My "Life Rules" for surviving with fibro.

[phlebo123]

Thought I would share with you all the "rules" that I follow to help me "survive" each day. They are the hardest thing that I have ever done and I have to be very firm and strong with myself in order to achieve them in our modern stressful world, but at least it means I can achieve some reasonable quality of life.

1) Meet your own needs first and always put yourself FIRST ( you have probably realised that everyone else around you always put themselves first!!) -- this is not about being "selfish" it is about getting "the balance right".

2) Practice "honest communication of your feeling" with others -- be brave and "stand up" for yourself and don't just agree with someone just because you feel that you have to or that is what they are expecting from you.

3) Create clear boundaries around "unfair/ill-treatment" by others. Do not be afraid to say "No more" when others are expecting too much from you. Don't be afraid to ask others for help -- it is not a "sign of weakness" -- it is about "sharing responsibilities"

The hardest part of "obeying" these rules is finding the "inner strength, determination and courage" to use them everyday.

Don't forget that "managing" and "pacing" should be 2 of the most important words that you need to incorporate into your life.

Hope this makes some sense to you all!!! xxxx

[Hidden]

Thank you for that post, I am working on some of the same issues but it's small steps and some days I can follow it and other days it all goes out the window! But I am getting better at it and find your post very encouraging

[Hidden]

Thank you for posting this message Phlebo, very sensible advice there - all we have to do now is the hard part and try to follow it!

Many thanks!

(((hug))) xxx

Libs

[phlebo123]

Hi MaryT -- glad to hear that these "rules" make sense to you and you are working on making them work for you. Eventually they Will become a natural part of your "New life" -- Don' t be discouraged by setbacks -- like you say keep taking one step at a time. it really sounds to me that you are heading in the right direction --- I think we can all take great encouragement from each other. well done! xx