WHAT’S STOPPING YOU FROM HEALING FROM FIBROMYALGIA?

It’s time – yet again – for another “survey says” post! As always, I admire those of you who’ve responded to my Facebook survey questions and am amazed at your candor and honesty. You can always join in the conversation HERE.

And, if you haven’t had a chance, be sure to read the last Facebook survey post on The Most Annoying Fibromyalgia Symptom Ever!

For this current survey, I asked this question: “What’s stopping you from getting better? What roadblock is the hardest for you to get over?”

You answered loud and clear. Actually, you were loud – but not so clear. It comes as no surprise, but there’s a lot of conflicted thinking out there in fibroworld!

What I was looking for, was what one thing keeps you from starting a new treatment program. Most of you express a desire to create a new health routine (i.e., eating better, starting to exercise, etc.), but few actually put a plan into action.

So … what’s stopping you?

Like everything with fibromyalgia (and chronic illness) – it’s never just one thing. Here’s what you had to say:

Symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and pain topped the list.

Some of you pointed out your deep frustration with how these and other symptoms affect you.

“I’m afraid of the pain that follows activity.”

“Cooking and eating right takes too much time.”

“I want to start a new walking program, but I’m too tired.”

“I’m starting a new eating program. I hope to feel better.

Do you know what I “hear” (and read into) in all of your responses? Fear and anxiety. I remember feeling that way, too, and I feel your pain!

Here’s what I think. Fibromyalgia (or whatever collection of chronic conditions you personally experience) has “taught” you that there are consequences to every action. Every time you’ve tried something new in the past, you were shown right away (by increased symptoms) that it didn’t work. Once this message is taken in as fact – then it’s a rule by which all activity is measured.

Now, imagine this scenario. Consider a child who’s taught to save a portion of every week’s allowance and put it in the bank. She’s encouraged to review her statements, and anticipate how much she can expect to save over time. She soon learns by repetition, to experience the “magic” of compound interest (that’s the result of earning interest upon interest). It takes a pragmatic consistency to experience these exciting results, but it’s amazing how just a little effort – over a long period of time – can blossom into something fruitful.

Now, imagine the same scenario (where the child is taught the same principle), but this time she’s given the initial basic instruction with no details and no follow-up support. She’s given no guidance or encouragement to carry out a long-range plan. She sees a bit of money going into her bank account and is disappointed right away. She gets frustrated at the slow rate of return, and quickly decides to close the account and spend her money on something wise – like downloading music to her iPod.

This isn’t a tortoise and the hare story, it’s just plain logic. Any positive activity –over time – will build on itself with compounding results. Any positive activity that’s done once in a while (or just once) can’t possibly grow into something amazing. It’s not the giant steps you take that matter – it’s the little ones done with consistency.

Beginning a new health regimen – any health regimen – is a long-range plan. Keep in mind that there will be many changes along the way, but the goal is simply forward motion. Be kind to yourself. No harsh judgments allowed (they thwart progress).

Getting healthy – and staying healthy – is a life-long endeavor.

Do you have support? Do you have a plan? Do you know what you’d like to try? Do you have any idea of how to begin?

We’ll discuss these and many other applicable topics in future posts. There’s always more to say. I’ll be addressing topics such as how to begin a fitness program and how to begin a healthier nutrition program.

But for now, I look forward to carrying on this conversation here. Leave a comment below and tell me your roadblocks, frustrations, and plans!