You say you want to live and just do it. That's right! Live and just do it. You might have to make a few changes along the way to work around fibro, but it can be done. We have good ideas too. You can do just about anything you used to but not in the same time frame because you need to pace yourself. Pushing yourself to extremes will only bring more pain.
How do you know when you are pushing yourself too much? Your body will tell you. Listen to it. It does "scream" at you but I'm sure you've found that out! You will learn what you can and cannot do this way. Each of us is different. When you want to do something, start out slowly and break yourself into it. That's what I had to do to start walking daily. In cleaning the house, do a few things each day. Don't try to clean the house, cook dinner, do the laundry, and go to the mall all in one day!
Mornings are my best time and that's when I get my goals done. I set goals for each day. Some days are easier than other days. If I have a busier than normal day, I try to set easier goals for the following day. I break things up. I take breaks, too, when cleaning house. I'll work, sit a few minutes, go back to working again. That's pacing.
I did work when I first got fibro but I enlisted the help of my children and husband. You can't do everything. Besides, that's what families do...they work together as a unit because they love each other.
By doing this, I have had a good life in spite of fibro. It hasn't stopped me from doing anything, including snorkling, parasailing, and touring a few countries along the way. Yes, sometimes you do have to exert more energy to keep up...especially when other people are involved....but it's not impossible. Also, there are times when I HAVE pushed myself but it was worth it!
I hope this helps some. You shouldn't feel guilty about anything, either! You didn't raise your hand and say, "Hey! I really want fibromylgia! Please give that to me!" No one wants to feel this way but it's a fact of our lives so we have to accept it and enjoy our lives. I find that a positive attitude really helps me a lot. I look forward to each new day with anticipation because it could be a good one! If it turns out to be a lousy one, I can handle one day. See what I mean?
Lastly, you mentioned whether you should narrow or broaden your objectives. Choose what is most important to you and then go for it. You will be amazed what you can accomplish. Don't tell yourself you can't do something. If you think you can't do something, then you can't! You don't want to live your life that way. For example, my son came to visit me last winter. He wanted to spend the day at DisneyWorld for his birthday. I was determined to enjoy that day with him since I only see him once a year. I wasn't sure how I was going to do it but I knew I WOULD do it! We arrived and he wanted to know if I wanted a wheelchair. I declined. I figured I could sit down when tired. I also took my ibuprofen a little closer together so my pain didn't have a chance to take over. I had a magnificent time, rode most of the rides including Splash Mountain, and have wonderful memories. Yep, I was lame the next few days but it was worth it.
I'm sure other members will come on with other ideas to help you get a grasp, too. You can have a full and enjoyable life in spite of fibro!
Sherrne