What have you done to make you feel proud?

Today I dug out a flowerbed, only about ten feet. I broke up the soil, forgetting how many rocks there are around here. I planted some seeds I had bought in a fit in March: nasturtiums and marigolds. I also planted a pack from my going-away party, forget-me-nots. I hung my hummingbird feeder.

I am proud of me, today.

I think recognizing our efforts and accomplishments confirms that we still have motivation, are not lazy or helpless. It only proves in spite of pain and fatigue, fibromites are pretty tough.

This morning I started my day with a ritual of meditation, deep breathing exercise and gentle stretches. I wanted to get myself back on a more positive track so I took the time to read some insirational quotes. I am working on being more appreciative and grateful for all the good in my life.

Enjoy your day :)

Hugs, Robin

A year ago, I found out that my sister was in an abusive relationship with an unstable, mentally ill, drug addict drug abuser. I knew the relationship was bad but I didn't know how bad it had gotten because she was completely controlled by him and alienated. He was violent, reckless, and threatening. She even got attacked in her own home at gun point because of the company her boyfriend kept. Things got worse and worse, and through a mutual friend I found out he had crossed a serious line and harmed her. After years of pleading with her, I decided to drive over and get her and finally convinced her to leave her house (where he resided) and stay with me and have no contact at all with him. It was tough to convince her, but to my surprise, she finally agreed. She was completely malnourished, nearly skin and bones because all of her money went towards his drug habits... she had no money for food and was so messed up in the head that she sacrificed her own well being for him. My boyfriend and I took care of her. Fed her. I gave her my clothes since she could not go back home. I drove her to work and picked her up to make sure she didn't have a weak moment and go back to him. I took her to the beach, parks, restaurants.. I wanted to remind her there was a life outside of an abusive controlling relationship... It took its toll on me because it was harder to get decent sleep with her in our little cramped apartment, but I couldn't imagine doing otherwise. My friends supported her too and I drove her and went with her to support groups. Slowly, with the help of others, she began to reclaim her old identity. After six months she decided to give her partner an ultimatum. She said he had to go to a year long rehab program or it was over. After we'd plead with him for months and months he finally went to the rehab in November, and has been there since. He has been sober since, is getting his GED, has a job for the first time in years, and is thinking about going to college. My sister is getting out of debt, is healthy, has money for food, and is doing well at work and even co-leads a support group.

If I had not gone over there and swept her up at the very right moment and brought her to my home to care for her, I think she'd still be enabling him in his drug habit, she might be a drug user herself, or she might be dead, considering the places he had her going. Scary city, where I live.

I've had some rough moments in the last year, but this is one of the things I'm proud of. With the support of friends, and my partner, I was able to help her get the treatment she needed, so that she could encourage her partner to get the treatment he needed. I have lots of regrets but not this one. FM flare or not, it was worth it.

That's great, CCLady! What a story. Good for you.

I wrote my first blog today! My daughter has been doing this for some extra money for awhile. Well, now she's working full time and really doesn't have time anymore. So, I'm taking a couple of them off her hands...we'll see how it goes. I'll get paid - not much, but it's better than nothing.

It took me about 3 hours to write 500 words - and I'm practically seeing double, so off to tv land...

Goodnight. Debbie

I drive 900 miles round trip every 4-6 weeks to help take care of my grandson, who is turning one in 2 days.

I made the trip yesterday...I got up at 3 a.m., on the road by 4, and arrived a little over 7 hours later...I make the drive by myself...it's a straight shot on the interstate, and I have an awesome car.

When I got to the house, I cleaned, went grocery shopping, laundry, made dinner and played with my grandson for 3 hours.

I'm here all week, taking care of him while his dad is away on business. I do take him to his sitters because it's just too hard on me to watch him all day....the fibro, arthritis, wrist and hand injuries ....his sitter is young and has 2 boys who adore my grandson...

I feel I'm a very good grandmother...I feel much more confident and calm than I was as a first time mom...and I love him so much! Grandmother love is different somehow. It's always so hard to leave, even though I know I'll be back....My grandson cries when I go and it breaks my heart.

Yankee girl

Thanks Achey and Jasmine..

I like this thread. Its good to know that although we have our moments of being slowed down and uncomfortable, lots of us are still moving about and striving towards goals, whatever those goals may be. Because this website can attract many of us in moments of distress, I think sometimes the life challenges and ruts are what end up being written about.. Its good to balance it out sometimes with the positives!

@myself... you're not too far from me :)

Luvz,

Awww, I love kitties! And I love your description of yourself as a shade tree.

What does he look like?

Debbie

Great thread !! Nice reminder & happy thoughts.

just guessing that I am not the only one who sometimes looses track
that we are still
who we once were..
We just rearrange how we accomplish the most important things in our lives..

CharmCityLady. .. your sister & others in her life are indeed blessed to have you care so much for them.. your deeds match your words. So often people say 'I love you' but do not put others welfare ahead of their own. You do.

Myself 09 ... Change is hard, even when we want the changes. I admire you for having the faith to prioritize your life & follow thru. I pray I am as brave when the time comes for me to take such a big step.

Yankee Girl
Happy Birthday to your grandson !!
Yes, being a grandparent is very different & special isn't?
My father told me that it was because as we age we see life so differently +
we have the patience & 'free time' that we did not have when we were parents (to young ones). I see that as I observe my own family.. busy worrying about jobs & money & clothes & make-up & hairdos etc

I too am happy grandparenting.. that is what I am proudest of in my life now .Physically, I cannot do things like I use to nor nearly as often.

So their parents step in to do the activities that I won't do like going to playground, playing ball, going to the store, chasing each other..
Initially I tried doing that kind of stuff & suffered
So tried explaining why years ago
but got 'the look' so now I make no excuses..

we grownups communicate well re: what we have been doing
(the gkids are old enough to chime in if I forget something)
so everything evens out...
Grandkids & I read, color, dress up & dress dolls, build with blocks, drive trucks etc. & have a wonderful time!!

Have a great nite.. I am gonna try to sleep now..