Lily is a Great Dane that has been blind since a bizarre medical condition required that she have both eyes removed. For the last 5 years, Maddison, another Great Dane, has been her sight. The two are, of course, inseparable.

Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity.
~Og Mandino

All photo’s by Johnathan Pow/rossparry.co.uk

I’ll lean on you and you lean on me and we’ll be okay.

~Dave Matthews

“True Friends love you for who you are and not what they want you to be.”

~Unknown

“Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself”

~Mahatma Gandhi

We sometimes hear of a person worrying so much about something that they become obsessed with fear. We talk about someone being “worried sick.” A state of worry and fear  causes chemical changes in the brain, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. These changes ultimately have the effect of weakening our immune system that protects us from disease.

It is almost the new year which means new beginnings! Resolutions will be made and broken. Personally I do not like New Years Resolutions because people tend to make goals that are over exaggerated and blown out of proportion. Then when they do not accomplish the goal they feel guilty or a sense of failure. The one good thing is that if you failed it means you tried! No one is a failure if you don’t give up and keep trying

So I came up with this idea “Wellness Challenge 2012.” Instead of making a big New Years Resolution I was thinking as a group we can make little ones that are good for our health throughout the year. So lets say your goal is to eat less processed food. That is huge thing to do all at once. Maybe at first you can integrate more fresh veggies in your diet and by doing that you have reached a “Wellness Challenge 2012.”  goal. Maybe you want to start exercising. With Chronic illness you can not just jump up and start running you have to start off slow. So you get up and start out with stretching. That is a “Wellness Challenge 2012″ goal! The point of this is that every small step you take towards wellness is amazing and you should be commended for it and you will have the support of others with chronic illnesses that will be encouraging you to keep taking small steps towards better health. To someone that is well you doing stretches might seem “nonproductive” or “not a big deal.” It is a HUGE deal that you put forth that effort and those that understand will encourage you as well as you encouraging them!  That is why I want to do this! I want everyone to be proud of themselves for taking these small steps!

Starting January 1,2012.  I am going to put up a post daily on FibroTV’s facebook page  with the logo bellow and I would like all of you to share what you did for that day to encourage your body towards wellness. You can post about something you did physically, mentally/emotionally, or spiritually. This post will be used to track your goals and accomplishments no matter how big or small and to to encourage others on their journey towards wellness! There will be no judgement only encouragement in this posts. Everyone has a different path they take and not one path is wrong or right. Anyone is welcome to participate! I am hoping to get more groups involved. They can even do their own version of it on their group or page! So what do you all think? You think you are up for the challenge?

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

~Henry Ford

The Awakening

Copyright © 1999 Sonny Carroll

A time comes in your life when you finally get it. . . When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out–ENOUGH!  Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening. You realize that it’s time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and you are not Cinderella and that in the real world there aren’t always fairytale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of “happily ever after” must begin with you and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are. . . and that’s OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.)  And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop bitching and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn’t do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it’s not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself and in the process a sense of safety & security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties and in the process a sense of peace & contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the crap you’ve been fed about how you should behave, how you should look and how much you should weigh what you should wear and where you should shop and what you should drive how and where you should live and what you should do for a living who you should sleep with who you should marry and what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children or what you owe your parents.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you’ve outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with and in the process you learn to go with your instincts. You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a “consumer” looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. You learn that you don’t know everything, it’s not your job to save the world, and that you can’t teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. Romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be, more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change so it is with love. . . . and you learn that you don’t have the right to demand love on your terms. . . just to make you happy

And, you learn that alone does not mean lonely… And you look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a perfect 10 and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you “stack up.”

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK. . . .and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want…and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.

You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won’t settle for less. And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his touch… and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect.

And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn, that for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve . . . and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it’s OK to risk asking for help.

You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time–FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn’t always fair, that you don’t always get what you think you deserve, and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn’t punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It’s just life happening.

And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state – the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to building bridges instead of walls.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about; a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you to make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never ever to settle for less than your heart’s desire. And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. Finally, with courage in your heart and with God/The Universe by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.

Sing to the tune (Walking in A winter wonderland) By Kim Valente

Muscles scream can you hear em, No medication can cheer em, I’m up all night- I look a fright,

My Fibro’s Flaring from these Holidays -

I decorated a little, Had to stop in the middle, My arms just don’t work, my legs started to jerk, My Fibro’s Flaring from these Holidays.

In the livingroom lays the Christmas tree, It is drying up & it’s turning Brown, By the time I start to decorate it, the lights will burn the dam thing to the ground.

Later on I’ll try wrappin, But I doubt It will Happen, No wonder why Im a grouch, suffering on the couch, My Fibro’s ruining my whole Holiday.

MY Husband gripes Why isn’t it All finished?  He says Im Not A Jolly helpful Elf! So I hung His Balls up by the fire, Now lets see Him do it all himself!! …

Now it’s Time for me to retire – while his Nuts roast on the fire- I plopped in the bed – and took my Meds

Cause My Fibro’s Screaming from these Holidays!!!!

A bath of warm water on it’s own is very healing and can help reduce pain.  Warm water temporarily increases blood flow and can help ease stress as well. Did you know that there are natural herbs, minerals, and essential oils that you can add to your bath that promote healing, wellness, and decrease pain? Here are ten of them! 

Epson Salts

Epsom salt is a combination of magnesium and sulfates. There are many benefits of Epsom salt baths. Soaking in a bath of Epsom salt can relax your muscles, reduce inflammation, minimize pain, fade bruising, aid digestion, relieve stress and tension, and detoxify your body.

Lavender

This is one of the most common herbs used in herbal baths. It is used to fight depression and relieve tension and stress. Lavender’s name is derived from the Latin verb “to wash.” Romans and Greeks used the herb for its fresh aroma which has both an uplifting and balancing effect.

Turmeric Bath

This antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory spice is not just popular in India. In Japan, they’ve learned that turmeric helps with arthritis by soothing joints  and it’s even been shown to promote weight loss. Just add a half-cup of turmeric to a warm bath.

Baking Soda

This alkalinizing and detoxifying bath can help calm allergic reactions, chicken pox, eczema, hives, itchy skin, insect bites, poison ivy, sunburn, and fungal infections. There are two methods of making a baking soda bath which are very popular , one involves purely baking soda itself and the other involves mixing the soda with sea salt.  If you are using just baking soda then start running the hot water first then after a couple of minutes add about 3 pounds worth of baking soda to the water. I find it’s better to do it this way as it dilutes into the water better. The alternative is to mix about 2 pounds of sea salt with 2 pounds of baking soda , again adding the water first.

Oatmeal 

Because oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties, it can soothe the inflammation that results from your body’s reaction to allergens. Oatmeal baths are also a popular remedy for sunburns, dry skin and conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Itchy, dry skin often has a high pH level, but oatmeal can help normalize your skin’s pH, which can relieve itchy, uncomfortable skin. Oatmeal baths also soften and moisturize your skin, which helps lock in moisture and protect skin from exterior irritants

Apple Cider Vinegar

 This helps relieve sore muscles, itchy skin, and sunburn. Vinegar helps draw pollutants out of the body. It is an acid medium and contains alpha hydroxy acids. It is also mildly antiseptic, antifungal and naturally deodorizing.

Yam

Oriental wild yam is a natural pain reliever used in herbal baths to relieve stress and prevent health problems in women.

Eucalyptus Oil

This oil is well known to give relief from sinus infections, blocked nose, common cold, bronchitis, flu and other respiratory diseases. To treat these health conditions, apply a few drops of eucalyptus oil on the handkerchief and inhale it at regular time intervals. Another best way is to put a few eucalyptus oil drops in the bath water. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to other massage oils to have a calming effect on the mind and body. Its rejuvenating properties aid in getting relief from sluggishness, muscle pain, exhaustion and mental fatigue.

Rose

Rose oil is effective in treating depression, insomnia, impotence and for maintaining healthy skin.

Peppermint oil

Diluted in a bath peppermint oil can assist in nervous disorders and is dramatically effective in stimulating the mind and focusing concentration, for treating the respiratory tract, muscular aches and pains and for some skin problems.

Tai chi — a slow, meditative martial art — may be an effective alternative, a new study suggests.

Fibromyalgia patients who took tai chi classes twice a week for three months experienced less pain, stiffness, and fatigue than a control group that attended lifestyle education and stretching sessions, according to the study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Review of the tai chi Yang Gar and showing simple stepping exercises for strength and balance. Thank you Steve for another awesome video!

As I talk to more and more people with chronic illnesses fatigue is at the top of their list to why their chronic illness is debilitating. A lot of medications can cause this or the illness itself. Pain causes insomnia and when you don’t sleep right you have in a vicious cycle of pain and fatigue. What do you do to boost your energy?  What time of day do you feel you have the most energy?    A simple glass of lemon water can boost your energy 

Having a tall glass of water with a slice of lemon in it is a great way to start the day. In addition to the improved flavor, the lemon slice gives you extra Vitamin C while also acting as an alkalising agent. So many of us in the modern world are eating diets heavy in too many processed foods, animal fats and grains, which gives us an acidic skew to our systems. Adding the alkalizing agent of a lemon slice helps to combat that. If you add some ginger to your lemon water it will help fight inflammation! Here is video about how to make lemon/ginger water. It is cheap and so good for you!

Apart from being an amazing body alkalizer/alkaliser, lemon water also gives the following health benefits:

• Lemons are antiseptic
• Lemon water has excellent digestive properties and can ease heartburn, bloating and other digestion problems
• Lemon water cleanses and stimulates the liver and kidneys
• Lemon juice contains calcium, magnesium and potassium
• Lemon juice has been known to relieve asthma
• Lemon water (hot) offers relief from cold and flu symptoms while providing some much needed Vitamin C
• Lemon juice is a great skin cleanser

What part of the day do you have the most energy?

What do you to increase your energy levels throughout the day?

We have all read “The Letter To The Normals.” This shows the other side of that letter. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own illness and struggles with our illness we forget that it is affecting everyone around us that love us. They also morn for the loss of who we use to be. Our families, spouses, children, and friends are affected by chronic illness as well.

I am a spouse of someone with fibro………

by the (late) Donna Euteneier from Fibrohugs.com

A lot of times we as family members, friends, and loved ones are supposed to understand, accept and be sympathetic to someone who has an illness….. and I agree with this statement, but only when we are given information, understanding and support ourselves.

Fibro does not just affect the person who has it…. fibro affects the whole family….. it steals away all of our lives. I have watched, broken hearted, as Ken has packed away his dreams and hopes for the future…. but along with those dreams and hopes were mine also. Just as you have come to realize that your life has changed forever so must we……. and we have to be allowed to morn that loss also.

We become angry and depressed just as you do…… we struggle with KNOWING that you are sick, to being angry that you are sick……. not at you but at the illness. Then we become angry at ourselves for feeling selfish and thinking of ourselves…. thinking of the added stress on our lives… the added responsibility…. the added guilt.

We have gone from a 50% partnership in this marriage, this family, this life, to sometimes feeling like I’m carrying the whole weight of it alone. I have to remember that my spouse is sick….. that the illness has taken that away and sometimes I’m lonely, scared, and extremely sad at the loss of what was……. but I also know in my heart that I love my husband more than life itself and TOGETHER we will find our way.

You have to talk to us…. you have to let us know how you’re feeling, what you’re feeling, and how it’s affecting your day…….. your life. If you don’t talk to us we will never understand how you are feeling and we will assume that everything is as it should be…. thus expect from you what we have always expected.

I need to be able to say it’s “okay” when your angry and hurting…….. but it has to be “okay” when I am also. We both have to stop and look at what’s going on in our lives at the time……. just as you get angry and lash out sometimes…… so do we.

So will we really ever understand what you’re going through? ……No! Will you ever really understand what we are going through? ……No! But if each of us gives each other the time, love, and patience to find our own way in dealing with and accepting what fibro has taken from us, I think our relationships may be a lot better.

I hope with your challenge that you wanted to hear the truth…… and that is what I offer in this…. how we feel as Spouses.

Donna Euteneier (I miss you Donna)

Copyright 2003 http://www.fibrohugs.com

Today I will treat my body with kindness

For in it holds my beautiful  soul

I will treat my body with gentleness

My mind, body, and soul as a whole

I will be mindful and gentle of the words I tell it

Making sure the words I say to you are filled with love

When I am tired and weary my kindness will not quit

I will wrap my arms around my body and thank it with a nice big hug

When I look in the mirror I will tell my body thank you

For being a protector, provider, and shelter for my precious soul

I will thank it’s cells for regenerating and making new

My beautiful body, my miracle in which my life you have full control

Today I will treat my body with kindness

For in it you hold my precious heart

I will no long feed you foods that are mindless

You are a miracle and beautiful a magnificent peace of art

When I wake up every morning I will be grateful

That without expecting anything in return you granted me a new day

Never again to my beautiful body will I not trust or be unfaithful

Never again will I take you for granted. Never again will I betray

By Jen Reynolds

You don’t have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body. ~C.S. Lewis