It's a Beautiful Day

Watching U2 on Good Morning America and I have to agree it is a beautiful day. The sun is shining, the temps are going to reach the upper 70s this weekend, you can't help but feel great-at least mentally. Physically, not so good. I blame myself and I don't apologize for it.
I decided to go to the Southern Spring Show on Wednesday so that I could take pictures of the gardens and flowers. I also ended up buying some kind of Flapjack Cactus, a Desert Rose for me and one for my mom and a Eucalyptus. These are not things I would normally buy but felt possessed to and they were very inexpensive. I wanted to buy a weeping Pussy Willow but I can do that later. I decided to go by myself this time so that I could go at my own pace and leave when I had to. I lasted about 2 1/2 hours which is pretty good for me. I decided to skip the home improvement section of the show. I am very glad that I went and very proud of myself although I knew that I would be paying the consequences later and sure enough I did. I had to rest for the rest of the day and I was in extreme pain. It was still worth it- I need the normalcy.
Yesterday, although in extreme pain, I decided to prune the rose bushes, something which needed to be done and the weather was nice. I also re-potted the plants I bought, except for the Eucalyptus which I will plant outside soon. I was miserable but I kept pushing. I even cooked dinner- I figure I already feel this bad what could be worse. I could not move and last night I had to finally stop. I hate this about myself. I can't pace myself and stop when I know that I should. I want to to do more today although I am statue stiff and in torturing pain, but the beautiful day just keeps calling out to me. I am moving very slowly right now and maybe, I might do some little simple things even though I know I should rest today.

Berlin Student Raises Awareness of Fibromyalgia

I had to put this article here to applaud Brianna for what she is doing.

School projects abound, but I was intrigued by this one that Berlin resident Brianna Tulin has undertaken. It appears to have taken on a life of its own and gotten attention from a national organization.Brianna's mother has been afflicted with fibromyalgia for many years and this winter she decided to spread the word about the syndrome. She set up a display in the lobby of her school, the Solomon Schechter Day School in West Hartford, on fibromyalgia. When she and her father, Jay, asked state Sen. Donald DeFronzo if there was something the state could do he promised to introduce a bill to the legislature designating May 12 as Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. That bill is pending in the legislature, here's a link to a page where you can track its progress and Brianna said she plans on testifying at an upcoming hearing on the bill. Here she is with her father outside their home the other day.Her efforts caught the attention of the National Fibromyalgia Association. The group highlights efforts its members make to spread awareness of fibromyalgia and it has done this with Brianna. Here's a link to what they've done."I had no idea I would be noticed by anyone," Brianna said about the attention her project has received. "I was shocked but pleased."Sandy Bennett, a spokeswoman for the NFA, said she learned of Brianna's efforts because they contacted another association staffer who deals with advocacy issues. Bennett said she was particularly impressed by Brianna's youth. "She has done all of this while dealing with the challenges of growing up with a sick parent," Bennett said about Brianna in an email to me.Brianna said her mother was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1990 and suffers from other health problems as well. These have rendered her bedridden for the past couple of years. Brianna said the project was done for a school assignment. Part of the program at Solomon Schechter calls for students to do what is called in Hebrew a "mitzva," which Brianna said can be translated into English as either a good deed or something commanded by God.She said the project must be something that raises people's awareness about something or solicits their help dealing with a problem, like making donations. Brianna said she thinks awareness of fibromyalgia is limited and chose to do something on her mother's disease because of that. "It's pretty plain but it has everything you need to know," Brianna said about her display at school.She said many people she knows, including fellow students, knew little or nothing about the disease. "People think fibromyalgia is just some random disease that was made up," Brianna said.

10 Ways to Manage Frustration, Fatigue and Pain

BREATHE. When Fibromyalgia frustration and anxiety are running high, use this simple breathing technique to calm your jitters: Slowly inhale into your belly, hold a few seconds, slowly exhale. Repeat 10 times or until you feel more relaxed.

KEEP IT SIMPLE. When you keep your lifestyle simple you'll experience less stress and fewer flare ups. Let go of non-essential activities and things you don't need that could be draining your energy.

TAKE CARE. Take care of YOU! Take good of yourself before serving others. Focus on your own self care by providing yourself with nurturing and restorative activities on a daily basis. You will be no help to others when exhausted and cranky!

SLOW DOWN. Take a break from the fast lane, the multitasking and your frenetic life! You will enjoy less frustration and greater calm when you slow the pace.BE STILL. Take 10 minutes and sit still with no distractions. Observe your breathing. Observe your thoughts but let them pass. You'll feel less stress and pain and enjoy a sense of calm and rejuvenation if you do this several times a day.

RELEASE RESISTANCE. Notice what you may be resisting. Let go of resistance and worry by allowing the universe to handle the details. This can result in less frustration, fear and pain for you!

ENJOY THE JOURNEY. Much of our pain comes from worrying about the future and regretting the past. Enjoy the present moment by hitting your pause button and living for right now.

FOLLOW YOUR HEART. When you express your deepest passions you will experience joy that can help ease pain, calm anxiety and contribute to greater balance and peace in your daily life.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE. When you are grateful for the good things in your life it helps you see the blessings you enjoy despite your symptoms and frustrations. Accept what you can't resolve at this moment and focus on the positive aspects of your life.

LOVE THYSELF. Can you accept yourself for who you are? This can be life's greatest challenge! Can you see how your illness has changed or transformed you in some way? You possess unique gifts. Explore how you can love your gifts and find the positive qualities you have to offer.