Some are newbies to fibro, others have lived with it many years. Living with a chronic pain condition, we learn alot about
ourselves...our self expectations most likely change as we learn to cope.
In the beginning, because of my own insecurities, I sort of felt like damaged goods...not being able to do all the things I once did. There were many days that I pushed through... overdoing, knowing darn well I was doing more harm than good. I think I was trying to overcompensate because I could not accept the fact that there was something wrong with me. I was angry and didn't want to admit to others that I was too tired or that I hurt...I kept alot of emotions inside. I tried to live the life before pain and soon learned that some things had to give.
I think we all go through a process of grieving and acceptance. We learn that we need to pace ourselves...ask for help when needed. I had spent so much time trying to hide my pain and act as if I didn't need any help, I didn't want to burden anyone. My husband has been so supportive and at times too overprotective.
Having chronic pain I think it is very important to be as self reliant as we can but not be afraid to ask for help when needed. We also cannot try to avoid physical activity to "protect" ourselves...by that I mean, we need some form of exercise in our lives. We cannot use our condition as an excuse to stop socializing or use it as a convenient excuse to get out of a commitment.
Our lives have changed and the way we think about our condition does affect our behavior. I believe in a sense we do become stronger, because we have too.
Fibro is part of who we are and we still can lead wonderful lives. 
Time to get off my soapbox... 
Hugs, Robin