I was diagnosed three months ago with fibromyalgia. Since then I've decided that I have to become a more positive person. I know that I am fortunate in that I have a great doctor, a very wonderful and supportive husband and family. But much of how this disease affects me is up to me. However when the specialist who diagnosed me told me I had to "get different hobbies" after I told him I hiked year-round, canoed, kayaked and explored, I decided that instead of getting a new hobby I would improve the life I was living. I will just have to slow down a wee bit! Anyone who knows me knows that I am a very private person. I decided to share my diagnoses with my blogger friends as so many of you have inspired me to become a better person, to become healthier and to appreciate all that I have.
Today dawned gray with a light mist and this kind of day is hard on me. BUT, I could turn it around. So I snapped these photos of flowers that were draped with tiny little jewels, even though the sun wasn't shining the flowers were so bright and cheery. It only took a minute or two to look around and find such pretty blossoms but that is one of the rewards of taking it a bit easier.
How can one's spirits not be lifted by this sunny yellow lily?
Mark and I took a picnic supper tonight to one of our favorite hiking spots. We sat on a bench in the now bright sunlight and looked at the beautiful ocean below us. What harm did taking a few extra minutes to sit and just relax do? Not a thing! There is so much around me to be grateful for. Sometimes the little things are indeed the biggest!
Daisies always bring a smile to my face, they just look "happy" to me.
The old shed was ready to fall down upon itself but again the pretty flowers made me stop and look at the weathered gray shingles and think how pretty they were even though they are weather-stained and cracking. If I hadn't stopped to photograph the daisies I wouldn't have taken the time to appreciate the old shed in its fading glory.
While Mark threw sticks into the water for Buddy to chase I looked around the shoreline for a heart. Found this tiny brick one.
Mark found "a weird one" as he called it as we headed back to our car. They don't have to be perfect. There aren't "perfect" days all the time but I can sure try to make mine somewhat "perfect".
Today dawned gray with a light mist and this kind of day is hard on me. BUT, I could turn it around. So I snapped these photos of flowers that were draped with tiny little jewels, even though the sun wasn't shining the flowers were so bright and cheery. It only took a minute or two to look around and find such pretty blossoms but that is one of the rewards of taking it a bit easier.
How can one's spirits not be lifted by this sunny yellow lily?
Mark and I took a picnic supper tonight to one of our favorite hiking spots. We sat on a bench in the now bright sunlight and looked at the beautiful ocean below us. What harm did taking a few extra minutes to sit and just relax do? Not a thing! There is so much around me to be grateful for. Sometimes the little things are indeed the biggest!
Daisies always bring a smile to my face, they just look "happy" to me.
The old shed was ready to fall down upon itself but again the pretty flowers made me stop and look at the weathered gray shingles and think how pretty they were even though they are weather-stained and cracking. If I hadn't stopped to photograph the daisies I wouldn't have taken the time to appreciate the old shed in its fading glory.
While Mark threw sticks into the water for Buddy to chase I looked around the shoreline for a heart. Found this tiny brick one.
Mark found "a weird one" as he called it as we headed back to our car. They don't have to be perfect. There aren't "perfect" days all the time but I can sure try to make mine somewhat "perfect".
33 comments:
Hi Cheryl,
This is a beautiful post, pictures and words. You've really encouraged me to become more of a positive person. I really let my job get to me. I love you took the time to appreciate the things around you: the flowers, the old shed (which looks so pretty with the daisies against it and shadows from the sunlight), heart-shaped rocks, the ocean. I so agree about the little things being the biggest. I really think that when it comes to happiness, it's the little things that really count.
I really hope you have more good days than bad and start to feel better. Take care, dear friend!
You are already thought of as a person with a positive outlook by me, Cheryl! It is up to an individual to look on the brighter side of things and value their moments. Life is forever changing.
I was just recently diagnosed with a low functioning thyroid. I hadn't been feeling my best and hiking in the woods had become more tiring than usual. One little pill a day works wonders though.
Lovely post, Cheryl...hope you find a balance that works for you. Wishing you all the best!
Love your 'heart' and hearts!
♥...Wanda
Hello Cheryl,
I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. My son also has fibromyalgia so I have seen it "close up." You are right to slow down and enjoy life. You have such a positive attitude toward life and are such a beautiful person.
All the very best,
Lois
love the flowers! love is everywhere..
Hi Cheryl,
I enlarged many of your photos - what beautiful gifts Nature provided you! I have always been a very healthy person and after my Heart Attack in Jan, I experienced both emotional and physical hurdles. I believe when Life demands changes, we must adapt and find balance. I see you are looking toward the positive and finding ways to do what you really enjoy with the people you love. I always find your posts "heartfelt" and uplifting - I wish you well.
Hi Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear about your fibromyalgia. But---I know you are relieved to finally get a diagnosis. AND-knowing you, you will be able to deal with it really well. Yes--you probably do need to slow down and find new hobbies. BUT-with your gifts and talents, that should not be a problem.
I'm struggling also not know whether I can do the things I love to do (like HIKING) anymore. I may need some new hobbies myself. My knee is better--but I can't walk much at all yet. Who knows about the future?
My love and prayers are with you. Thank God that you and I both have wonderful men in our lives...
Keep you chin up... Things will get better. Loved your pictures and of course, your hearts.
Hugs,
Betsy
Ouch! fibromyalgia, not nice. Will alternative meds like accupuncture work?
This is a wonderful posting, and comes at a good time for me to remember to slow down and enjoy every moment.
what a great attitude you have, gratitude can turn any day into a wonderful day. hang in there and enjoy each day, reducing your stress is bound to help any illness.
Cheryl you are doing wonderful, I had a friend with fibromyalgia and she was so tired she could barely hold her head up most of the time and it took forever it seems before she healed.
I love your attitude, please take care of yourself and I guess diet has a lot to do with this disease.
Will keep you in my heart and prayers.....:-) Hugs
Absolutely gorgeous, stunning photos, Cheryl. Every photo is so uplifting. The drops of moisture on the flowers really do look like drops of jewels. I'm sorry you're having to deal with Fibro. I've got three friends who have to deal with it. I'm glad to say they are keeping it under control. There's so much more information on this condition than there used to be.
That's the right attitude, Cheryl! Stay positive and don't stop living because of your illness, just do things differently.
I had to click on the link to find out about your illness. I used to work in a data entry department and many of the workers have been doing the same repetitive work for over 10 years. Most of them were diagnosed with carpal tunnel and tendinitis. The symptoms to these illnesses are similar to yours.
Take care and I look forward to reading many, many more of your posts ^_^
oh Cheryl, i checked this term out.. sounds like i have this too.. pain all around.. well, not to worry so much Cheryl, yes, look positive, life is precious and God is taking care of us! take care..
Keep going with your positive/healthy lifestyle I'm sure it helps! Oh I love those flowers, feel wanna smell it!
Dora
Hi Cheryl,
What a touching post! I really do hope that you feel better soon. I love to read your wonderful post and see the wonderful pics that you post. The flowers are lovely, as lovely as your heart. Take care and stay positive.
How can one's spirits not be lifted by this sunny yellow lily?
How can our spirits not be lifted by your positive thought?
Hi Cheryl,
Kudos to you for your positive and wise attitude to life! There's much to learn from you.
Whatever you do to help yourself, try first the naturopathic way. It usually works and has no side effects.
I'm sorry to hear about your fibromyalgia. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Hopefully you will be able to continue doing many of the things you enjoy and will find other activities when necessary that bring you happiness. The pictures you've shared with us here are gorgeous.
I hope you feel better very soon Cheryl. Your blog is full of beauty.
Love your hearts and thoughts.
I always feel great after I read your blog. Take care.
Beautiful pics as always...
Hi Cheryl, Great post!! Your positive attitude and loving heart shine in your writing. I am so glad to know you.
Cheryl,
I love the photos of the flowers. I especially like the daisies next to the old building. Just looking at the lovely posting cheers me.
I sure hope everything goes well with you. I'm sorry about the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. I know it's painful, but with you positive attitude I believe you will make it well. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love these photos of the rain drops on the flowers, Cheryl. Raindrops on flowers are always beautiful, and you captured them well. Great post, which is nothing new for you.
Beautiful post in feeling and photos..love the rain on the flowers....the daisies against the old building very nice !!!
Hi Cheryl,
You are such a positive lady. I love your pics. Wishing you the wellness always. May God Bless U.
Hi, angeline here from M'sia.
Hello Cheryl, regret to read of your medical problem. You take it easy, and I'm sure you will be fine.
You are just like your this blog header pic and pics of flowers, bright and cheery.....like a rainbow after a rain, dew on a rose....with a positive and humorous look at life, you will be okay.
I have never heard of this problem. let alone pronouncing it, ha ha....
Okay, will just stick to your beautiful stones and rocks. Have fun, Cheryl....Lee.
Hi Cheryl. These photos are beautiful. I especially like the daisies. I also like your header photo.
Your old shed made the perfect back drop for the daisies.
Love your positive attitude. They say, life is what we make it. So I think most of us women, pull ourselves up by the boot straps and continue on, even when in pain. Hang in there.
P.S. Beautiful flowers with the rain drops on them. I love sunflowers, they are very cheery.
Dear Cheryl, I can't help but be inspired! Such lovely thoughts, just one of the many things I love best about blogging. Sorry to hear about your fibromyalgia. But no worries, i can see that you will not let it defeat you in any way. We're right behind you, girl!
Lovely photos, so refreshing! You know what, I am beginning to notice "hearts" where I do not usually see them -teehee. Another reason to thank blogging and blogger friends like you! :) *hugs*
This is really beautiful and inspiring!
Wonderful thoughts and beautiful photos. You have a great attitude and that's half the battle. The best to you as you deal with this disease!
I love your photos,and your attitude!! I have friends who also have fibromyalgia, and learned how to make the best of most situations. Good luck and God bless ya.
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