Chronic Migraine Warrior: Keep On Keepin' On

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Keep On Keepin' On

Patients For A Moment (PFAM) is a patient-centered blog carnival to build connections within the community of people who blog about illness, disease, and disability. Aviva, at Sick Momma, is hosting the next edition of the PFAM blog carnival: "What do you do to get yourself out of the doldrums when you fall into a funk? What (or who) inspires you and gives you hope? Where have you found inspiration when you weren't even looking for it? How do you keep on keeping on when you pain is high and your fatigue is even higher?"

When I find myself in a funk, my first instinct is to push others away and isolate myself (more than I already am). It's definitely NOT the right thing to do, but it's my "first line of defense." Luckily, I don't live alone, and my husband does everything he can to help me gain a better perspective on things.

Although I've done this less than I should have, writing out my thoughts, feelings, fears, and anxieties can be very cathartic (as can writing out my joys and gratitude). There's something about writing things out that helps purge the negativity from within.

I also have a very supportive family and online group that encourage me to always return to my faith. When things get really difficult, it can be easy to fall down, and it's such a blessing to have people surrounding you that will help pick you back up and remind you that you have a God that loves you unconditionally.

Honestly, when my pain is high and my fatigue is even higher, I have a difficult time holding onto hope on my own. I depend on others for prayer and support... much more than I'd like to (I've never been good at needing to depend on others). Thankfully, I have a handful of people in my life that are willing to pray and hold on to hope for me, when I cannot do it myself. I'm forever grateful for these individuals!

By the way, this song is a good reminder, too...