From what I've seen, most of us were type A personalities before Fibromyalgia ran us over with the truck.

To the best of my ability, I ignore feeling worthless especially. Down is a little more challenging but I get by. Case in point, I was really feeling low yesterday. Let myself have a brief pity party and then put on some music and took a shower using a new scented body wash. I try to be grateful for the positive things even if they are really simple. I felt a lot better after my shower/sensory experience.

I've retooled myself to have projects that I can do even on my bad days. I do genealogy, read and have a strong interest in antiques. I've found sitting in bed solves nothing and makes things worse.

My goal is to be showered and dressed by 5PM every day no matter what. Its been 5 years since my diagnosis and I've missed that goal twice. Being chronically ill does not make you worthless. It makes you challenged to find avenues to be productive in other ways that suit your current situation. Even if that means that you learn to crochet to make baby blankets for a charity.

I hope that my comments are helpful to you. Take care and enjoy the weekend.

FIC,

I can totally relate and I completely agree with Fantod, especially on the Type "A" personalities that many of us are. It seems cruel to have such a debilitating illness when your mind and body want to Mach 1, but alas, that is our reality.

Having said that, I like your positivity and do believe there is Hope to be had in learning how to manage both the physical and mental, and emotional side of illness. Case in point, you are reaching out here, so kudos to you. I've had a chronic illness counselor and she sent me here. She has Rheumatoid arthritis and Fibromyalgia (among other co-morbidities). She is my hero and shown me how to live a happy, some times joyful yet challenging life.

I'm not saying I don't have my low points because this last week was certainly one of them being laid up and not able to do anything. But, I can tell you I have pretty successfully dropped the "beat myself up when I'm down" attitude. Dang it all, we're dealing with A LOT! Cut yourself a break and be kind to yourself. I heard something yesterday that said, "Be Kind to Yourself, so you can be Kind to Others". I think that is an awesome statement. We have to be our own best friend, especially on those days where noone is around to pick us up. Having said that, I also agree with Fantod, that laying in bed is not the answer, but getting out into Nature and connecting with people like you do in a way that is soooo helpful to others in giving back. I applaud you for volunteering!! Take good care and be good to yourself :)

I work as a police officer for 6 years. Loved horse back riding. Take my kids for a walk. So yes a lot of use have lost of energy. Worth you need to look to your love ones and friend. It takes a lot out of you. My arm some times when I am really tiered or I over do it. Or when I carry any of my kids.

Hope this helps you to look forward. I guess we have to live with this. If your not feeling well try to do the minimal. My God help through.

I don't do houseworrk anymore, and my house shows it. I try to keep the public rooms nice, living room, kitchen. But my bedroom is a mess. I tremble when pushed out of my comfort zone, like finding an address in a new neighborhood! or rrushing for fear of being late. I need to de-accelerate! Sometimes it's hard to eat soup, so I use a mug. Keeping my elbows close to my body helps with stability.

I know I'm not much help. Just living with it. Love, Abby

I agree with both Fantod and jptexas.

We have to focus on what we can do - what we still have. Some days are going to be really, really hard, but not all of them. Find different ways to do things, learn new hobbies, and cut yourself some slack.

We all deal with a lot - we need to be kind to ourselves.

2 all who posted, I say "thanks" and good ideas. Do any of you do "dumb" things on the days you feel well enough? CASE N POINT - Son's 17th bday he wanted to zip line. YES I DID. I tend to over do when I have a good day and then pay for days. Is this a good way to go at FM? On days I am more mobile, I usually over do to try to "catch up" on living.

FIC - In my opinion, no. Pacing is key to living with FMS. If you continually overdo it on the days that you feel tolerable, you run the risk of setting yourself up for a flare. And, if you've never had one, they are not fun. They can last a day, days, a week or even a month or more. I'm not saying that you can't have a life. I'm saying that you have to be judicious bearing in mind that you are chronically ill. Learn to respect your limits and things will be somewhat easier. Take care.

DEAR FANTOD - Thank you for the pearls of wisdom.....You and my inner self know your words are right. I am trying to live within limits, but not good at it. Winter in the mountains will be harsh with the snow, cold & dampness.

Will be using the local sauna room as that helps.