The Challenge of Slowing Down

I have had difficulty accepting that I cannot do what I once could. I am not the same person I once was.

Life in general requires overcoming challenges and obstacles of many types. Life with fibromyalgia introduces its own share of challenges: lack of energy, lack of sleep, chronic pain being the most prevalent.  These things can change who you are and how you approach life. What once was a simple task, such as getting out of bed in the morning, can now be a daily struggle.

In the years since my diagnosis, my biggest challenge has been SLOWING DOWN. I have had difficulty accepting that I cannot do what I once could. I am not the same person I once was. Type A personalities like myself prefer to be in the game rather than sitting on the sidelines.

Adopting health strategies such as a clean diet, regular workouts, and supplements, has helped lessen the daily pain and limited my “flares” of my fibromyalgia. It has allowed me to maintain a moderately active lifestyle. And then I begin to think: Maybe I am OK. Maybe I am in some sort of remission. Maybe I can push myself just a little harder. And that thinking usually ends in a crash and burn, i.e. fibro flare and bed rest. Slowing down, resting allows the body to recover from the stresses put upon it. Without a recovery period, we can do our bodies more harm than good.

Continue reading “The Challenge of Slowing Down”

Clean Eating: Blueberry Smoothie Bowl

Smoothies are a great way to sneak more fruits, vegetables, and fiber into your diet. The combinations and options are endless!

I make a lot of smoothies for breakfast. My typical recipe is high in anti-oxidants and fiber, with all kinds of yummy stuff in it. It’s easy for me to blend up and drink while I am getting ready in the morning. But I have seen this trend of making smoothie bowls so I decided to try my hand at one over the weekend, for my 30 Day Challenge.

Continue reading “Clean Eating: Blueberry Smoothie Bowl”

30 Day Challenge – Week 2

This is the third in a series. Read the initial post and Week 1 Progress.

30 day challenge - week 2 results (2)

Here is my Week 2 check-in of my 30 day personal challenge for the month of April.

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” ~Zig Ziglar

Difficult roads

Continue reading “30 Day Challenge – Week 2”

Why We All Need Vitamin R

vitamin R

It’s a cold Sunday morning here in Texas. I am alone in the house, and it is quiet except for the wind. I am sitting here enjoying my coffee and trying to tackle my overflowing To Do list that has gotten a wee bit out of control this week. Too many unchecked items!! The last several days at work have been crazy and my evenings have been filled with functions and fund-raisers. I haven’t had quiet time like this in quite some time it seems.

I have had this particular blog post on my list to write for months now. Yes, months. But how do I write about doing something I myself am not always able to do? And that is to make sure I am getting a healthy dose of Vitamin R. Continue reading “Why We All Need Vitamin R”