fibro post script

After writing for fibro fiterz the other day I received alot of positive comments. Some from my own family who I don't think really realized what daily life with fibro is like. I reread what I wrote and noticed I ended on what I am trying to do now to help me cope each day....music and art. I want to expand on that. First of all, personally, I try to not focus on my pain and discomfort. Some days it is harder to do than others. I do not want to be remembered as someone who was constantly complaining and whining. I want to be remembered as someone who tried to be the best she could be, as a friend who cares about others and as a wife and mother who loves deeply and does what she can to help.I want to be perceived as being strong even though I feel like I have failed in some way. So, each day I continue to get up and try to get my household work done.It may take me longer than it used to but I will eventually get it done. Somedays I don't wear make up but I still try to clean up. this helps alot. But i have noticed on those really bad days that make up can actually make me feel better. Put on something nice....something that makes you feel special. I have also been helping my elderly aunt and that in itself reminds me that I am doing ok and am not facing half as much as she does each day. So it makes me look outside of myself instead of constantly dwelling on ME. Not having a paying job has really pulled me down too and so I have been seeking out ways to bring in some extra money. I have tried selling some personal items and this helped for a while but you tend to come to a point where you don't have much left worth selling ...haha. I began asking other fibromites what they do. Some have found jobs that allow them to work from home and others have began creating things they can sell....arts, crafts, etc. This gave me an idea. My father and grandmother were both artists and I had always desired to be one myself. So I decided to try my hand at it. I began making greeting cards, among other things. I have written about this in my blog on blogspot.com.seekingeccentricity(It All Started With God, Me and a Ginkgo Tree), and I might add that writing has also become an outlet for me to share my feelings and thoughts and to help with my struggles. As I create I have also started listening to calming music. I was also encouraged to find my "happy place". So, I made my sunroom into my studio ...into my happy place. I surround myself with the things I love....pictures, plants, knick knacks, etc.....I have also reconnected with old friends....positive friends....who encourage me and keep me going. This is very important. I just want to encourage all of you to look outside of yourself and your circumstances to try new things or to do things you may never have before to keep you positive and lifted up. I admit that it is hard to do, but I also believe it is important for our mental and physical well being. Alot of us have endured the mockings of friends and family saying we are just lazy and even taunts from our own doctors who think this is all in our heads!! How sad this is......and how cruel. I spent many years beating myself up because I believed them. It is not true! This is why sites like this are so important....it gives us a voice so others will hear us!! It unites us to gives us strength and courage to face each day!! We are not alone.....we have each other. Oh, and as for my "career" in art.....I have sold several cards...at this rate i twill be awhile before I make my first million, but you have to start somewhere, right???? To all of you fellow sufferers...be encouraged....be proactive.....hang in there....ask questions....seek answers.... On a closing note you might also try prayer, or meditation depending on where your beliefs lie. I believe that if we keep our soul and spirit strong it helps to keep our body strong. Sending gentle hugs to all of my fibro family!! -- Vicki McClellan 1018 Rosemont Drive Van Wert, OH 45891 419 203 4250 mcclellan5547@roadrunner.com seekingeccentricity.blogspot.com (It All Started with God, Me and a Ginkgo Tree