When I thought about what my first post in over a month should be, I could only think about how difficult it has been to balance my new professional career with my on going FibroHaven responsibilities.
First let me start by saying I am thrilled to be working again. Thrilled that my body is cooperating for the most part. Thrilled to be out in the world, making connections, networking, and feeling like a productive person again. Is it horrible that my self worth is so closely tied to my ability to make a paycheck?
All my work on FibroHaven was satisfying emotionally and spiritually, but never financially. I LIKE MONEY! I like the freedom it brings. I like contributing to my household again. I like seeing a light at the end of our Debt Highway.
That being said, I have missed FibroHaven – missed my blog and facebook community, missed tweeting with the FM community on Twitter, missed the local members of my support group and our therapeutic meetings. It has all been neglected.
I think we all clearly understand about how hard it is to find balance living daily with chronic illness. It is always a matter of “If I do this, I know I will not be able to do that.” Prioritizing, making sacrifices, coming to terms with limitations, and on and on. Living well becomes a matter of balancing options and making smart choices.
I can tell you the smart choices I have been making for the better part of a year are really paying off now. I completely contribute my ability to work to the elimination of gluten from my diet and to my practicing yoga. My body has responded and rewards me every day. Even on bad days, I recover more quickly and have new tools – breathing exercises, stretching, etc. – to help me through.
But my heart is still in FibroHaven. So now it is up to me to find the balance. I know I can. I know I will.
And breathe…
I am so glad to hear that you are making it in the working world, and so proud of you! I was reading through all your blogs, and you really have a wonderful way of expressing yourself. Thank you for sharing. I think you have more balance than you realize! Keep it up!!
Marcie you are so sweet! I have been thinking about you lately and hoping you are well. It is really good to hear from you here. Your comment means a lot to me! I hold very little back when I write my posts. It is important to me to be authentic and to share my reality. Your comment really validates my efforts and I appreciate it. I hope to see you soon!
This has been a real struggle for me as well. The balance between work, family and my social networking with my fibro family is very tough… and I love the support I get from the Twitter group and my Blog… I really miss it these days. It’s tough to find time to fit everything in. I’m trying to find a solution, but so far, not so successful. Like you, I’m going to keep on trying! We an do it. 🙂
Yes we can! I think if one of us ever figures it out, we will be as popular and rich as Oprah!
Hey there,
Great post and soo glad to hear from you in a blog format! I know how much you enjoy those and you are soo good at it. Hope work is treating you well. Hope to get to the gym again someday. Glad all is well and you are keeping it all in balance. 🙂
Thanks Clarissa. I love when I write a blog post and all of my favorites show up to leave a comment. It keeps me connected, and yes I do love it. Hope you and your family are well too.
Balance is so elusive. There are always so many things to do and so little time and energy to do them. But it sounds like you’re doing great. I’m glad your body is cooperating for you!
I love the word “elusive” Trisha. It is perfect! We are all doing our best, right? It is encouraging to be able to share that my body is cooperating. I feel very fortunate, but it was a long hard road to get here. Just goes to show we can never give in or give up.
My daughter sent me this site and it is really good to see real topics from real people. I have dealt with fibro for 3 years. Thanks for sharing.