When I sat down and wrote my first post on FibroHaven over three years ago, I could not have imagined the many miracles that would result from sharing my desire to be well. That is truly what began this journey – my frustration and isolation from the years of living with a debilitating chronic illness, and my unrelenting belief that I am so much more – that my life is so much more than my illness. Boy, was I right!
Some of the miracles that have occurred since that day
- I am better
- I am a yoga instructor
- I have a huge network of likeminded friends to share, explore, love, learn, and laugh with
- I am in the April 2012 issue of Woman’s Day Magazine
That’s right – Woman’s Day Magazine!
Last November I received an email from the Health Director at Woman’s Day Magazine asking me if I would be interested in writing an essay for the magazine sharing how I came to terms with having fibromyalgia. In particular, she was drawn to my post, A Life of Essence, Not Illness, and asked if, from that perspective, I would like to contribute to the magazine. Would I? My entire platform for FibroHaven is to inspire and encourage. What better way to do that than in a national magazine?
And so the next miraculous journey began
Next I received the email that they would be sending a photographer and a hair and makeup artist to my house for a photo shoot. Seriously? The photo shoot turned out to be an amazing adventure. The instant I met photographer John Dolan I was completely at ease. We spent the day exploring, talking, laughing, and oh yeah – taking photos.
Sitting in front of his camera was a complete joy for me. A joy because I was fully present to the fact that it was truly not about me, but about the opportunity to share my journey of healing with a much larger audience than I currently reach with FibroHaven.
Today I am sitting here with an advance copy of the April issue of Woman’s Day. The issue will be on newsstands March 7th. If you open to page 5, the contents page, there I am. And again on page 122 along with my essay. I cannot express how surreal it is to open a magazine and see yourself in it – to know that your voice, your story, is going to be read by millions.
Divine Guidance
We all have a purpose. And often it is through trials, loss, and pain that our purpose is revealed. I know my illness and subsequent journey of healing is about so much more than me. My purpose is to use my words, my voice to inspire others to begin their own journeys of healing. I was guided to create FibroHaven, guided to share my story, guided to start my support groups, guided to become a life coach – and through all of that – Woman’s Day was guided to me and blessed me with this amazing opportunity.
Today is my day to be in complete appreciation
I appreciate everyone who has ever read this blog, commented on this blog, been touched by this blog, and shared this blog with your family and friends. I appreciate every person in my life who has loved and supported me along this journey, who has believed in me, hugged me gently, wiped my tears, acknowledged my pain, celebrated my successes, and loved me unconditionally. I appreciate Woman’s Day for seeing the value in one woman’s journey, and for sharing similar stories of inspiration for the past 75 years.
And I appreciate Me. I appreciate me for listening to that voice within that has been guiding me along my journey – the voice that says:
You are valuable
You are whole
You are strong
You are amazing
You are more than your illness
You are Love
I am.
And so are You!
CONGRATULATIONS on your magazine debut! I’m sure the blessings will continue for you as you have blessed other people. Way to go, woman! 🙂
Thanks you Joanne! Your comment is so full of energy. Love it!
You are an inspiration! Those of us that know you and love you whether personally or via Fibrohaven, are the lucky ones. Your voice rings of hope.
Says the amazing and brilliant writer! Thank you Wendy. Love you.
This is so exciting! Congratulations! You do so much to bring hope and inspiration to so many people. I can’t wait to see the April issue of Woman’s Day. Just think of how much fibro awareness your article will spread!
That is it exactly Trisha – the awareness! I feel so blessed to have this opportunity, to be a positive voice. I so appreciate all of your support and comments through this journey. You make a difference to me!
Congratulations Dannette! I can not wait to read that magazine issue! Way to go!!
Thanks P! I love that you have been a significant part of this journey. Thank you again for being an amazing admin on FibroHaven’s Facebook page. You touched many with your love!
Dannette~
I am SO happy and SO excied for you. YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! You deserve EVERYTHING GOOD that has come your way. You’ve worked very hard to get where you are. I look forward to you mentoring ME in my Coaching desires also. You deserve to have been “Noticed” because YOU do help a lot of US out here. Thank you for continuing to be you, and thank you for being an inspiration to all of those who haven’t been fortunate enough to actually meet, get to know you or speak with you personally. I know you are a phone call away <3 OOOHHH, I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! (that was said clapping, and somewhat of a little jump but with a HUGE smile!) CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU……THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING FOR YOU 🙂
Much Love and Peace to you my friend.
Lisa xo
Lisa your joy and enthusiasm warm me from my heart. Thank you so much! I too am glad we live near and have had the pleasure to meet in person. I look forward to what is next. Thank you!
This is sooooo exciting and you deserve it!! I can’t wait to buy a stack of them to share with people.
I wish I had a stack to give you for FREE. You are an amazing part of this journey Kimmi – support group member, yoga student, coaching client – and Friend. Love you!
So proud of you Sis! I have watched you go through this (and continue to do so). You have learned how to live each day with your fibromyalgia (good days and bad days). Look at all you have accomplished Sis!! You have touched so many people with your story. I look up to you, so do my kids and many others. What an inspiration you are. Proud to call you my Baby Sister and my kids Auntie! The world is a better place because of you. I love you
Love you Sis! As I said before – without you to follow around the last 42 years I would be lost. Your love and support are a constant in my life I could not be without. Thank you!
Dannette:
Congratulations on a great article! I just can’t wait to read it. You truly are an inspiration to me, and many others, and I am so blessed to have a friend and teacher as strong and beautiful as you are! You are amazing!!!
Mary you are not only an Ambassador for FibroHaven – you are an ambassador for the spirit and will to live well in spite of the many challenges you face. You have been inspiring me since the moment I met you! Love that we are on this journey together!
how wonderful and insperational for all us fibro fighters worldwide.
It is wonderful Lynda. I am feeling truly blessed, and I hope to be a positive voice for us all for a long time to come. Thanks for connecting and leaving an comment. It really does make a difference for me.
What a great chance to tell the world that Fibo is true and that those of us with it are and can give to the world and our families. That we are out there making a difference.
Exactly Karen – we can make a difference. Together we can do so much more than alone. Glad to be in this with you! Thank you.
What a blessing you are and how honored the rest of us are to share your journey! Even more amazing things are headed your way in the very near future!
Happy congratulations! I imagine when one’s mission is to “inspire and encourage,” it’s an invitation for divine blessings on such profound work. Thank you for all you do for all of us. When I was first diagnosed in 1995, there was so little out there and most of it was alarmist. People like you continue to bring awareness, education and encouragement in a world that continues to tell us it’s in our heads.
My hubby picked me up a copy at the store tonight. Very well done! I’ll be using it in the morning at my networking group. As a Fibromyalgia Coach, I’m always looking for things I can share with them that are tangible – and better yet, that they can pick up and read for themselves!
Great job! =)
My mother called me this morning about your article. I am really in a bad way with my fibro.I bought Womens Day, and here I am. I was very sad today….I was going to yrt another Specialist, more meds recomended. I thouht, no! thats not what I want. And many of the online support groups made me feel worse, as you wrote about in an earlier post. I found a yoga studio nearby. I’m calling them tomorrow. I also fell in my tub……a few yrs ago…jaw wired for 6 weeks, other falls, etc, etc. I felt like a runaway train lately, until now. I have realistic hope that I can help myself, physically and mentally. Thank you, and I will be a regular follower of your blog now.Sorry this is so long……but I have a life line….I am greatful!
Hi Dannette. I read your essay in Woman’s Day last week (we’re in the same article, see mine on page 127) and have been meaning to stop by. Inspired by your story – thanks for sharing it! P.S. my heart smiled when I saw John the photographer on your blog here. Such a nice man.
I went to my mailbox the other day and there was my Woma n’s Day magazine. It sat on my coffee table. I was in a bad flare and feeling down. I felt too tired to even read. I finally did read it and was so excited and encouraged to see an article on chronic illness. It was just what I needed to hear. I have had fibromyalgia for twenty years and am the same age as.you. I will be following you by email. Thank you for sharing your journey.
I was in bed too w/Fibro when I saw your picture w/reference to chronic illness in Woman’s Day so I decided to take a look; I’m happy I read about your journey especially since it was positive and genuine…no new “potion” to try. You put into words what I try to do daily – change my thinking and do what I can. I can’t compare myself to what I use to be able to do – the corporate woman, raising 3 kids solo, volunteering at church, social life, etc. Typing the list makes be exhausted 🙂
Anyhow, thanks for sharing and helping others (general public) understand that there’s not a quick fix and you still have rough days regardless of modifications to your life. As you know, most don’t understand if they can’t “see” something physically wrong.
So excited to find your blog after reading your Woman’s Day article!! It touch on a shift in my mindset as I have become older. I found myself fighting against myself as I tried to remain “normal”. I now have come to accept myself and my body and focus on what I can do. Please know that your words are having such a great and positive impact on those living with fibromyalgia! God bless you!! 🙂
I am so excited for you, and for all of us who have Fibromyalgia! The word needs to be spread, and you have done an excellent job of doing that. You are an inspiration to me. It’s so easy to sit under a blanket and watch the days pass by. This is what I have done many times because the pain is so great. After reading your article I have a different mind set. I should say I’m working toward a different mind set!
Thank you so very much for writing and publishing your story. You’re a lifesaver.