I can't do it all

I have spent most of my adult years with the attitude that everything can get done and will. I didn't need sleep if costumes needed to be made or the cast list needed to be posted- even though I worked 10-12 hour days as it was.


Yes, that's crazy. I've learned my lesson. Actually I've learned more than that. My health is more important than anything I think I need to do. It took a few hard knocks, but I'm grounded now. That's why I didn't blog for the past few days. 


I was terribly ill. I have been having a horrible reaction to a new medication (and my doctor is on vacation) while enduring my normal pain and some new pains that are just awful.


I'm not telling you all this for sympathy. It's my goal to express the importance of taking care of ourselves. Blogging is one of my favorite things, so almost everyday, when my pain is at a dull roar, I write. It brings me happiness.


Sometimes I don't have that break to blog. Or read. Or do much of anything but rest. Unfortunately, that is the nature of our conditions if we have Fibromyalgia and/or an autoimmune disease. But I am fortunate enough to be home to blog and read and write my stories.


We don't have to do it all. Not in perfect health or compromised health. Besides, it all gets done in it's own time. Put yourself first so you can be there for your family. Then, if you're feeling up to it, add things on.


Be good to yourself.


peace and love,
sunee

It's the little things

Great big gifts with huge bows or small, possibly blue, little boxes are generally what we think will bring us happiness. Even giving gifts can bring happiness.

I can't lie, I love a present. But presents only keep us happy for so long, generally speaking. The things that give us the kind of happiness that lasts are almost always intangible.

An unexpected card, phone call or visit from a friend are the things that leave us with a sincere feeling of love. Even sending the card, making the call or doing the genuine loving thing is like gift to ourselves.

And, for the record, I don't mean a text. I mean the real deal. Hearing one another's voice, getting something in the mail that isn't a bill. The simple things that touch our heart.

So bring a smile to someone you love. It'll leave you smiling, too.

peace & love,
sunee


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

Helping others

Sick or not, we all want some love and attention (except maybe the super shy or total loners). It makes us feel wanted and cared for.

Being ill I love when someone in the family decides to pamper me or listen to my
list of all my ailments and all the things I want tow do when I feel better. I'm sure it's taxing on those close to me- even when I keep my neediness to a minimum. I have really hard times and it means so much to me when people reach out. Even a kind text or call warms my heart.

No matter how much or how little we can do for family or friends in need, it's all good. A card, sending flowers or gift baskets, and, of course, sincere words in person or on the phone can boost someone's spirits.

We all know these things but often we don't practice them. We're worried about ourselves and not for the person in need. And let's not forget the people close to us. They may be having trouble or are ill. Maybe they're grieving or worried about someone close to them. They may need a boost, sincere understanding and an open ear.

Illness is not the only reason to reach out. Sometimes people are going through ugly things in their lives and need comforting. It may be something we do not feel is as serious, but it may be serious to them. Being a friend or family member means we listen and help in whatever way we can.

I personally enjoy helping others. I genuinely want to find ways I can help (now that I'm much less active). I listen, offer suggestions, help create a way to get the rough time.

Sometimes the best way to help is to give a big hug and a smile. So I'm sending out hugs and smiles!

peace & love,
sunee


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Home

frustration

It's easy to become frustrated when you're faced with limitations. We all have limitations, but for those of us with Fibromyalgia and/or autoimmune diseases it seems we are often limited from everything.


I'm frustrated. I'm not letting it ruin or rule my life, but I am really frustrated. I know many people know what I mean. I have so many symptoms and severe pain that I cannot help but become frustrated because so far nothing helps.


That means I cannot go certain places, enjoy many activities, even get out of the house. Frustrating. I'm grateful and happy with what I do have and can do, but I think it's okay to get frustrated now and again. It's probably healthy. Let's face it, acting like everything is okay and we're strong enough to handle all of the pain etc every single day is hard work.


As far as frustration goes, I personally think it's okay to feel that way once in a while. We're only human and we're dealing with a lot. Just don't stay frustrated. It's an ugly side of us and pushes people away.


We all have to experience frustration, or any feeling, and then move forward.


I'm moving forward now.


peace and love,
sunee

be happy

Sometimes it's difficult to be happy with what is. Yet, all of our problems, and we all have our share) shouldn't prevent our overall happiness.


I'm not suggesting that we're overflowing with joy when we get bad news, big bills, health issues and the rest.


We'll have dips and bumps in the road, but we need to have that inner peace and joy so that we are happy people no matter what happens.


I admit that my cheerful personality took a nose dive when I was first diagnosed and I feel deeper into a depression. I stopped waking up happy and going with what was happening- not that I was stressed out at times- I tended to still be laugh easily and I smiled a lot. I'm sure, however, that my family saw through my facade. I am good natured normally, but I faked it during the worst parts of depression. I felt like a useless burden.


We all deserve to be happy. Sometimes it takes work. A lot of work. We need to find a way to see the joy in life. Counseling, Psychiatrists and support groups are extremely helpful to get out of any type of rut or serious depression we happen to be in. It's so important to seek help if you are buried in sadness and depression. I know it helped me tremendously.


No longer being able to work, or working less and having accommodations are constant reminders for those of us with chronic pain and other illnesses. Being home may bring on guilt and other negative feelings because of lost income. I know I was pathetic at first. Now I'm adjusted to being home. I even enjoy it, and, best of all,  I accept help. Everyday I feel more joy seep into me.


Being negative is easy. Finding the goodness and the blessings may take a little work. But it's worth it. Reversing negative thoughts to something better or positive every time they come up will help and it should become habit. Being sick doesn't mean we have to be depressed or buried in guilt. We need to appreciate all of the blessings even more. It doesn't hurt to spend a little time with positive,  funny people either. It boosts your spirits.


So, practice positive thinking, even when it's so hard you feel low and sad and angry you're sick,  just acknowledge the negative thoughts and let them go. You can. We didn't mean to get sick so don't let that cloud your judgement. Having some happiness and feeling joyful is something we're all entitled to.


We have to chose to be happy. Be happy with me! I can feel you smiling already :)


peace and love,
sunee

taking control

I am almost always in pain. I have a mountain of symptoms and physical problems. I have a emotional problems, too. These are probably the result of my illnesses. I would list all my aches and pain all, but it's boring to hear the whole list.


I'm telling you this because I am working on controlling my neediness. If I don't work on this I'll be having pity parties everyday. Those parties suck because no one comes.


But pain and funky problems shouldn't define me. I am a caring, thoughtful and generous woman. I have a good sense of humor and I'm silly. I'm sensitive. I have directed over 20 plays, I taught and love Improvisational Comedy. I write. Stories, poems and plays. I am not just a "sick" woman, I am the sum of my parts.


Obviously any health issues we have make up some of who we are, but we need to let the other parts shine, too. We control that. 


It's so easy to let any illness define us. We can just be sick. Or, we can balance our lives so that we can be ourselves. Taking control means taking good care of yourself while still enjoying your life. You can modify activities or take up new hobbies.


I'm in no way saying you should become a control freak. We just need to come out of the shadows and join life. After all, life is not a dress rehearsal. Get yourself back if you haven't already.


Enjoy!


peace and love,
sunee

Oops

So yesterday I blogged about how to relax and how important relaxation is. Today I threw that out the window and did too much for how I bad I've felt all day.

I was a bit stir crazy so I did a small chore that has been irking me. It actually irked me for weeks and so I emptied this and carried that and filled another thing.

I rested a bit then I looked for things to go to the Goodwill. That involved climbing (I'm only 5" tall) to get to the top shelf of my closet. While up there I found a lot of cool stuff I forgot I had. I just had to investigate.

It sort of snow balled from there. Looking through this, organizing that.

I should note that I woke up at 6:30 am in terrible pain all over my body, but much more intense in my arms and legs. My knee is quite swollen. I realize that many people have less pain than I do, but pain is pain and we need to listen to our bodies.

The truth of the matter is that we're not perfect and we don't have to be. I'll suffer a lot from all I did today and (hopefully) learn to slow down and do less. That's hard for a former workaholic.

I've improved. Seriously. I do have my days, though, when I fall back into bad habits. I'm still learning, too.

When this type of thing happens I don't berate myself. It's hard enough being sick. We need to forgive and love ourselves. And, no matter what, take relaxing and resting seriously.

So slow down and take it easy- one simple chore at a time.

peace and love,
sunee


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

the art of relaxing

Some people innately know how to relax. They can slow down and just chill, not worrying about bills, housework, what they'll be doing months from now, et cetera.


Then there's my group- people who have to learn to relax and just be. 


There are so many health reasons to spend time relaxing, including meditation. Unwinding, decompressing or letting go of stress can help with our blood pressure, headaches, many of the heart problems people suffer from, and pain.


For those of us with Fibromyalgia and/or autoimmune diseases relaxation can significantly lower our pain levels, and, a very important factor, help us enjoy our lives more.


So, how does one relax? Many of us are wound so tight we might snap. (Not that I can relate...) It is a process. We don't need to achieve Zen immediately. We can start with some simple steps.


The first step that helped me was to walk slower. It sounds silly but many of us have a speedy stride no matter what we're doing and that keeps us wound up. And while you're walking slower, try smiling.


Second, but not for everyone, is meditation. There are books on meditation, CDs, even apps for phones and Ipads. The idea is to clear your mind so that you can relax. My favorite anytime, anyplace mediation is to take 21 deep breaths, focusing on the air going in through the nose and out through the mouth. When mind chatter starts, acknowledge the thought than let it go.


Third, find an easy activity like reading, knitting, watching movies or sports, playing word games. Reading and word games keep me relaxed and I can let go of listing what chores need to be done and what we need from the store and...


Fourth, be creative and find what relaxes you. Is it sitting in the sun with a magazine, especially the gossip ones? Is it painting or drawing? (I prefer coloring books.) Or, maybe you play an instrument. Is it playing your guitar, drums, piano or another instrument?


Fifth, don't feel guilty about relaxing. We all need to do it, some more than others. Guilt is a wasted feeling. It isn't even an emotion. It's something we do to ourselves and we don't deserve that. Life is certainly hard enough without carrying guilt on our shoulders.


There are many steps, however, if we're good to ourselves and slow down a bit, relaxation will be easier to come by.


Walk slower and keep smiling. Enjoy the simple act of relaxation. You deserve it.


peace and love,
sunee

not all there

I genuinely felt sad that I wasn't able blog for the past few days. Unfortunately, I just didn't have it in me.


We all have days in which our productivity is low. We're sick, stressed or just tired. I was all three with some issues from my Sjogren's Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. 


I couldn't put a thought together. Well, I could, it just didn't make sense. I had to realize my limitations, once again. 


It can be challenging when you can't do what you would like to, or "should" do.  Many of us want to do everything (all at once) and then some extra- just in case.


I know from personal experience that limitations can be extremely frustrating. However, when you're not all there, even if part of you wants to be, you're just not all there. Unfortunately, my symptoms leave me "not all there" often, so my advice to myself and the rest of us is to keep our sense of humor. 


What we're going through may not be funny, but there's no point in stressing out or getting angry over what we can't control. Laughing is the best way I know to avoid self-pity. Self-pity often makes us hard to be around, kind of like pouring salt on a wound. 


So, when we are not all there it's okay to relax and maybe have a giggle.


peace and love,
sunee

Support Groups

Most of us need a support group for one thing or another. A group of people with a common bond, and, hopefully, you can be totally open with. After all, you shouldn't have to put on airs for your group of people going through nearly the same circumstances. Not every group will work for you. It may take trying a few.


There are well known supports groups for people in recovery. There are grief support groups. And, something many people may not know is that there are support groups for people with illnesses. 


All groups have different dynamics, however, the emphasis is rarely on complaining. Of course we need to talk about what's happening with us, but time spent together shouldn't be a vent-fest. We should be bouncing ideas of each other, sharing what works and what doesn't, mentoring new members as well as using the connections we've made to maybe to do a little complaining/venting.


Fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases are no different. There are many groups out there. The first few didn't suit my personality at all. Currently I have a Fibro group I really enjoy.


My point today is that we all need support. It is difficult enough coping with fibro and Sjogren's Syndrome (et cetera). I believe in support groups. Let's face it, it shouldn't all be dumped on your family.


I  hope you all get the support you need.


peace and love,
sunee

3-2-1 meltdown

If you've ever had a meltdown than you know just how I feel right now- better, embarrassed and exhausted. If you've never had a meltdown you could be a volcano, ready to erupt, or you have the self-control of a saint. If you don't know what a meltdown is I don't know if you have lived in a cave or you and your inner circle have a lot of restraint.

A meltdown is like a volcano erupting. Mount Sunee erupted around 2 pm today. (I'll use myself as the example since I brought up the topic in the first place.)

I become a crying, rambling, unable to rationalize with psycho. I lose my ability to know it will all be okay and tuen into a rather unstable and irrational. Generally out of nowhere do these proud moments occur. At least today I have a sort of reason.

I have been suffering from migraines on top of my "normal" pain due to Fibromyalgia and Sjogren's Syndrome. Just to make things more exciting I'm having horrendous nausea from a new medication I'm trying.

Today I just couldn't take it anymore. I have been a nervous wreck from constant pain. And then bam! I don't know exactly what set me off. I let it all out. Later I was filled with embarrassment and a bit of relief.

Granted, women tend to have more meltdowns than men. (Not so true during the teen years.) These lovely moments can be brought on by something as simple as having a bad hair day, although, in reality, that can be traumatic. I need to admit I was having a terrible hair day today.

The best way to handle someone's meltdown is to ride it out, like a short storm. I know I'm relatively hard to calm down and I come down better in my own time.

By then way, I know that I'm extremely emotional.

Hopefully you'll avoid a meltdown, at least for awhile. But, honestly, we're only human.

peace & love,
sunee


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Location:Home

Alternative health care

Anyone who follows my blog or knows me will agree that I am open to Alternative health care. I am a believer in acupuncture, massage, antioxidants, strange lotions, potions, green tea and yoga.


Next week I should be trying Reiki. I personally don't know very much about Reiki, other than I believe it has to do with our flow of energy.


I would never go against my Rheumatologist or try a treatment without checking with him. And, at the advice of my psychiatrist, I won't research each little symptom or possible side effect. They are my experts. If your doctors aren't your experts, that might be what you want to research and fix first.


I have said it before and I will keep saying it- we need to have an open mind if we want to feel less pain. We need to make lifestyle changes to be open to what you've read/heard about.


Okay, first off, don't believe in everything you read. Second, don't run out and buy something that your neighbor's aunt used and it changed her life.


If we are too easily swayed or too uptight we become hard to treat whether it be traditional and/or alternative healthcare.


I wish you and open mind and a pain free body.


peace and love,
sunee

purposeful living

Most, if not all, of us want to live with purpose. I'm not implying changing the world. We want to feel that we have a purpose. That there's a reason to get up everyday. 


Sometimes we get stuck in a dead end job, we've been laid off, we get divorced or just we fall into a rut. That can lead to a lack of motivation or even depression.


For those of us with illnesses it becomes easier to get into a funk or a full blown depression. And, for those of us that no longer work, it becomes easier to become depressed.


That's why finding something that makes us feel connected is so important.. We can volunteer and do charitable things. But we're not wrong if we aren't headed in that direction. Maybe we just need something for ourselves.


Returning to a hobby we let fall to the wayside because we felt it took too much time, effort et cetera. Sports, if we're able, like surfing, playing volley ball, hiking, sailing, playing tennis or running marathons, to name a small portion, all give a sense of connection and accomplishment.


For those of us that aren't as inclined to get a feeling of satisfaction from sweating and competing, there are many other options. Cooking and baking, reading, painting or drawing, scrap booking and knitting are a few other options. And I know I would feel very satisfied if I could give someone something I made.


But my creative outlet happens to be writing. I write this blog, short stories, poems and plays. I have had a hard time embracing this outlet that always makes me feel I'm doing something that is purposeful. 


I had a hard time just being home full time again. I read, blogged a little, wrote a little here and there, but I didn't do it with purpose. I haven't even enjoyed cooking or baking, and I'm a total foodie.


It's time for me to add purpose to my days and I plan to write more and with dedication. I have goals and commitments I made to myself. I feel excited and ready. I feel like cooking again. I have always wanted to crochet and I plan to try that, too. 


Not everything we take on need to be done perfectly, nor do they need to be done all at once.


I plan to start by writing this blog regularly and work on some stories that I've been wanted to write. 


My point being that we need to give purpose to our lives and it just may start by being good to ourselves. 


peace and love,
sunee


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informed, but not too informed

It's important to learn about a medical condition you're diagnosed with.


When I was first diagnosed, and whenever I feel worse or have new symptons, I start reading up on Fibromyalgia and Sjogren's Syndrome.


Sometimes we read and research to the point that we freak ourselves out, feel symptoms we didn't before, question the diagnosis and worry ourselves sick.


I have books about both conditions. I even have one on living with Sjogren's, what to expect as the disease progresses since my own body is attacking itself in certain ways.


I have, however, worked myself into a panic by reading too much about the future- when I don't even know how severe the Sjogren's will progress.


As far as Fibro, make sure what you're reading is up to date. Much of it may be helpful and may help you write a list of questions to ask your doctor. Or, it can scare you.


My (new) philosophy on reading about and researching is to do it when something new has actually occurred and reading only about that. There is so much information available. It's hard to know when enough is enough. For our own good, keep it to what you need from who you trust.


We're all looking for answers, but keep in mind that we may not be reading legitimate or up to date information. Check your sources.


And remember, too much information can be a dangerous thing.


peace and love,
sunee

letting go and letting others

No matter what our health or circumstances, delegating chores and errands takes the load off the person who normally handles those sort of things.


In my case, I used to run the errands and do a good deal of chores as well. Now I need to have help.


The most important thing that comes from our, "letting go and letting other," stems from the fact that our loved ones feel needed and have a purpose. There's nothing to be gained from being a martyr. Martyrdom is generally accompanied by some sort of, "whoa is me. I do so much," speech. That just builds resentments.


When we allow people to help us we all benefit. For example, I need help with everything from getting my laundry downstairs to getting a ride to my many doctor appointments. Letting go of all the control that comes with martyrdom frees us up in many ways.


I personally need a lot of help these days and I was the typical workaholic and control freak. It was difficult to let my husband grocery shop at first. By and by I am taking all the help offered and that I shouldn't be doing, anyway.


If you're struggling with health issues take all the help you can get. If you can afford it, get a housekeeper, a dog walker, or anything that is difficult to do.


I still wear myself out at times, but I'm a slow learner. Our first responsibility is to ourselves, because we're absolutely no good to anyone if we break down. And I mean break down- over stressed from bills and that sort of thing, stressed from pain and discomfort, and, maybe even cranky.


By letting go and letting others we are letting them in to our lives and strengthening relationships.


Who cares if it's not the way you do it? No one expects perfection once they let go. 


Aah, I think I'll take a hot bath as my family cooks and cleans up dinner.


peace and love,
sunee

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to work or not to work

To work or not to work, that is the question. Well, it is for many people with Fibromyalgia and/or autoimmune diseases. 


Not all of us have a choice. I could have continued teaching, but the degree to which I suffering was ridiculous and the pain was written all over my face. And here I was thinking no one could see through my facade. After all, I used to teach acting and enjoyed acting myself. 


However, there are many people with fibro that's a lot easier to manage. Fibro ranges from some discomfort and those who have bad days or flare-ups that may keep them home once in a while to serious pain daily.


But what about those who have more frequent flare-ups, but not enough to cause them to leave a career they enjoy? Not everyone has an understanding and accommodating boss/superior. There's also the money and health insurance issue. 


Financial issues can force someone to suffer to get through each day. I am learning to cut back. I don't need cute new clothes all of the time. I can live without a new, designer purse. Okay, those are tough things to give up for a woman like me, I'm not going to lie. But every "sacrifice" is justified every morning, struggling to get my stiff, hurting body out of bed. 


I'm sure many others haven't been able to control their pain, either. Then we are faced with working or not. I do write when I feel well enough, but that is also enjoyable. Plus, it's easier to use a computer sitting down.


Since I stopped working I've dealt with the rolling eye attitude that my  daily pain kept me from working. "Did you think about going part-time?" or "You're so lucky you can stay home all day!"


I am lucky in that my husband and family support my staying home. In fact, not everyone supported my going back to work. They were right, too. The excitement of teaching at a different school, in an environment I loved, wore off as the weather started to cool and I could barely move. I cried often.


I respect those who can work through the pain, the "fibro fog" and the lack of energy that occurs. I also respect those who love their career and change their schedule or uses their vacation and sick days for flare-ups. But for some of us, it just isn't possible.


Maybe if I were tougher, ate a specific diet, got acupuncture or got a new, better medication...


Well, I take a lot of medications. A lot. And from what I read I take the best and latest medications for my conditions. Believe me, getting to stay home in horrendous pain doesn't feel so lucky. It can be lonely and frustrating. (Plus, where am I going to wear all my cute work clothes?)


When you have a disability that people cannot see many of them will make assumptions. Yet, the choice to work or not is personal and no one should make it based on what uneducated people have to say. 


Taking care of ourselves is the most important thing. The choice needs to be based on your particular pain and other symptoms. 


Don't worry about what other people think. Try to laugh it off. If you're in the position to make the decision currently, give some serious thought to how your body feels and your quality of life while working. 


Whatever works best for you is the right choice.


peace and love,
sunee

I may be crazy, but...

It's all in your head.


That's what many people with Fibromyalgia are told. Well, implied. I went through that for about six years before I finally had it confirmed that I was, in fact, suffering. Not that I wasn't benefiting from the visits to the psychiatrist, but I was still in horrible pain.


As it turned out I had more than Fibro. I made the rounds of specialists and they found the Sjogren's Syndrome, after which I was diagnosed Fibro.


It was a long road. I know many of you have played the diagnosis game for a variety of health reasons. It does start to make a person feel a bit crazy.


What I didn't appreciate was being told I didn't have anything wrong with me aside from a case of depression. Not that I didn't suffer from depression, but that was after I was told all that was wrong with me.


I still have bouts with depression. It can be discouraging to never feel good. However, now I know that comes with the territory. And, that it's okay.


I know that many of us take what people tell us about ourselves to heart. If they said it, it must be true, right? Not so much.


We know more about what's going on with us than we give ourselves credit for. I wish I knew that eight years ago. Maybe longer. 


It's not only beneficial but also more fun to accept who we are. We'll make more headway in all aspects of our lives. I'm practicing acceptance more and more everyday.


And, it's okay to be a little crazy. Or a lot.


peace and love,
sunee


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It's okay

I know it stresses many of us out when we don't achieve anything that day, week, hour. I used to be an overachiever and workaholic. I enjoyed it like crazy. I felt accomplished. And I knew what I did was good.


Things change. We change occupations, we slow down, maybe we get sick.


Whatever the reasons, it's okay. We don't have to accomplish something every hour, day or week. That doesn't make us less than. It may improve the quality of our lives. Or, maybe you changed occupations to something slower paced.


In my case, I got sick. I've had a hard time learning it's okay. It's okay that I'm not accomplishments everyday. It's okay that I don't work. It's okay that I can't make dinner many days, or run errands for that manner. It's okay that I can only write somedays. 


It's okay. 


No matter what our circumstances, it's okay to stop trying to do it all. In the long run, slowing down adds only goodness to our lives.


I have had trouble appreciating this slow lifestyle. Once I stopped working I was going to write everyday. I was going to tackle household projects. I was going to cook great food every night. But it hasn't worked out that way.


And, it's okay.


I write when I can. I cook once in a while. I just rest, relax and try to show some improvement.


We have to realize that we don't have to be number one- student, employee, mother...


It's okay.


Let's just be the best we can be and let that be okay. We'll be much happier that way.


peace and love,
sunee


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Writing

When you're stuck at home in pain (or due to other reasons) it can get boring, irritating and can easily lead to Depression. We begin we feel useless at times.


If we can't get out to appreciate the beautiful summer weather there are things I do that help me feel useful. productive and not just stimulated but entertained.


I have many days when all I could do was rest and I was left with feelings of uselessness and depression.


We do have a lot of fun things at our disposal. I write. Plays, poems, short stories, and, soon, the great American novel (if you're hearing "Paperback Writer" by The Beatles we're on the same page).


I can honestly confess I am not motivated when I am in horrible pain, but on days when the pain is moderate I work on my writing. 


You don't have to be a "writer" to write. Journaling is a great start. I don't mean the "Dear Diary" kind of thing, unless you're into that, I mean draw in your journal, cut out pictures from magazines or get things from the internet. Make a recipe book, for example. A book for your relatives, with pictures that follows a story line. Or maybe a children's story for your kids or all those ones in your family. 


But if you want to write "real" stories there are kits to get you started and a million sites online with how to get your writing going with character ideas et cetera. Or write angry mail to your condition or pain.


And then there's crafting. I cannot begin to list all of the wonderful crafting hobbies there are. It's all about enjoying yourself instead of suffering and the sense of accomplishment. And many crafting hobbies are inexpensive.


We are always in control of how we respond to our circumstances. May you find something that eases the pain or problems.


peace and love,
sunee

having a "life"

After being laid up for several months I have come to a few realizations. I am imagining you're thinking, "What else would she be doing with all that time?" I agree. It took me quite a while. First I felt sorry for myself, with my heating pads and constant pain. Then I got confused about who I was now and what would, or should, I do. Then I experienced depression.


My pain has gotten worse, but I've gotten out a bit more. I'm not hitting the clubs or being a social butterfly. I've started doing things that I enjoy but are realistic for someone with Fibromyalgia and Sjogren's Syndrome. I mean tons of doctor's appointments are fun and all, but variety is nice.


I joined a positive support group. We go on short walks (at a moderate pace) and talk about life. I've been to a concert I really wanted to attend. I have had short visits with friends- long enough to be enjoyable, yet short enough not to exhaust me. I go for short walks and drives with my husband.


Everyone has to find their own way to have in their a lives while dealing with chronic pain and other conditions. I can only offer what I'm doing. But, it is really changing my attitude. I feel less isolated. I find it easier to relax when I'm not busy and I'm not as angry about my pain anymore. 


Life is good. Sometimes it feels more complicated and difficult to remember that. But, it's our job. My pain may never go away. In fact it's increasing. But I'm still here and I want a life.


And let's add in family- especially children. I don't think it's healthy to be mopey all the time and make them feel scared, confused and maybe even sick of it.


Hobbies help, too. Whatever works for you. Whatever takes you away from the stress, pain and depression. 


We can have a life. It just may not be the life we imagined. Honestly, do things ever go how we imagined, anyway?


So add a few small activities to your routine and smile. We are blessed with the life we've been given, problems and all.


May you feel happiness with your life.


peace and love,
sunee

June 30

• 
  
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patience

• Patience is a virtue, right? Well, there are so many things to be patient about these days that I am starting to believe that we'll need to get our virtue elsewhere. I will, anyway.
  
  
  People get impatient with themselves and their kids, bosses and employees, friends and relatives.
  
  
  I'm am getting extremely impatient with my Fibromyalgia and Sjogren's Syndrome. I am out of patience with this severe pain. I have no patience for pain every single day. I'm impatient for remedies, relief, cures to feel normal again.
  
  
  I know all the tips and tricks for resuming patience and control. I meditate, including mindfulness meditation, I don't try to handle everything at one time. I do deep breathing, especially the 21 deep breaths to find my center and resume patience.
  
  
  I share with others how to find a balance so that they can become patient once again.
  
  
  I'm just not a particularly patient person when it comes to pain. Sometimes I am, but lately the type of pain I'm having has caused me to be all over the place emotionally and I have no more patience. The pain is making me antsy and agitated and sick and tired of the whole ordeal. But what about my family? How does all that effect them?
  
  
  I don't want to be impatient with my family members because I am in pain. I don't want to be impatient with myself or my doctors. 
  
  
  I believe it's a choice. It takes some self control and practice, but it is worth it in every sense. We're all going through something or another, whether it be financial issues, family issues, social issues or anything that agitates or saddens us.
  
  
  We often need to slow down, maybe meditate or do deep breathing before we can look at the situation clearly and find the patience to get through it. Prioritize and know it's all going to be okay. 
  
  
  I know I do.
  
  
  So, maybe patience is an important virtue.
  
  
  peace and love,
  sunee
  
  
  
  
     all we need is 
  
  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206918132677487
• 
  

  6 for 1 of Chef BeLive's eBook "Orgasm of the Taste Buds", HELP OTHERS!

  Location: EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD! Help it go viral!

  Time: ‎2:00AM Saturday, July 2nd
  Share