New Year's Resolution

Fibromyalgia is a part of my life, and in order to live my life without depression and anger, I must spend time alone. Learning to let go of the things that I cannot change, and looking at the wonderful things that are in my life today is what will help me to take care of myself first.

Instead of feeling hurt because others cannot or will not understand and support me, I will choose to either ignore the words or stand up for myself. Allowing others to control me by their words which usually are spoken out of fear, is not healthy for me.

Being teased about needing a handicap permit, cane or a wheelchair is not what those of us with fibromyalgia need. Our pain is real, our fatigue is real, and until we learn to love ourselves just as we are today, we will continue to be controlled by others. If people really want to know about our chronic condition, then it is time for them to ask instead of us having to explain over and over again why we can't do a particular activity or have to change plans at the last minute due to pain and fatigue.

When I can sit and watch the sunset, listen to beautiful music, read a good book, watch children at play, or sit and just think by myself, then I know that I am taking care of myself. I can also enjoy a good laugh with a family member or a friend, take time to really listen to someone else, and be supportive only when my needs have been met first by me.

There is only one of me and only one of you, and we must learn to put ourselves at the top of our list of people to care for first. This may take a long time to achieve, but all things begin with tiny steps. My New Year's resolution is to take those tiny steps and enjoy the journey of discovery of myself and how I can live life to the fullest in spite of my fibromyalgia.

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