Over the past couple of years, a sense of being overwhelmed has almost taken over my life.

As many of you know, having fibromyalgia introduces an extra level of difficulty when it comes to handling everyday responsibilities. Sometimes it’s hard to even get out of bed, much less take care of the basic necessities like food and clothing. So, what’s a body to do?

I have simplified my routine, limited my social activities, worked hard to maintain good health and still I wake some days and wonder how I will manage to get through the day. I look back on how busy I was in the past and can’t imagine how I even survived while raising a family, working full-time and maintaining a successful marriage.

I decided it was time to do some soul-searching. Since I’ve run out of ideas about how to cut back on my activities right now, something else has to change. My family has been extremely supportive of all that I am doing, and understand (as much as possible) what I deal with on a day to day basis. That’s not an issue.

Time management is still a bit of a problem, but I think that will be always be a struggle for me. I want to cram more into my day than I will ever be able to accomplish. But, I’ve become brutally honest with reminding myself that I have to pace myself and prioritize according to my current energy level. Unfortunately, that can lead to ongoing disappointment about what I’ve had to give up in order to survive. (It has certainly affected my ability to update this blog on a regular time-frame.)

So, what’s left?

I need to come up with yet another new strategy to help me get through life with fibro.

For the moment, I have decided to evaluate how I think about my life. I’m not willing to give up any more activities, so I am going to focus on my attitude about where I am in this phase of my life.

Instead of feeling frustrated about not being able to do all the things I want to do, I am choosing to be thankful for what I have and what I can do.

What am I thankful for?

1.

I am very “high functioning” as far as my fibro is concerned. Although I no longer work full-time, I am still able to run a small business that brings a little extra income to the household and allows me to work with some wonderful people. I am able to be active in my church, which gives me a huge boost each week. Sometimes, I even have enough energy left over to help others who are less fortunate than I. Not as often as I’d like, but I can help some.

2.

I have a beautiful family that supports and loves me just as I am. When it gets down to it, my faith and my family are the only things that pull me through some days.

According to an article at Medical News Today, people with fibro have a higher rate of suicide ideation, infections and accidents. So having a good support system is a huge benefit for my mental health and abilities. And, knowing that these problems are possible remind me that I have to take care of myself.

3.

I don’t have to struggle for my basic needs. I live in a country that is more blessed than any place on the planet. I have plenty to eat, clean water to drink, decent clothing to wear as well as a pleasant and safe place to sleep each night.

4.

My health is still relatively good. Even though the fibro creates many challenges, my health is still pretty good compared to some others around me. I am able to do regular physical activity, as long as I am careful to pace myself. I only take medications that improve my ability to deal with the fibro, and if the apocalypse actually occurred, I could survive without them. It might not be pretty, but I could survive!

5.

Information is literally at my fingertips. Whether I’m looking for a tasty gluten-free recipe or just want to get a weather report for the week, the Internet provides access to almost unlimited knowledge. Even on days that I struggle, I can use down time to learn, be entertained or improve myself. By choosing to limit most of my online interests to positive and inspiring websites and activities, I can avoid the cesspool that is available to those who look for it. The Internet can be extremely discouraging and filled with downright evil, so I encourage you to make sure your online choices are positive.

6.

I learned to read. Being able to get lost in a book allows a great way to escape when negative thoughts and pain threaten to take over. Although I enjoy a good movie as much as the next person, getting lost in a book, whether it’s reading a physical copy or listening to an audiobook, is a tremendous blessing! There are some who would accuse me of having a bit of an obsession about books, and I probably own too many. But as I look around at the overloaded bookshelves that surround me, I am reminded of the friends and companions that await me between the covers. Many of these books are gifts which remind me of the caring person who thought of me. Many I picked up at garage sales or library book sales and cost almost nothing. But each one offers a way to explore the thoughts of the author and expand my own horizons. I can revisit old favorites as many times as I want and each time I open one I am sure to notice or learn something new.

The Big Take-Away

Working my way through this blog article has been very beneficial to me. I have only scratched the surface of what I am truly thankful for, and I plan to continue thinking about new things to consider.

I encourage you to take a little time to think about what you are thankful for. What brings you joy or comfort? Who has been a blessing to you? What activities can you still do despite the fibro? The list is almost endless!

Write these down and put the list in a convenient place so you can read it when you are having a dark day. No matter how bad things may feel, or how overwhelmed you are, there are always things to be thankful for!

One more thing to mention…

One more thing I am truly thankful for is YOU! I’m so honored that you have spent some of your precious time to read my words. I hope they continue to help you uncover your best you! If this blog has helped you, please feel free to reach out and share your thoughts. Just knowing that something I have written may have been helpful is a huge comfort to me!

Until next time, here’s a virtual hug for you! If you are interested in being notified about new posts, I encourage you to join our subscriber list, too.