"Here's to a happy and healthy New Year!"
Before my diagnosis, I remember thinking how empty those words sounded to me. Of course I was going to have a healthy year- I'm young, I'm in good shape, I don't have any serious vices, my diet is decent and I even make it to the gym every now and then. Thanks for the sentiment but I'm holding out for a ridiculously magical year, my health is just fine.
Nine years later, as a Chronic Pain patient, this polite gesture takes on a whole new meaning. I know it's said with with good intent but my well-wishers have no idea just how much work it takes to have a healthy day, let alone a whole year.
Planning is key
There are thousands of associations, support groups, alternative medical treatments and dietary recommendations that exist solely to help us learn to not just survive, but truly LIVE with this crazy condition.
There's so much help out there, it takes some effort to most efficiently take advantage of it all.
Friends, I'd like to share how I reach my wellness goals and successfully manage my Chronic Pain throughout the year. (This system works for other goals too: career, budgeting, family, self care, etc.) I'll list the steps so you can join me.
- Copy this template. Grab a pencil, a pen, or a couple of markers to make it pretty, you'll be staring at this piece of paper for a year.
So, here it is, my final version for the first quarter of the year. At the end of each quarter, I sit down with my list to assess. I go through each item and decide what worked and what didn't. If it worked, I add it to the next quarter, if it didn't work, I'll replace it with a new step that I think will work better. (This is also why I only plan one quarter out.)
My mantra for the New Year? "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."
Good luck!
*Join me in reading Agapi's book, Wake Up to the Joy of You.
*Find my favorite in-home facial treatment mask here.
"Me vs. Fibromyalgia" is a biweekly, one-of-a-kind series designed to give readers and warriors affected by Fibromyalgia a comprehensive look into the facts of the disease and the story of a driven, high-achieving business woman who wouldn't take no for an answer. I've chronicled eight years of experience with Fibro including chronic pain and fatigue, low energy, doctors, relationships and more, and hope to offer answers and support to those who seek them.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. All information presented should be regarded as friendly advice and opinions based on my own experience and research. I am not making an attempt to prescribe any medical treatment and the information contained in this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a doctor or qualified health practitioner.
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