There has been much speculation recently as to the status of the National Fibromyalgia Association due to their recent staff layoffs and cutbacks on major programs and services. Many of us have been left frustrated with their silence as to the state of things. For me, I was most concerned that the FM community would lose its most visible non-profit voice. Despite its recent struggles, the NFA has been the leader in bringing focus, awareness, and understanding to fibromyalgia. We have all benefited, if even indirectly, from their efforts. If there is one constant in life - it is change. And … [Read more...]
Things I Love #11: Love
I am in Love with Love and Love is in love with me. My body is in Love with the soul and the soul is in Love with my body. I opened my arms to Love and Love embraced me like a lover. ~Rumi Is there a better day for a new Things I Love post than Valentine's Day? When you hear the word love, you likely think first of romantic love - cupid, roses, sunsets, and the like. And yes, romantic love is a vital part of our existence, but love comes in so many varieties and packages. Like the love we have for our family. The love for our parents who shelter and challenge us. The love for our … [Read more...]
Community is Everything
It's been one of those weeks. One of those weeks when all I have wanted to do is shut myself up in my room and lose myself in books, movies, and God willing, some good sleep. It is my (and I am sure most of our) default position to "retreat" and isolate when I am feeling bad. And it is a desire I have given in to many times throughout my illness. But I have noticed something. I have noticed that by staying present and showing up for my life and my responsibilities, I am frequently rewarded with beautiful distractions from the symptoms that would otherwise consume me. This has been an … [Read more...]
Quinoa Tacos
A good friend of mine asked me recently, "What do you eat?" Since going gluten-free over a year ago, and vegetarian for the past several months, it is a question I am asked frequently. And truthfully, it is a hard question for me to answer. Not because I have not been cooking and eating some pretty amazing food, but because I am a complete free spirit in the kitchen, and I seldom make the same thing twice. For years my husband has urged me to write my recipes down, but it is really hard to write down what totally happens on the fly and is never measured. I have decided to make a concerted … [Read more...]
The Fruit of Meditation
As much as I love my yoga - and I really love my yoga - nothing centers, soothes, and balances me better than sitting silently in meditation. If I am frustrated, anxious, fatigued, sad, or experiencing any other number of annoying or overwhelming emotions, meditation brings me out of my funk and helps me look at my life through a clearer lens. It clears my brain, lightens my mood, and prepares me to be an active participant in my life again. So you think I may be exaggerating just a little? You have tried meditation and it is just not for you. You can't quiet your mind long enough to feel … [Read more...]