Fighting with Fibro

I've been thinking about my frustrations with fibromyalgia. Sometimes I get whiny (inside my head), pondering all the things I could do if I was healthy. Volunteering, working, teaching Sunday School, be a Big Sister, there are so many things I want to accomplish, but my physical limitations get in the way. I heard a radio show this morning about life challenges- and how they make us stronger. Fibro is certainly a challenge, but I keep looking at it as something getting in my way. The radio host talked about how the challenges we have refine us, bring us great growth, and should be embraced. I nearly laughed out loud, I do Not embrace this! I fight it with all my might, and try to ignore it, push through the pain and fatigue, pretend it doesn't color every moment of every day.

I have heard this message in different forms for a while, and I guess it's time that I stop apologizing for my situation, and accept, nee, even embrace it. It has certainly made me a more compassionate person, and caused me to allow others to help me, which I'm sure has benefited both the giver and the receiver. The energy I'm using to resist and fight my situation can be better used gaining acceptance, nee even embrace this; and maybe that is the lesson for me- I don't have to do everything. I can support those around me in their efforts rather than pushing to do things myself. I have gotten more honest about what I can and can't do, which is progress toward acceptance. Now it's time to enjoy my life as it is, and stop feeling angry for the things I can't do. Maybe I'll make that my New Year's resolution....