My fibromyalgia journey to finding healing through healthy choice is a long and bumpy one. The current doctor that I am seeing tells me often that I did not happen upon this stage overnight. He also assures me I will I find wellness overnight. Celebrating milestones that are moving toward healthier stages of life are what I am going to choose to do for myself.
I am learning to live a more plant based life style.
There are multiple authors and sites that teach whole foods, plant based living. For me I feel that it is the right direction for my body to find this healing. It removes inflammation that has been found in eating meat and sugar and saturated fats.
When we celebrate the many birthdays or big events around here do I enjoy sugar? You better believe it! Do I daily gorge myself on processed snacks and drinks like when I was younger? No-because I cannot. I was heading toward diabetes and unhealthy weight gain. High blood pressure and high cholesterol run in my family so i am choosing to make wiser choices. My fibromyalgia symptoms were emphasized by enjoying fast food, sodas, processed foods, etc. These comfort foods were easy, convenient, and helped to be a salve to my feelings on the tough days, but they made me pay for days to come.
My resources recently have led me to find the following books and websites. Chuck Brand New Vegan offers great recipes for the whole food plant based lifestyle. There are limited free recipes at Forks Over Knives . This site offers good reading information about the whole food plant based lifestyle and if you are curious about it then watch the movie on Netflix entitled Forks Over Knives Movie. One of the books that has helped me find a healthy rhythm in a workout routine Holy Yoga. The author, Brooke Boone, is also the founder of Holy Yoga TV on You Tube. I enjoy the connection that I find with the Word while I am trying to find healing with body and mind.
It took this hard head a long while to connect what the books I was reading and the documentaries I was watching to what I was actually feeling. Once I began my journey to wellness I was amazed at first the energy that I felt. I later found that I no longer craved those things for the most part until an occasional set back with sugar.
Sugar is my kryptonite.
There I have said it. My doctor knows and now you do as well. I think for the most part that we are all victims of the lies that white, powdery substance tells. It begins at a young age and is seductive. We find ourselves in her grip often and when we think we gain control we realize she is inside hidden places, and we are secretly still stuck in a deep love affair that we can not seem to let go.
The other altar confession that I share with you on my road to wellness is that I (capital letter) HATE- to exercise. Now before all of you workout gurus begin to type -it is ok. First of all, I come from a long line of non-exercisers so there is that, but more than the lack of example is the way I feel following a good workout. Most of your argument is that it makes you feel great, the endorphins, the runner high, yada, yada. For a person with fibromyalgia, well it makes me go to bed. I literally want to sleep afterwards. I either am hurting or am so tired that I need to be in bed. Well there goes my day because I worked out.
I have tried many different things from running to yoga, and I will gather the same result. I am still working this one out will continue to update as I gather any progress toward hopeful. As of right now my doctor is aware, and we agree that I must try more movement, like it or not so more I will try as my people beg and force. My youngest got me out walking this morning and I told her that was it for the week -wink, wink!
Walking a journey of wellness is a daily choice. Fibromyalgia is something I will look to find healthier ways to live.
I am finding that it is literally a choice that I make every meal, every step, and every time I choose to go to bed on time. There are no fad diets or quick fixes that work in this journey, but I do believe there are healthier ways to living this life. Studying to find recipes we will enjoy and ways to move my body are something that I enjoy doing these days. My doctor know that I love the idea of reading for information so he often shares new information at my appointments.
I am discovering that my fibromyalgia has root in an emotional component. I store my emotion inside my body therefore I am storing up pain. The years of not dealing with my pain properly has built itself up and now my body is reacting. I am working on journaling, reading God’s word for Truth, combined with the food choices and movement mentioned above, plus one last component that I love.
Making time for doing something that brings me joy is an important part of my schedule.
I am an avid reader. You will find a book or two on my Kindle or my night stand at all times.
I follow blogs like Modern Mrs. Darcy or listen to podcast Just The Right Book Podcast for recommendations. I have found a new love in hand lettering and journal art. When I need quiet and reflection, I grab my pens and create art with Scripture. It gives me time to reflect on the truth of His word while practicing my Hand Lettering. Over the years I have enjoyed baking cookies and cakes, sewing, and scrapbooking. There are so many ways you can find hobbies that bring you joy. Take some time to do what is fun and gives you room to breathe. It brings health to your soul.
I do not have all the answers to this fibromyalgia journey toward health. It is not an easy answer or a quick repair. I do know that I must continue to research and discover what will work for me. The fad things are not the answer, but the hard, daily work where I make wise choices for myself. Heres to you finding a healthy journey!
Don’t forget to follow me at the Kitchen Counter Living where I am always living life abundantly in His grace! Sign up in the form at the top of the page at the right.