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Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Chronic Pain | Last Active: 16 hours ago | Replies (7067)

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@rwinney

@rivermaya34 I hear you saying so many good things like mindful, big picture, focus on me, etc... I'm impressed! You certainly are saying the right things and are on the right track. A full plate can be destructive when dealing with chronic symptoms, as you were finding out. It is a real blow when reality sets in that life must change and be recreated in order to find the best quality of life for oneself. Saying it is one thing, but doing is another and it takes time. Please give yourself grace along the way and remember... Self-Care Is Not Selfish.

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Replies to "@rivermaya34 I hear you saying so many good things like mindful, big picture, focus on me,..."

@rwinney This weekend was devastating for me, pain and sleep-wise. No sleep + worst pain ever = bad combination. Thankfully, tho, it was the first time in years I was able to just take a few minutes and cry. And, on top of that, I was able to reach out to a friend (my former figure skating coach, an Olympian at that) who really came alongside me to support, encourage and advocate for me. She even affirmed that it's ok "to slow down" and is probably necessary now. It's really humbling, but hard, to allow others who have always viewed you as "strong" to watch you hit rock bottom then come down and sit with you in the pit before offering a hand out. It's a deeper level of love than I'll ever be able to understand this side of Heaven! Yesterday was the first time I was able to voice to her and another friend that I just needed someone to sit with me while I cry...an enormous step for a hard-headed, independent, strong-willed girl like myself lol. But, your reminders above are absolutely golden and needed... that "it's not selfish" and to "extend grace" personally. As I've decreased my pace in life (with some things, not everything), it's blessed me by presenting opportunities to gaze at beautiful scenery more, increase my gratitude for life itself and basic functions, and ultimately encourage others in their hard times. Thank you for being such a bright spot among this community! 🙂