24-50. It's no Excuse, just fact. - Self Discovery Wisdom Podcasts

Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from December 10th

“Yes, I have fibromyalgia, a health condition that causes daily pain and can sometimes cripple me, but that is no excuse.” No I do not feel sorry for myself, just stating a fact.

Living with fibromyalgia and Myofascial is a challenge I’ve faced for over 27 years, and I have had asthma for 68 years. The pain is constant, rarely dropping below a five, and always accompanied by symptoms like chronic fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, IBS, aches and pain, and so much more. While this condition affects every aspect of my life, I refuse to let it define me. It’s not an excuse; it’s simply the reality I navigate daily.

Fibromyalgia, now recognized as a disease, affects 2-3% of the population and growing and disproportionately impacts women, usually between ages 30 and 60. I was diagnosed in my late forties, and though its cause remains uncertain, it’s linked to how the nervous system processes pain. Symptoms like widespread pain, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive struggles (what we call “fibro fog”) are just some of the hurdles. These challenges don’t stop me—they simply mean I’ve had to adapt and find new ways to live fully. They are not my excuse but my reason for being unable to do what others can.

Living with this condition requires careful pacing and managing energy. Overexertion can lead to burnout, so I balance what I can do with recovery time. It’s not always easy to explain this to others, as my condition isn’t visible. Declining invitations or taking things slower might seem like laziness to some, but it’s my way of respecting my limits.

In addition to fibromyalgia, I manage ADD and dyslexia, which make focus and productivity harder, especially when compounded by fibro-fog. Yet, over the past 12+ years, I’ve built a career I love, from podcasting and authoring and producing books to sharing stories from incredible individuals through my podcasting. My work energizes me and gives me purpose.

I also care for my grandchildren weekly, a rewarding but tiring role, especially on days when the pain is intense, or the weather worsens my symptoms. Humidity, in particular, takes a toll, but I’ve learned to listen to my body and prioritize self-care. Music, for example, helps me reset emotionally and physically, serving as a powerful tool to counter pain and lift my spirits.

Despite my challenges, I focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t. Life with a chronic condition requires adaptability, determination, and boundaries. It’s about managing, not excusing, and finding joy in the small victories.

As we approach the holiday season, I encourage everyone—especially those managing health challenges—to be kind to themselves. Plan recovery time before and after celebrations, honor your limits and communicate your needs to others. It’s not about making excuses; it’s about ensuring you can show up as your best self within your own boundaries.

I recently went out with some wonderful ladies from my community. We dressed up, enjoyed a lovely Christmas dinner, and celebrated each other. And you know, these connections don’t just happen—you have to create them. Someone has to say, “Hey, how about we do this?” And if that’s not your personality, that’s okay! Go join something, volunteer, or participate in a way that works for you. It’s all about finding ways to connect within the boundaries of your energy and abilities, despite your conditions, and do things within your pain limit, this is essential for someone living in pain, for if we do not make an effort to go and do things, we become our disease and limitations and forget to live life in any way.

“I’ll be taking some time off over the New Year to care for my son’s pets while he and his wife enjoy their honeymoon. It’s also a chance to recharge and just be. On New Year’s Eve, I’ll get to spend quality time with my grandsons while Mum and Dad enjoy a night of adult fun. Work resumes on January 7th, and I’ll be back to interviewing inspiring guests then.”

For meaningful holiday gifts, check out my podcast, “Sara’s View of Life,” at selfdiscoverywisdom.org, where I share gift book ideas from authors I’ve interviewed this year. Books are thoughtful, lasting gifts, perfect for any time of year.

If you’re navigating health challenges this festive season, be gentle with yourself. The holidays can place extra demands on your energy, so plan for recovery time before and after big events. Be realistic about your limits, and don’t hesitate to say, “This is how it is for me.” It’s not about making excuses; it’s about understanding your needs and helping others do the same.

As we dive into this busy time, remember it’s all about balance—what you can do, what you need to do, and how to care for yourself along the way. Be kind to yourself, create meaningful moments, and embrace what brings you joy, for joy in its self is so very healing.

I’ll be back next week with one final episode before the year’s end. Take care and see you then!

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What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia (FM) was recognized as a true syndrome (now upgraded to a disease) by the American College of Rheumatology in 1990. FM is thought to exist in 2% to 3% of the population. It occurs in both men and women and women are affected 6 to 9 times more often than men. FM occurs most commonly in women between the ages of 30 and 60. FM can also affect teenagers, children, and the elderly. FM has no known cause. Current research into how the nervous system deals with pain has shown that various abnormalities are present in people who have FM.

Common fibromyalgia symptoms include:

Widespread pain
Morning stiffness
Chronic Fatigue
Unrefreshing sleep
Anxiety
Cognitive or memory impairment (“fibro fog“)
Depression
Abdominal complaints, including irritable bowel syndrome
There are over 31 points to fibro, and even more, discovered in the last few years; I have 29 of these points.