Greetings Gentle Readers…
So much to share! As many of you regulars know, I have struggled with Fibromyalgia for several years. I’ve been forced to use a cane or walker quite often. And I find that so very disheartening. To have been an athlete and someone who was healthy and then to be put in a position of poor health, is depressing. And it has forced some serious soul searching.
I decided to take control again. Now, I know this is a long term commitment. I don’t have expectations of becoming the “old” me. But I do know that should I choose to continue on the path I’m on, I have no expectation of a productive life.
One of my church friends recommended a young yoga instructor. And I must say it was more than fortuitous! A chance comment to church friends that I wondered if yoga was the answer to my exercise needs and, voila! I now have a private restorative yoga instructor!
My concern with yoga was with the poses and not being able to maintain my balance. Also, from what I knew, my body was going to revolt when pushed to stretch those horribly tight muscles (or at least what passes for them). How in the world would I ever do yoga? Ah, the answer: restorative yoga!! All of the poses and stretches are supported. Blocks. Bolsters. Walls. Floors. No worries!!
So what would become of my great experiment?? OH. MY. GOODNESS! I am a different person just three weeks out from our first lesson. My body doesn’t ache nearly as badly. I feel much more energy and less fatigue. I’m enjoying my life more. I’ve made adjustments to my regular medication, cutting the amount in half. Yep, self-medicating but with years of knowledge on my body.
I also have been doing a good bit of reading. One of the sites I researched suggested a supplement called Resvertatrol. Some of the studies show a relationship between Fibromyalgia and magnesium shortages in the body. Hmmmmmm….. So I started taking the Resvertatrol twice a day. I have more energy than I ever thought possible. The nasty fatigue that accompanies Fibro flares is under control. I’ve even started walking some in the neighborhood with dogs in tow. How awesome is that?
I know I sound like a fundamentalist preacher on this stuff. I just can’t get over how differently I feel. The combination of gentle stretching and increasing my activity level has brought a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
The point of the post is two-fold:
1. Don’t ever give up. Don’t ever give in. Search and research. Look for information on what happens in your life. Had I given up and accepted the fate that was taking over my life, I would have continued to curl up and fade away.
2. Don’t be afraid to try something new! Alternative treatments can be effective. One just must be a smart consumer. Do your homework. And reach out to the different. Try a new skill (yoga). Try a new mindset (meditation). Try a new diet and supplement regimen (Resertatrol).
My dear readers, check out your own life. Are you too busy? Are you ill? Do you not sleep well? I can suggest you slow down but I already hear how there are never enough hours in the day. It is, however, true. We must slow down and take care of ourselves. Our blessed Mother Earth, creator Goddess, has given us all we need to be healthy, happy and fulfilled.
Don’t you think it’s about time we took advantage of that power? I do. I am. I will.
