Climbing Up and Over Mountains, Literally and Figuratively

Life never goes according to plan. Is there really even a plan, I sometimes wonder. I love when folks say everything happens for a reason. Of course, we may never know what that reason is, or if we do, we may not like it, but there is a reason nonetheless.

That being said, life has really thrown me a few "everything happens for a reason" moments. I'm sure it isn't anything each of us hasn't experienced at one time or another. Some more than others. I was, however, fortunate enough to have a great friend who, when I was feeling particularly low, sent me the following "reminders" at a time when I needed them the most. And now I am sharing those same reminders with you so that you can be reassured of the amazing person you are and how hard you've fought to get through things no one person should ever have to endure.

Climbing Mountains.

Approximately 20 years ago, when I was just 26 years old, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Back then, people called it controversial or the "catch all' disease because doctors couldn't link all the physical and physiological problems one experienced with any other disease that could be diagnosed through traditional tests, including blood work. Having lived with this "disease" for so long, I can tell you the symptoms and pain I feel are very much real and NOT a figment of my imagination. There is so much more known about this disorder, lovingly dubbed "Fibro," these days that we will explore in greater detail throughout this journey, keeping in mind I am a sufferer of Fibro and not a medical expert. The information I share is solely based on my experiences. But for now, the basics.

As taken directly from the Mayo Clinic website:

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and non-painful signals.

Symptoms often begin after an event, such as physical trauma, surgery, infection, or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event.

Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms. Exercise, relaxation, and stress-reduction measures also may help.

My fibro was triggered by trauma, both physical and psychological but that is a topic for another day. As a way to combat the widespread, excruciating pain I felt on the regular, I threw myself into exercising, more specifically, running and hiking. This was especially important as I didn't respond well to traditional medications prescribed for this disorder. I now know, without a doubt, that if I hadn't been as active as I have for the last twenty years, I would not be walking upright, let alone running or walking half marathons and hiking mountains. It's critical that you find at least one form of physical activity you are passionate about, whether it be hiking, running, cycling, or weight lifting. Whatever motivates you and gets you up and moving. It very well might save your life and your sanity. I know it has for me.

So as I venture off into north Georgia with my loved ones in a few weeks for our annual family trip, we will find many waterfalls and mountains to hike. I made several promises (or bucket list items) to myself over the years. One of which is to hike various parts of the Appalachian Trail any time I am traveling close to its' magnificent mountain range. I look forward to sharing those adventures with you too. Keep in mind that I am very much an amateur when it comes to hiking, but I love it all the same.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

I am going to remind myself daily to be more kind to myself. To look out for my well-being in whatever form or fashion I need to. Whether that be through running, hiking, fishing, journaling, or even sharing my experiences through this blog post with you so that you know you aren't the only one who thinks "I am so mental". Granted, it's much easier said than done but together, I think we can accomplish it.

So my ask of you is very simple..... Be kind to yourself! Know that you are doing the best you can, at any given time, with the resources you have, during an "everything happens for a reason" moment and that is 100% okay! If you should feel so inclined, or if any of this resonated with you, I encourage you to leave a comment....tell me something good or if you don't have it in you just yet, tell me whatever strikes a chord with you so that we can get the conversation started.