Lesson 8: Finding Resources on Fibro

Emphasize What You Can Do, Not What You Can't

Face it - we are going to find ourselves in situations where we might feel pretty useless. Say the neighbors all get together to pitch in and help with a big yard clean-up, or a building project. Chances are we don't have the strength to contribute much help there. But think about it - is there anything else you can offer? Maybe they'll need refreshments - and you can contribute something simple but good. With a big crew, someone needs to take charge of handing out assignments in the right order. Maybe you can read to the kids to keep them out of the big folks' hair. Think creatively and you'll find something you can contribute. Maybe you need to make another list - of "can do's" - you'd be surprised. Sites like New Horizons Un-Limited may help you to realize that you have plenty of ability still.

The same goes with work - at home or as an employee. While our house is messy it's more cheerful than ever because when I have the strength I add a bit more to a mural I've been stenciling all along the upstairs hallway. I can do as little as one small flower or maybe a whole tree - bit by bit. It doesn't neaten up the clutter but it still contributes something and shows I do care about my home.

So you can't lift and bend and you can't reliably report to an office because of flares and bad days. Can you type? A lot of people need typing services and you can work at your best times and rest during the bad times. I was lucky in that I was already slowly developing a second career as a freelance writer but you may want to look into other freelance and telecommuting jobs that you can do. You can find several listings for freelance sites at Freelance jobs. Free Time jobs lists many businesses who need someone to do just a few hours of work at a time. Guru is an excellent place to search for work that you can do on your own time. And if you are taking this class you are probably already computer literate enough to look for strictly Freelance Online Jobs. Or try the Freelance Jobs MarketPlace at the Central Online Mall.

Attitude is everything. You can choose to be disabled (unable to function) - and if you do you will be both disabled and miserable. Or you can make the choice to do what you can and lead a happy and productive life despite limitations. I know which one I chose - I hope you do, too.

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