of the items you come up with that were brought forward by something that is typically not seen as a blessing in disguise.
You have encouraged me! : ) I am glad you were able to make sense of what I was trying to say. And you’re right, it doesn’t take the pain away, but gratitude can do great things for our spirit! Thanks for the shout out!
Way to go, girl. I’m sorry about your Fibromyalgia, but I’m glad that you have a great support system in your boyfriend. I think it’s common (and sometimes tempting) to only see the bad in a situation, but learning to look beyond is definitely something that keeps me going every day.
I know what you mean about it being weird finding some good in this fickle disease. Three blessings in disguise for me:
1. How loving and compassionate my son and husband are
2. Since my diagnosis last year, I’ve explored Buddhist philosophy. One of the central tenants of Buddhism is learning to let things go. It’s really helped me to recognize that I need to deal with what my life is like now, not what it was pre-fibro
3. I don’t have to be the person to do everything by myself. Since some days even the smallest activity wears me out, I’ve learned to rely on other people to help me complete tasks. I’ve learned, to my surprise, that if people know what’s going on and they see you trying, they really don’t mind helping. I have the best co-workers and most understanding boss! (I guess those would be blessings number 4 and 5!)
Thanks for starting this discussion. It was nice to think about good things that have come from fibro. Hope you’re feeling better soon!
I am glad that you’ve also found blessings in your diagnosis Kris. It sounds like you have a wonderful support group surrounding you and that really makes all the difference. Thank you for stopping by and checking out the blog!