When you're in constant pain from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome or some other source, it can be hard to find anything to be happy about. The pain can envelope us and seem to blot out the sunshine.
My fibromyalgia has been largely in remission, but a recent knee injury has had me in a lot of pain and unable to do much for several weeks. I've been frustrated and angry about having another limiting health factor, and a bit depressed because I was back to missing out on life.
On a particularly gloomy day last week, I went in for physical therapy. It was the first time I'd been in that particular room, and while laying there with ice and electrical stimulation on my knee, I started perusing some children's drawings that adorned one wall. There -- among the flowers, rainbows, princesses and stick figures that were taller than trees -- I noticed a picture of a coffee mug from the beverage cart in the lobby. Above it were these words, which only a child could have written:
Like the apple cider.
Hate the pain.
It's so simple, yet so poignant. This poor kid was hurting, but hey, he found something good in it.
That got me thinking about the other drawings hanging there. They'd all been drawn by patients, and yet they were cheerful. Then I thought about my own kids, who love going to the dentist because they get to pick out a cheap little toy before they leave. Children have an amazing ability to find the one ray of sunshine coming through the clouds.
True, children don't have to think about how they're going to pay the bills if they're in too much pain to work; they don't have to stand over the stove in agony so their families can eat; they've got it a lot easier. Still, I think we can learn a lot from the little boy who appreciated the cider in the lobby, even though he was in pain and was about to do exercises that would make him hurt more.
He reminded me to find joy in the little things, no matter how much I hurt. That's a pretty amazing thing.
Are you able to find those moments of happiness? What are some that you remember? Is there something guaranteed to raise your spirits when you're having a really rough day? Leave your comments below!
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No matter how bad things are for yourself, there are people out there suffering even more. We all have something and/or someone to be thankful for and that needs to be a major focus in our life.
“How can you be so happy? You are in pain, you have more fatigue than I do, and you don’t have much money.” Periodically, I get asked one version of this, or another. It is because I made a choice to look for what things in life that bring me joy. No matter how small. Right now I’ve got three cats and one dog in the room with me and it is guaranteed they will make me smile each day. I have little energy for friendships so those I do have are with people, primarily dealing with disability, who have also learned to cling to the good things in life. This isn’t always easy and sometimes I fail. But that little spark inside starts seeking for something positive. This isn’t easy but it gives me a little life.
Good reminders for everyday : )
Living with Chronic pain and Fibromyalgia does not define my humanity, only A CHOICE: Divine Heroic Probability, in Divine Right Timing and Divine Right Order, Peace, Love, Freedom to be all I AM.
HI, I have had so much pain it has been unbearable from CFS and Fibromyalgi, I had it 9 years, tried everything, apple cider vinegar, all alternative therapies, vitamins, IV, pharmaecuticals. etc.. I tried some therapy from someone in Australia, and I can not even explain how much better I felt, I felt pain relief from the session, even though the therapist said it can take some time to feel relief, but after about 6 sessions, I started to feel like my old self, I started to be able to think, and concentrate, the stabbing pain was not so bad, my sleep was better, after 2 months NO MORE NANA NAPS in the middle of the day, I have been pain free for 6 months.. the therapist had chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia and found this treatment worked for her .. so she is now helping others.. she was booked up for 3 months and only saw me as my mother knew her mother and she fitted me in on her day off… Sunday! and continued to help me.. she is a saint.
thank you
Nouli xx
Nouli, please tell me what therapy/treatment you had. It sounds great.
I have a good sense of humor. Just last night while I was trying to eat supper, I dropped my fork on the floor because my hand was cramping so bad I couldn’t hold on to the fork. At first I was scared becuse I couldn’t even control my own fork… I laughed..my husband picked it up and gave it back to me and I continued on. The point is that I laughed…when I really wanted to jump off a bridge. Just try to KEEP SMILING!!! I’ve had this since 1989, I have had alot of practice and I also have understanding from the people I CHOOSE to be around. My faithful Beagle is my best friend !!!!
I have my sweet baby girl cat to be thankful for, I hug her everyday and she always seems to know when I need her around me the most. She’s a gorgeous gray color and I love her so much, she’s a lot of company for me especially since my husband works a lot.
I envy all of you who can find something to smile about.
I know I’m better off than most in my position; I still have some money & a roof over my head.
BUT – the constant pain & my inability to enjoy the most mundane things (eating, sex, sitting, standing etc.) because of it just wears me out.
I agree with Spike wholeheartedly. Yes, having a roof over your head is great. Dont have much money because rely on disability. I have had 7 surgeries in my ankle (6 screws, bones are fused) and the pain is so unbearable I can’t walk to my mailbox without major discomfort. Plus all those horrible myofascial trigger points. The only relief is massage (at $70.00 per session, out of pocket), but they are back in 2 days. Who can afford that? Add to that herniated discs in back, cannot even stand straight!Yes, I too, envy those persons who have things to smile about. Plus, no support from anybody, especially family, makes it harder for me. Only support I have is from my support groups!
My bright spot will always be children. When I am so down I can’t even see up anymore, having a child smile at me or hug me is a real life saver. I tell my grands, “Grandparents live on the hugs of their grandchildren.” I know I made it up, but I think it’s true.
Sue
Cathy,
Get The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies. With this book you can work on Trigger Points yourself
Air hugs
Spike