Thoughts at the gym

Today, I finally got to go back to the gym. I'm hoping my cough and cold are gone for good now. It felt nice to move again, beyond a walk around the neighborhood or PT exercises at home. I had a few thoughts about living with fibro today, that I thought I'd write down...

- I will almost never have a pain-free day. I CAN learn to manage and limit the pain. My success will be measured at how little the pain interferes with what I want to do, rather than its existence.

- Many people will have suggestions or questions for me always. Whether they have expertise or not, I will always be getting advice. Some may help, some I'll just let pass me by.

- I will always be able to dance and do the things I want to. Maybe not when I want or for as long as I want, but I will be able to do it.

- I will have plenty of time for reflection, during the necessary quiet resting times. I won't be leading an unexamined life.

- My determination will be tested on those days where all I want to do is lay around and read a book, do a puzzle, watch a movie. I know that's only good for me in moderation, and certainly not as often as my body wants it.

- Exercise will make me feel better in the end, even if before and during it, all I want to do is quit.

- As alarming as it might be to have shooting pains, a tingling sensation, or a stabbing feeling, my body is ok. In fact, I will try to be in better shape than the average person, as a way to manage my pain.

- There will be people who have no idea the pain and struggles I deal with, since on the outside I look healthy and might be wearing a smile, even though I'm hurting.

I know God wouldn't give me something I can't handle, so I know I can handle this. I will try and make it a tool for becoming a better person, friend, and servant of humanity.