" When you are told that you have some kind of physical afflicition...

" When you are told you have some kind of physical affliction, you can either prepare to suffer or prepare to heal".

Although there isn't a cure for fibro, the way we live with it does have a great affect on how we feel. Prior to fibro, most of us knew what is was like to get the cold or flu. We knew in a week or two, we would start feeling like our old self again. The fact that fibro just doesn't go away is a lot harder to deal with.

It does take time to accept the changes in our lives. Initially after being diagnosed, I wasn't thinking...how can I make my life better? I was angry, sad and frustrated. I finally realized I wasn't going to feel any better until I started to do what I needed to help myself. First I had to change my mindset. I started to convince myself that being proactive gave me power to feel better...and I found it really helped.

This past week, I was in Florida. I had a wonderful time in spite of pain. It is possible to find peace with yourself, and experience true joy. I refuse to let pain emotionally immobilize me. Soon as I allow myself to dwell in the land of self pity, it is a downward spiral. By allowing myself to believe I can feel better, it becomes possible.

Welcome to all the newbies...you have found a great place. This forum is family

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend!

hugs, Robin

Robin, I love your positive posts they make me so happy...You make it seem like anything is possible sometimes...I am still loving the fact that you and your husband still have date nights once a week....It has inspired me to try that again :o)

In some ways I guess I'm kind of lucky that my health issues started when I was kid. At that age, when you're told that you can't do certain things you have the mentality of "just watch me". Lol. I have just always done what I needed and wanted to do.

This place has helped me find ways that allow me to keep going with lower pain levels. I think without the great people here I'd probably be laid out every few days from overdoing. Lol

Learning to live with fibro is an ongoing process...for me lot of it is trial and error. I've learned pacing is important, although many times I still overdo and pay the price. Doing what I enjoy helps reduce stress and it really helps to distract my pain. Getting outdoors to walk gives me more energy and I find the fresh airm sunshine and the beauty of nature cheers me up. Spending time with my friends and laughing, always makes me feel better too. Learning to ask for help without guilt was a biggie for me.

It all takes time and there are days that coping will be more difficult than others. Realizing and accepting that is perhaps the most difficult. I have learned that in spite of pain, we still have choices. Life is still good if we believe it can be. Always believe in yourself :)

Hugs, Robin