We were overjoyed to see a double rainbow on our way home. It was so vivid and we felt like we were actually driving through it.
Yesterday was a day of severe fibromyalgia pain, but I decided to try to focus on positives and I didn't have to look far. The same daughter we visited today has had leukaemia and she had a phone consult yesterday from her haemotologist, who informed her that she was still in remission.
Laying in bed last night, I tried to ignore the aching muscles, stiff neck and back and I decided to dwell on the many ways I have been blessed daily. Certainly the blood results were praiseworthy. I fell asleep praising and thanking God for the miracle of her life.
I woke up still in pain, as the weather was inclement, but I needed to go to the chemist, so I forced myself to get dressed and go. We then proceeded to see our daughter, glad to be able to at last visit someone and drive in the car!
I know I will most likely wake up in pain tomorrow, but I weighed it up and decided that seeing my girl and going for a drive would be worth it. So I will plan the next few days accordingly.
I will be preparing an easy stew in the slow cooker tomorrow. I will be doing just the essentials in the house- for me that is putting clean washing away and doing tonight's dishes. With my arms tingling and feeling like my muscles and tendons are tearing, I won't be doing them tonight. They will be there in the morning...
Life with fibromyalgia is a juggling act and a life of constantly meting out spoons and rest breaks. Every day one has to decide if a certain activity is worth the pain to follow it. Sometimes it is.
We have to weigh up the satisfaction and pleasure of today against the certain knowledge of a painful tomorrow. We often have to choose to live and we suffer physically for it.
Fibromites have to plan to live or we will die inside through boredom, loneliness and regret. We must know that we could cocoon ourselves today only to find we suffer tomorrow anyway.
Along with the pain of overprotecting ourselves, comes the feeling of regret. Choose carefully and try to find joy every day. We only live once.
What an inspiration you are! Too often, we focus on the bad things in life and, thus, fail to see the good. I can't imagine living in chronic pain, but despite that, you are looking for and celebrating the good in life. And I love what you said..."along with the pain of overprotecting ourselves, comes the feeling of regret." Honestly, that is how I feel about the whole covid thing right now. Trying to protect ourselves, people are missing final moments with their loved ones. It grieves my heart.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I am rejoicing with you on your daughter's remission. That is a blessing indeed.
Hugs,
Patti @ Clothed with Joy
Yes, Patti that is my feeling on Covid as well. We are all so busy protecting ourselves, that we aren't really living. Thanks for your kind remarks about my daughter's remission- and thank you for taking the time to chat with me and share a cuppa!
DeleteI am so sorry for your pain but what a beautiful perspective of gratitude! One of my grace practices I try to walk through often is gratitude as well. I keep a gratitude journal and I thank God on my walks for the gifts I see and what He brings to mind. He is so worthy of praise, even in our hardships, isn't He? Also, praise God for your daughter's continual remission!
ReplyDeletemariel
marieldavenport.com
Thank you for your kind words, Mariel. I don't know how people cope without God. He is so good to us, and keeps us balanced so that life isn't miserable. Thanks for your kind words about my daughter's remission. So very glad that you take the time to encourage me in my blogs. Cuppas with friends is what helps me keep happy! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThat, Glenys, for the gift of that phrase "plan to live." It's a helpful stance for us all.
ReplyDeleteChronic illness means we have to seize every moment as an opportunity to live a meaningful life. It means that we have to plan to live. Life's too short to sit on the sidelines. We want to live as well as our illness permits. Thanks again for taking tea with me today, Michele!
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