On the Positive Side

Because I am deeply spiritually rooted, I believe that everything has a reason, and that includes having Fibromyalgia.  I'm sure that there will be plenty of negative things to say in the future, but for tonight I am going to focus on the positive side of Fibromyalgia. 

I've learned lessons that I would never have taken time to learn, or incorporate in my life.  For instance, I was born prematurely with an impatient spirit.  Fibromyalgia has literally forced me to slow down.  I've grown patient, realizing that I can't make things happen, even if my mind thinks so.  I've had time to re-evaluate and contemplate, gaining patience and understanding with MYSELF when I can't do the things I used to.  And that has given me a better understanding and patience with others as well.

I've learned to be content with less-than perfection.  I can't have a spotless house, or a fancy dinner party, because I don't have the energy, so I've learned to let those things go to a point.  I've learned to ask for and allow others to help me, and that has deepened my close relationships and I appreciate them so much more.

I've had to trust God to accomplish the things that I can't.  I've had to trust Him for my shelter, my food, my clothes, my family's needs, and everything else.  So my faith is much stronger than if I could do this myself.
I have seen miracles because of this faith, and am grateful that I had a chance to see them.
 
My world is smaller because I don't get out so much, so the things in my world are bigger.  I love my three cats and my big puppy dog.  We understand each other and are on the same level, simply because I spend more time with them than anyone else.  I love my Avon customers who come to my door instead of asking me to deliver orders.  I love my husband who comes home from work and sometimes has to do my work too.  I love my little house and my green mailbox and my little rock garden.  This is my world where I can control my environment, and relish the soft bed when my body hurts, and feel the comfort of warm slippers when my feet are cold. 

I have a vision of what Fibromyalgia is to me.  I'm a little yellow Volkswagon (Bug), on the right side of a busy highway, and all these expensive, fast cars are whizzing by me.  They are heading off to work or meetings or where ever they go, but I am just puttsing? along enjoying the view.  I've been forced to stop and smell the flowers, and I even have time to take pictures of them.

I sometimes think how nice it would be to go to a job, or travel, or have an adventure.  But it doesn't do any good to think about things like that right now, so for the moment, I am deciding to enjoy my life as it is, and do the best I can with what I have been given.  I guess that is good advice for all of us.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson