Waiting for the Lilacs to Bloom

Just reflecting how lucky I am to live in a 4 season area.  I love God's colors that show in the Spring.

How have you been talking to yourself lately?  Are you being nice to yourself or saying negative things?  Well, it's time to change your thoughts and words to yourself.  I'm doing a program on this subject at my face to face support meeting next week.  For the past few weeks I've been more aware of what I am saying to myself....

Such as:
*  No body can hurt like this, I must be imagining it
*  I'm  such a pansy, can't even do anything for more than 5 or 10 minutes and then have to sit down.
*  It's probably all in my head.
*  Come on, push a little harder, I can do it  (flare time)
*  Maybe I'm just lazy.
*  She/He is thinking I'm taking advantage of her/his help.  I hate it when I can't do thing myself and she/he helps out so much.  It's not fair to her/him.
And it goes on and on.....

How can I change the way I am thinking?  By turning my negatives into positives....like this:

*  I'm hurting today, what can I do to help it?  stretch, take medication, go for a walk, a stretch shower
*  I'm so glad I can still get my housework done, even though it takes me longer and I need to rest here and there.  What I'm doing today will make a difference.
*  Yes it is all in my head... in my central nervous system which is all out of whack.  I will do what I can to make myself better and not be so mean to myself.
*  I would like to push harder but I need to be realistic.  If I break up my household chores into different days and just work on one smaller area, I can feel accomplishments.
*  No, Carol.. you are not lazy. You love things in order but due to Fibromyalgia it is impossible to be like your old self... You were one of those who liked things done and looking good.  You loved your flowers and your home.  But due to this weird disease, syndrome or whatever else they want to call it you just can't do it anymore.  Look at what you do now...  You still have flowers (in pots) and quite a few of them.  You still can pick up in just a few minutes and be ready for company (they will NOT know just what you've done the last few days, nor do they care.  They are coming to see YOU (ME) and that's what counts.  You still love to cook, you just don't spend hours at it.  You've made some pretty darn good dinners in way less than a half hour.
*  I'm so glad she/he helps me.  I know she/he is concerned that I have to live in pain and is more than happy to help out so I have less pain.  They LOVE me... and I LOVE them...

We have to watch our self-talk... it can really bring us down quick.  When we realize what we have been doing we can turn it around and love our selves 100% in spite of Fibromyalgia...

Think about it, my friends.... catch yourself in action.... 

Have a wonderful day... you deserve it!

Spring is showing her colors

A couple weeks ago on a sunny day we had visitors in the back yard.  My little Sparky came scooting in to the house ... Arfing all the way.  Up on the tree limb were 3 smaller raccoons sunning in the sun, napping.  Practically standing on my head I finally got a picture of them.

Our daffodils are out along with heather, forsythia, and flowering trees.  Some of the trees are greening up and the grass is growing.  We are about 6 weeks early for this beginning of Spring but I'll take it with what so many others are going through with weather and earthquakes.

Getting out of the dark days of winter helps most fibromites.  No the pain doesn't disappear but the mood is brighter which makes coping much easier.  Getting out of the house into the fresh air cleanses the spirit. 

On the other hand, Spring is when we really need to remember to pace ourselves.  It is so easy to over do at this time of the year...  we see the dirty windows, the spots on the carpet, what needs painting, the trimming and planting wait for us outside.  PACING is a real key to less pain.  Work 10 minutes, or 20 and then rest for 10.  Then 10-20 minutes more and rest again.  It makes a world of difference.

Thanks for letting me into your world for a few minutes.  How are you and your Fibro doing?  Have you any secrets to share that help you endure the pain?  I'd love to hear from you....