Emotional pain is real too

I believe anyone who lives with chronic pain will ride the emotional roller coaster from time to time.

Sadness, grief, anger, anxiety and guilt are some of the emotions I've dealt with and pretty sure you all have too. Who wouldn't feel these emotions from time to time? Having a plan to deal with them has helped me.

I've learned from this forum that the "one day at a time" approach seems to help...at times the moment to moment approach is needed. :) I'm more aware of how my feelings have a direct affect on my pain. Pain can certainly affects my emotions too. Not everyday is a "bed of roses" but I found the more proactive I am, I can help get rid of a few thorns.

Exercise, using meditation and cognitive behavior therapy all help me be more aware of my body and it's feelings.
I've learned to recognize when I start thinking on the negative side. I know that there is a relationship between the way I think about my health stuff and the way I feel. Challenging my negative thoughts and replacing them with positive thoughts and actions have helped.

There is a Sanskrit proverb that I learned many years ago and it holds some truth for me.

" Yesterday is but a dream, tomorrow only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope."

Happiness for me can be a quiet acceptance of what is and finding peace throughout the day, sharing and caring with others.

Hugs, Robin
Wishing my fibro family a Very Happy New Year

PS.... I just wanted to add....sadness should not be confused with Depression. You cannot wish away Depression, it is very real and there is help for it. If you feel you need help...please talk to your doc, no one should suffer!!!!

Great thoughts, Myself! I love the military line also :) thanks for sharing!

Hugs, Robin

I do understand the frustration. For years, I thought of myself as someone who could do it all. I worked full time, raised a daughter, actively volunteered and thought I was physically fit...enjoying all sorts of activities. As a family, we were always on the go and lived an active lifestyle.

After becoming symptomatic, I felt I was losing my identity. In the end, I know I'm still me, just different. Dealing with pain, fatigue and fog is an ongoing learning process and an emotional one at that. I think eventually we all come to terms that we may never be the same prior to our diagnoses. I try not to think of myself as a victim, yet that is what we are. I believe we still have choices and have some control over our life. Making a commitment to live in a more positive way has been very beneficial for me, so I just try to stay on that path.

We are still great people :)

Hugs, Robin