I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at the tender age of 13. This is hardly an age where you can truly comprehend how this chronic illness will affect you, for the rest of your life. Even being diagnosed as an adult can be hard to fathom. 

Here’s what I have learned over the years living with a chronic illness like fibromyalgia, but this can be applied to ANYTHING in your life.

First and foremost, learn to ACCEPT IT. You have fibromyalgia. This illness does not define you. It walks beside you. Some days will be better than others. Some days you’ll sleep deeper. Some days your pain will feel non existent, other days it may force you to rest a bit. Some days you’ll be full of energy, other days you will pace yourself. Maybe you have to change your job or your career to manage your illness. Maybe you have to change your family plans. Whatever you do, try to accept it. It is what it is, and try to remember, everyone is dealing with SOMETHING.

Second, learn to CONTROL what you can control, and let go of everything else. Here’s what you can control: how you live with this illness daily. What you eat. What you supplement with. Whether you choose to take medication or not. Your lifestyle habits. How you manage your stress. Your mindset. Your movement. Your meditation. Pacing yourself. Managing your energy and pain. Your reaction to friends and family comments and behaviours. Who you choose to spend time with. How you manage your flare ups. How you manage your spoons.

CHANGE what you can change. What’s working for you? What’s not? Are you eating too much sugar or junk food? Are you drinking enough water? Do you need to try to eliminate caffeine? Are you eating enough protein? Are your meals well balanced? Are you getting enough gentle exercise? Are you getting enough vitamin D outside? Are you reducing your toxic load (e.g. switching to natural products can help). Should you hire a coach like myself to help you through this? 

LET GO of what you can’t control. You can’t control the fact that you live with this illness. You can’t control your genetics. You can’t control how people behave towards you. 

Recently I’ve come to realize that everything in life is a LESSON and a BLESSING. Learn to embrace it, and grow from it.

Let me explain that a bit better for you. Let’s take being diagnosed with fibromyalgia as an example. Did it suck to be diagnosed with this chronic illness at such a young age? Yes. Did it suck bouncing from doctor to doctor living with chronic pain, fatigue, stiffness, and insomnia, trying different medications and treatments, and never truly finding anything that helped? Yes. Did it suck not feeling like a normal kid / young adult? Heck yes. Did it suck not being able to get further with my soccer career or university studies because of this illness. God yes. BUT, I worked around it all. I think it built character, strength and tenacity. I wouldn’t wish this diagnosis on anyone, let alone a child. But now, here I am today, doing what I LOVE working as a nutritionist. After spending the majority of my life studying health, nutrition, the body, and fibromyalgia, I am now able to understand the root causes of fibromyalgia, and therefore, how to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms naturally. I now get to help YOU do it for yourself. How AMAZING is that? Can you imagine what it would feel like to reduce all of your fibromyalgia symptoms? Feels pretty good, gotta tell ya.

Next time you’re feeling down or feeling like a victim, try shifting your mindset. You can do this. You are strong. You are brave. Get outside for a walk in nature, call a trusted friend or family member, take a hot shower or bath, journal, lay in bed, or watch a good movie. It will get better!

You’re not alone, I’ve got you.

If you’re ready to lead your best life with fibromyalgia, fill out the questionnaire and let’s get started together for the next 8 weeks and get your symptoms down!!

Cheers to living your best life with fibro!

xo,

Alexis, The Nutritionist Mama

*Disclaimer - this is my own personal experience and not medical advice.