Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries
When I was 19 years old, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.
I have a type A+ personality and “driven” is a mild term to describe my way of attacking life.
Because of my limited energy, and the fact that my pain levels go through the roof when I am stressed, I have been forced to learn the art of rest and balanced living.
In the years since my diagnosis, I have experienced many highs and many lows when it comes to my health.
At my worst, I am only able to function a few hours a day.
At my best, I can almost convince myself I am normal.
My constant aim is to eliminate the lows, and unfortunately, when it comes to fibromyalgia, that means eliminating the highs as well.
You see, when I feel great…I just want to go, go go!
But if I do that, I am setting myself up for a crash.
Slow and steady is the absolute best approach for me.
Fibromyalgia has taught me a lot about myself.
It has taught me to be humble because I honestly can’t do all of the things I want to do.
It has taught me to listen to my body because there are always signs when I am pushing myself too hard.
Living with fibromyalgia has taught me so many valuable life lessons.It has taught me to cherish and respect my down time, which includes getting 8-10 hours of sleep every single night without exception.
It has taught me to protect my mind and my schedule so I don’t become overstressed.
I have also learned that few people will understand my unique limitations.
This used to make me sad, but now it just makes me cherish the few friends and family members who really get me.
I especially appreciate my husband who has seen me at my worst and chose to marry me anyway.
I often choose not to talk about my pain, but rather focus my energy on all of the beautiful things in my life.
When I get trapped in self-pity, or I try to live my life like everyone else….I lose.
My way through this trial is to choose health every moment of every day.
Because I believe that unexpected trials are simply unprecedented opportunities for growth.
Unexpected trials are simply unprecedented opportunities for growth.It has been fifteen years since I received my diagnosis and twenty since I started suffering.
In that time, I have made many discoveries about HOW to get the most out of this body of mine.
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 NIV
If you are struggling with chronic illness, here are my best tips to help you grow through this trial:
- There is HOPE! Life can still be amazing, and wonderful, and delicious. You will just have to learn how to tackle it a bit differently.
- SLEEP is crucial. Sleep is the time when your body rebuilds itself. Make it a priority, now more than ever.
- Manage your STRESS. Stress will hurt your progress towards health more than anything else. Do whatever it takes to keep your stress levels down.
- FOOD matters. When you are trying to build your body up, what you choose to put in your mouth on a daily basis matters.
- All you need is 1-2 people who understand. Most people won’t get it, and that’s ok. Just find 1 or 2 people who you can be real and honest with about your condition.
- Respect your LIMITATIONS. Life is going to be different from here on out, but that is ok. Listen to your body, respect it, and you will still be able to do amazing things with your life.
- Have FAITH. God has allowed this in your life. He can use it for HIS GLORY. Trust in Him and you will discover your unique path.
Fibromyalgia does not define who I am, but it deeply impacts the way I live my life.
My body and my symptoms have become my guide.
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NIV
When I am making healthy choices, I feel health in my body; but when I am making poor choices, my health quickly declines.
I will never give up hope that someday I will overcome this disease, but for now, I am finding reasons to be grateful for it.
Fibromyalgia has forced me to make many changes in how I attack life; it has taught me compassion, balance, and self-control.
My way through this trial is to choose health every moment of every day.
Health for me starts with my relationship with the Lord.
If I am not healthy spiritually, I will not be healthy physically.Next, I focus on healthy relationships.
Nothing will zap your energy more than poor, unbalanced or negative relationships.
After that, I have to eat right, get moderate exercise, and take high-quality nutritional supplements.
I don’t always succeed in these areas, but my body thanks me when I do!
Finally, I have to be diligent with how I manage my time and my stress levels.
If I can do these things well, I can be well.
I would not have chosen this path for myself, yet God has done a tremendous work in me as I have learned to embrace my limitations.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
