Synchronicity is an amazing thing isn’t it? I think my post ended up on your wall at this particular time for a reason.

I’m sorry that you are living with so much pain and that you have lost both of your parents. The loss of a parent is profound; I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to have both of them gone.

Similar to Alanna’s situation, I can’t know what you’re experiencing, but I do understand the desire to shut down and not to connect. Although family/friends are lifelines, it takes energy and effort to get out of the house and socialize. Doing so can be very difficult when we’re not feeling up to it. It also can be frustrating when people don’t understand our pain, our fatigue, how we are feeling…. I have learned, however, that it’s important to stay connected in any way we can. This may mean staying connected in small ways, by taking tiny, tiny steps. I’ve also learned that when I feel frustrated or hurt by others not understanding what I’m dealing with, it helps to examine the thoughts I have around that and to question them.

Another thing that’s important is to treat yourself compassionately. It’s wonderful that you have a voice in your head telling you not to give up. Remind that voice that it’s best to be kind; don’t let your inner critic bully you.

I would love to speak with you about one-on-one coaching. I coach by telephone, so I can coach people almost anywhere in the world. I’ll send you an email. You also can learn more about my coaching at this link: http://ahalifedesign.com/coaching/ (or Aha Life Design Coaching page on this blog). Thanks so much for your interest.

Thanks also for reading my blog and for your poignant message. I’m delighted that this post resonated with you so strongly.

Sending love and soothing energy,
Laurie
ahalifedesign@gmail.com

I’m sorry that you suffer from fibromyalgia and severe pain. I can’t know what you’re experiencing but do understand what a challenge fibro can be. I suffer more from the fatigue than the pain. Although my fatigue can be quite disabling, I feel fortunate not to suffer from as much pain as many people with fibromyalgia. I’m sending love and positive energy.

I hear you when you mention people not “getting it.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard things like “You just need to drink a cup of coffee.” or “You have a small house; it shouldn’t be difficult to keep it clean.” A few years ago, I would have found those comments hurtful. I realize now that these comments are made out of not understanding fibromyalgia; they are not meant to be unkind. You’re right – people see what we do accomplish without any idea about what it has taken to get to that point or what it’s like to live with fibromyalgia day to day. Over the past few years, I’ve learned to question my “painful” thinking about others not getting it and how that thinking affects me. I can’t control what other people think , but I can control how I think. Learning to watch and question my thinking has been very helpful. The other things that have been very helpful are taking small steps and making a conscious effort to reconnect to myself and my joy.

Like you, I am a firm believer that people can make it through to the other side of the challenges resulting from fibromyalgia, grief, or whatever the “hell” may be. I wrote this post more than a year ago. Looking back at where I was in 2008 when I caught the mouse, 2010 when I wrote this post, and now, I’m amazed at how far I’ve traveled. The journey to reconnection has been hard work, but also fascinating and wondrous.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog, your thoughtful comment, and your encouragement. You are an inspiration to me and to others.

With much appreciation,
Laurie

Thank you for the great read, I cried, and cried some more, I related to everything you wrote, even the death. I lost both parents before I was 40…missing never goes away.

Peace & love to you Laurie,
Susan

Life as a golden retriever – wouldn’t that be an auspicious rebirth? Imagine being connected to such joy.