Flare/Self Esteem

 Good mornin Austen , I sure do know how you feel. For your self esteem , try to put on some make up , and lipstick even if your not going anywhere.Try to put your hair up,  It doens't have to be perfect looking.just don't watch it fall out. You are a special woman and are worth a lot to your friends and family.And stop crying cause it sure won't help anything except for giving you red swollen eyes. again you are a special woman . And the weight will ease away soon enough. Lay in bed for half hour and get up starting the day over again having a better outlook on yourself. The fibro flair willl go away when it's ready. Hang in there, you will change your blahs soon!! again your a beautifull woman. Gentle huggzzz oh yea try a diff shampoo, i sure need to also  :)

Hi Austen,

First of all {{{{{gentle hugs}}}}}!!!

I do know exactly what you're saying. I think women can have a particularly hard time with self esteem, and adding fibro to the mix only makes it worse sometimes. I, too, have days when I feel useless, old, boring, unattractive etc. I think-what's become of me? Although I've never been "hot" or beautiful in the traditional sense, I think I used to look alright. I KNOW I used to have more energy and creativity! It's been hard for me to let go of that old self that was quirky and interesting and smart and funny and creative. Now, I think-I'm so darned dull! It's like fibro has sucked all of the "juice" out of me and sometimes I get really down about it.

For me, what really helps is just doing a little bit, Like Kat said. A nice pretty new lipgloss. Putting on a cute (but comfortable!) shirt. Going and getting a haircut..just little things can really boost up my mood and make me feel better about myself. Sometimes even just getting outside can help, too. Since I don't work outside the home right now, I know there are days when I just feel so..trapped by this dd. So even just sitting out on my patio can help make that shift in my brain from the blues to the brights!

Also, maybe you could try a new bubble bath or lotion or body spray. Scents can really pick us up when we're feeling down, too. I love anything that has a mint smell to it-it picks me up and refreshes me at the same time. Go to a drugstore or Bath and Body works or Wal-mart or whatever is nearby and you can handle going to and start sniffing! You might come across a really lovely scent that makes you feel a whole lot better.

Most importantly-remember that you are a beautiful, worthwhile, wonderful person! Fibro can make us forget just how special we are, but I think if we weren't special, why would God have put us here? You have a purpose even if you're not sure what it is right now, and you are also an important, unique, lovable and beautiful person!

And please keep coming here and venting and sharing-sometimes that's the best thing we can do. Remember we are here for you and love you!

First of all, Austen, we all go through periods like this.  I had a period like this a few weeks ago.  I was sooo stressed out, stayed in the house for the most part, and started to wonder what my purpose for being here was.  Well, that's called depression and it isn't normal for me nor for you.  You will get over this phase.

 

You are very special in God's eyes and in the eyes of your family and friends.  They know you are having a rough time right now.  They love you for YOU...not what you feel like or how you feel you look.  They love you for what is inside you...your "tenderness of heart".  (See, that's why you like Jane Austen so much!)  You are a very giving person and your family and friends rely on your uplifting personality.

 

Now, to get out of that funk!  I agree about putting something on that is not only comfy but you feel better wearing.  Slap on a little make-up, put a smile on your face, and, if the weather is cooperating, take a walk.  I know you are in a flare but you could walk a block and back.  The fresh air is wonderful and just seeing something besides the inside of your house will work wonders.  That's what I did.  I did some thinking while walking, too.  My little dog got A LOT of exercise when I was in that down period!     Watching lighthearted movies help, too.  I would watch them instead of the news...the most depressing hour on television.  I cooked a special meal for my daughter, too.  That made her happy so it made me happy, too.  If you like music, put some peppy songs on.  I can't hear most music so I sing.  Sometimes it's just the little things that will help you rise above the stress and pain.

 

I hope you start to feel better soon.  Spring is springing and has sprung in some areas of the world so the better times are coming.  Look forward to each new day with anticipation.  You should be very proud of what you accomplish every day...even if it is cleaning or cooking.  All of that is worthwhile and important.  

 

Finally, I love to cook breakfast.  You want to know why?  It's because of the eggs I buy!  When I open the carton it says, " This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it."  That puts a smile on my face and starts my day out right!  Feel better!

Sherrine 

Austen, I have been going through a long flare too.  I have been up but mostly down.  I was just talking to my daughter, Misty, about this yesterday.  I get to a point where I am so tired & bored with being sick & tired, & I am depressed because I feel I can do nothing about it.  I feel so "old". 

I went & I got my haircut in a very flattering style, I love it & it is short & easy to just run a comb through & it looks good.  A little mascara & with my mylar rash I always have rosey cheeks. LOL!!

I have found that I will feel better just by getting dressed, my pj's, robe & slippers are for the sick me.  A nice light movie, Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow should do the trick. (can't remember how to spell her name!!???!!/?)

We were going to lose 10 LBS together & even though, due to a major flare, I went off,I am still holding at a 6 LB weight lose so if you are ready, so am I.

You are such a good, wonderful, loving person.  Please remember that.  I always look for your posts because they are encouraging & wise.  Don't you dare not come & post because of feeling so down, we need you here & you need us.  We are all attached to each other through our stories.  I hope you will feel better soon.  Love & hugs, Denise

   

Austen,

It snowed this morning in Seattle. Ugh.

One thing that might brighten up your day is to go to hulu .com and find a comedy to watch. Nothing is for sale on the site, it just contains a lot of movies and tv shows past and present. Funny stuff is good for relieving pain.

Things always seem horrible when we have flares. I always think my world is going to end. Middle age in modern society can suck. What with all to actors, models and actresses who are held up as models of who we should be and what we should look like.

We are happiest when we do not live up to the standards of beauty our society presents. BEing ourselves is beautiful. However, there are days that I believe fibro has aged me. Usually those are the times when I am in the most pain.

Cheer up, at least you had sun today. Sheeshe, snow!

Donnaeil