Refused to let it Take My Joy
By: Michelle Thum
I have spent more than half of my life living with fibromyalgia. It has not always been easy, but I refused to let it take my joy. I have learned what my limits are and how to respect them. I may not make it to every get-together because of how I am feeling that day, but it has allowed me to savor every get-together that I do go to.
I have learned to respect the pain and fatigue that comes with having fibromyalgia as signs that I need to slow down and listen to my body; this is not something that happens overnight, but it is so essential in my opinion. My faith has led me to realize that I am enough just as I am. I work really hard in both my personal and professional life to build people up and meet them where they are because we are all beautifully broken and perfectly imperfect but deserving of respect and love.
