04/05/2022
πMay is FIBROMYALGIA awareness month π
Appearing able bodied means that many people donβt know I live with this invisible disability! Fibromyalgia is a neurological chronic pain disorder that effects every aspect of life - manifesting as widespread pain, brain fog, disordered sleep & anxiety (among 60+ other potential symptoms).
Fibromyalgia is often caused by a traumatic event or injury sustained by the body or mind, there is currently no cure and pain management is largely lifestyle based (yoga, breath work, diet etc) It takes an average of 5 years to receive a diagnosis.
Living with fibromyalgia has changed my life in SO many ways, I am more cautious, prioritise better, I am kinder to myself & others and far more patient. Of course it sucks to be in pain a lot of the time but it has forced me to connect deeper with every part of my body and reconsider how I treat it daily. Sacrificing things that seemed important ultimately made room for far better things.
This has led me to be hyper aware of some things in life - most importantly that you never know what someone is going through, you can never judge someone based on appearance, or how well they βseemβ.
This whole page really is an ode to being able to do what you love despite whatever attempts to hold you back. I truly believe this disability has made me stronger as a person.
Check in on your body & be kind to it. π