Fibromyalgia Isn't All of Who I Am

Those that know me know that I have fibromyalgia. But do they really know what that means?

It means that I am in constant and severe pain.

I am fatigued all the time, even after sleeping.

I am stuck with tons of other horrid symptoms.

I am unable to live the life I always thought I would.

I am (mostly) OK with that because my life is good despite fibro.

Now here are a few things that I’m not:

I’m not lazy.

I’m not weak.

I’m not exaggerating.

I’m not here to be judged.

I’m not looking for sympathy.

I’m not being brave – I’m just being.

I’m not free of pain just because I’m smiling.

I’m not unhappy, despite all of it.

Here’s the thing that I hope:

I hope that those I care about don’t just think of me as “the one with fibromyalgia.”

I’m a wife and a mummy, and that’s much more important.

I also like to draw, paint, make jewelry and read tarot/oracle cards – when I’m feeling up to it.

So, you see, most of my life may have to revolve around my chronic illness just so that I can function as much as possible, but it does not define who I am as a person. Or as a soul.

Fibromyalgia – it’s not all of who I am, but it is a significant and unavoidable part, so I appreciate you for reading this far just to try and understand.

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Thinkstock Image By: luna4