26-20. “The Exhaustion of Pretending to Be Fine”

May 18, 2026May 20, 2026Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast Leave a comment

Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from May 18th

An honest talk around emotional fatigue, masking pain, burnout, and the liberation that comes from authenticity.

May is Fibromyalgia Awareness Month, and after living with fibromyalgia for over thirty years, I felt it was important to speak openly about the wearyness of living with a debilitating disease that so often goes unseen, misunderstood, or dismissed.

Fibromyalgia is not simply about pain. It is an exhaustion that settles deep into the bones, the muscles, the mind, and the spirit. It is waking up tired no matter how much sleep you have had. It is trying to function through brain fog, chronic fatigue, hypersensitivity, emotional depletion, digestive issues, and a body that can change from one moment to the next without warning. Some days, even the smallest tasks can feel like climbing a mountain carrying invisible weight.

What makes it even harder is that many people living with fibromyalgia become experts at masking it. We smile, show up, continue caring for others, continue working where we can, and continue trying to participate in life while silently calculating energy, pain levels, recovery time, and limitations. People often see the face we present, not the internal battle we fight every single day.

Living with a long-term illness also carries grief. Grief for the life you thought you would have, the energy you once had, the spontaneity lost, the misunderstandings from others, and sometimes even the isolation that comes from people not fully comprehending what chronic illness does to the body, mind, emotions, and identity.

But within that wearyness, there is also resilience. There is adaptation. There is courage in continuing on when your body constantly asks you to stop. There is wisdom learned through pacing, listening, adjusting, and discovering what truly matters. Living with fibromyalgia teaches compassion in ways many cannot understand unless they too have walked this path.

This conversation is not about seeking pity. It is about awareness, understanding, and giving voice to the millions of people who live daily with invisible illnesses. It is about acknowledging that behind many smiles are people carrying extraordinary burdens quietly and bravely.

And perhaps most importantly, it is about reminding those who live with fibromyalgia that they are not weak, not lazy, not imagining it, and not alone and you are so much more than the desease.

https://soundcloud.com/self-discovery-wisdom/26-20-the-exhaustion-of/s-QlaaqgIlNIz?si=09be69283c4c42e5927e5c3fed09b027&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

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Just a few celebrities living with Fibromyalgia

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20-10. The Whackaroo……..

March 9, 2026March 7, 2026Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy. On air from March 10th

This past week was a rough one for me. I have lived with fibromyalgia for nearly 30 years, and although I have learned to recognize many of the signs and manage my energy as best I can, sometimes it still comes in out of nowhere and completely flattens me. When that happens, it feels as though my body is weighed down by iron bricks. Everything becomes hard—moving, thinking, focusing, even simply getting through the day. And no matter how much sleep I get, I can still wake up feeling as though my body is carrying an impossible heaviness.

Over the years, I have learned that fighting it only makes it worse. There are moments in life when the wisest thing we can do is give in, rest, hydrate, be still, and stop apologizing for what our body truly needs. So many people live with conditions, disabilities, exhaustion, pain, or invisible struggles that others cannot see or understand. The important thing is not to let those challenges become our identity, but to learn how to live with them, listen to them, and manage them with as much grace and compassion as we can. We need to know our triggers, respect our limits, and stop measuring ourselves against what others think we should be able to do.

That does not mean giving up on life. It means learning a new rhythm. It means focusing on what we can do, when we can do it, and allowing ourselves the space to redirect when needed. I may not always be able to do everything I want, and some weeks I may offer less than I had hoped, but I have learned not to beat myself up for that. Instead, I choose to honor where I am, do what I can with the energy I have, and trust that this too shall pass. Whatever challenge you are living with, may you give yourself permission to listen deeply, care for yourself kindly, and remember that your worth is never diminished by what you are going through.

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Self Discovery Wisdom is sustained by those who believe in conscious conversation. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and, if you feel called, make a donation. Your support helps us keep amplifying voices that inspire growth, courage, and compassion. Thank you. Please support Our Forgotten Seniors anthology and help to bring this book to awareness.

24-50. It’s no Excuse, just fact.

December 9, 2024December 8, 2024Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

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.

24-20 So worth it.

May 13, 2024May 28, 2024Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from May 14th

I’ve finally settled into my forever home, or at least I hope it’s forever. It’s incredibly peaceful here, surrounded by trees and the sweet symphony of birdsong. Owls chime in at night, adding to the tranquility. Despite the serene setting, the move itself was quite the ordeal, especially with my fibro and arthritis acting up like an unwelcome duo.

Moving from Victoria to Nanaimo on the Island was a challenge, but thankfully, I had the assistance of two remarkable young men from a company called Junk in your Trunk. These guys were a godsend—kind, helpful, and considerate beyond measure. They went above and beyond what I expected from a moving company, and their rates were the best I found. Their help made the transition smoother and eased a lot of my stress.

The next leg of the journey involved retrieving all my belongings from storage in Vancouver, just a ferry ride away. I’m immensely grateful to my son Tyler and his fiancée Jess for not only gifting me a couch but also for lending their strength in loading everything onto the truck and then into my new home. Their support made the process much smoother. And I can’t forget to thank my oldest daughter Tabytha for her invaluable help in emptying out the storage unit and keeping me grounded throughout the whole ordeal. Having family by my side made all the difference.

In my new home now, the task of finding places for all my belongings is both exciting and daunting. I know I’ll have to bid farewell to some of it, but as things start to come together, there’s a sense of accomplishment. My son-in-law and daughter, who generously bought me this home, have been absolute heroes. They’ve been unpacking, hanging pictures, and even replacing appliances (the old stove had a penchant for fiery antics). Their support has been a blessing beyond words.

My grandson RoRo is absolutely thrilled to be at Grandma’s, and I cherish every moment with him. And my little one is as content as can be, always adaptable. Amidst the ongoing unpacking and organizing, I’m learning to listen to my body’s signals—it’s telling me to slow down and take breaks, I have to as I seize right up painfully. We’re negotiating, my body and I, with a bit of humor thrown in. HAHA.

There’s still plenty to do, but I remind myself that I have time. I’ll tackle each task gradually, one box, one plate at a time. Patience is key, and I’m not going anywhere. This home is where I’ll settle in, make memories, and create my sanctuary.

Thank you for my home Shearers, it is so lovely living on my own and I am in such a peaceful place.

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23-17. Some Oldies but Goody shows for you

April 24, 2023April 24, 2023Self Discovery Wisdom Podcast

Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from April 25th

Last week my 2nd Grandson was born with complications and is still in ICU. I have been looking after my 1st Grandson, who is two years old, while his parents are still in the hospital.

This is why you are not getting any new shows from me for a couple of weeks; I will be back, but my family comes first.
So I have gathered some shows from the past, many of them, for your listening while I am away.
First, we have anti-bulLying shows. Each guest has gone through hell but has come out stronger, more empowered, and richer in spirit because of it.

Take a look at the line up here,

EACH PICTURE LEADS YOU TO THESE SHOWS

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ANTI-BULLYING SHOWS

Cancer is still a growing desease and there are so many ways to challenge it and heal fully from it. These shows are on how they beat their cancer, but also the gift it gave them alone the way.

Find some of our Cancer Cure stories HERE.

The dreaded Fibromyalgia and all that it brings. It is a desease we have to manage, understand and learn to live with. Educating family and friends on this is needed in order to be supportive of those that live with it daily.

Find Shows on Fibromyalgia here .

Find all the spirited shows here

These are shows done with international men and women who are changing the global climate around climate change. Each person has stepped up to be that change and are dedicated to encouraging our global sociaety to change its ways that is kinder to our planet and our future survival.

Find all the intiguing shows here

For our many shows on so many topics, please check out out Podcast lineup page.

Just click on any of the banners of interest that will lead you to shows of illuminations and a discovery of self.

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