Beyond Fibromyalgia

Send Love Back

by Bindu Johnson | Sep 30, 2023 | Emotional Health, Expression, Inspiration, Self Care, Self Love

I adopted this many years ago when I was in an abusive situation.

I had to rise above the abuse.

I had to love myself enough to set healthy boundaries.

I had to love myself enough to get out of my abusive situation.

And . . .

I could do that with love.

Love for myself.

And as much love and compassion for the other as I could muster.

No name calling. No blaming.

Just, it is time to go.

I leave you with love.

Maybe I didn’t tell them that.

But that was my inner mantra and mindset.

It enabled me to leave with dignity.

It enabled me to leave with no regrets.

I did the best I could in the situation.

I wasn’t perfect at this,

But good enough.

And that was enough.

I carry this in my heart now.

My heart is opening wide to myself and others.

It feels good.

It feels new.

It is unfamiliar yet comforting.

May you give and receive love.

💕Bindu

There is Always Hope

by Bindu Johnson | Sep 9, 2023 | Inspiration, Self Care, Self Love

I know how deep the despair can be.

I know the feeling of wanting to give up.

I know the desire to want a new body, then things would be better.

I know the strength of rising above the despair.

Of choosing to not give up.

To hold on to hope.

To reach for a better life even when it seemed impossible.

I know the satisfaction of improvement.

Being grateful for every small step forward.

Reclaiming hope.

Taking the next step forward

Rebuilding my health.

Reclaiming my health.

May you too, rise above and reclaim your health.

💗Bindu

I Know Your Pain – I Know Your Strength

by Bindu Johnson | Sep 9, 2023 | Care of the Body, Mindfulness, Personal Growth, Self Care, Self Love

I originally wrote this blog in 2019. I came across it this week and wanted to share it again. Reading it was a remainder of the pain I had suffered with fibromyalgia. But what I also noticed was the reduction of the emotional charge of the memories. That is another level of healing, reminding me how far I have come in my recovery from fibromyalgia.

Enjoy the article. I hope it gives you a sense of being heard and understood along with hope that you too can recover from fibromyalgia.

Here is the Post:

A few days ago, someone told me that I didn’t know how to deal with fibromyalgia pain. You might say that was a pretty big trigger for me. Brought back all the memories of those who didn’t understand the pain I experienced with fibromyalgia. Part of working through this was remembering the worst times of my life. The pain and suffering. The experience of living with fibromyalgia. Of dealing with the pain for 30 years. Of not finding solutions. I do know how to deal with fibromyalgia. To live with the pain of fibromyalgia. Only to well.

Out of that came this post. I know that I constantly say that you can improve. You can rebuild your health. You can move beyond fibromyalgia.

I suspect there are many who doubt me; wonder if I am just pushing some new magic cure that doesn’t really work. Of capitalizing on other people’s pain. Of not knowing what I am talking about.

I am not. I have lived the experience of fibromyalgia and I have improved tremendously to the point where I am not in constant pain and misery. To the point where I have a life worth living. To the point where many days I forget that I have had fibromyalgia. Yes, it is there. It is real. It is possible.

I know your pain.

I may not know the specifics of your symptoms or of your life circumstances, but I know the pain.

I know the pain of being in constant physical pain. Of being in so much pain that you can’t even think. It takes all of your resources to be present with the pain. I know the fear and frustration of not being able to get rid of the pain. The fear of the pain never ending. The confusion of why this is happening and why can’t anyone help me. Why can’t anyone hear me or understand how much pain I am in.

I know the pain of insomnia. Of deadening fatigue, but not being able to sleep. Of night after night lying awake and not being able to sleep. Of waking in the morning feeling like you have been hit by a mac truck . . . maybe two. I remember the nights where my legs were so restless that sleep was impossible.

I know the pain of being depressed. Of seeing life through a constant cloud of negativity. Of feeling like you are moving through molasses. Of having brain fog so bad that you can’t think clearly. Of wishing you could die. Of feeling like everyone else has a normal life . . . why can’t I. Of wanting to just crawl in a hole and stay there.

I know the pain of chronic itchy burning skin. Of not being able to wear anything except loose soft comfortable clothing. Of not being able to wear jewelry because the weight of a simple neckless pains your neck. I remember the nights that I couldn’t fall asleep because my skin felt like it was on fire or that I was being pricked by 1000 needles at the same time.

I know the pain of chronic anxiety. Of panic attacks randomly showing up uninvited. Of being triggered by simple normal things. Of feeling unsafe. Of feeling trapped by the pain, depression and anxiety. Of walking through life terrified moment by moment.

I know the pain of endless mind-numbing fatigue. Of waking up totally exhausted whether the sleep be deep or uninterrupted. Of hating the thought of getting out of bed in the morning and facing the day. Of just wanting to sleep for 6 months . . . a year . . . more.

I know the pain of going to a doctor and hear them say there is nothing physical wrong with you . . . when you know there is. Of hearing them say it is all in your head. Of having them give you pills that may or may not relieve the pain and provides a whole new set of symptoms.

I know the pain of loss, unrelenting loss. Loss of confidence in your self and your body. Of losing people, loved ones, family, friends that don’t survive your illness. Of losing jobs, income, security, safety.

I know the pain of insecurity. Of financial stress. Of not being able to trust your body. Of not being able to schedule a lunch date because you don’t know if your body will get you there or not. Of having to cancel engagements at the last minute because your body flares up. Of going and then being in pain and not enjoying the event but feeling tortured the whole time you are there.

I also know how it feels when you are told there is no cure. Of wondering if you can continue to live like this. How it feels to imagine a lifetime of this pain and unhappiness. Of trying treatment after treatment and feeling discouraged with the results. I know.

I know the pain of being criticized, ridiculed and persecuted for having an invisible disease.

I know the pain of missing out on family events. The pain of feeling distanced from my family because I couldn’t keep up with their pace. Of not being able to keep your house clean or torturing yourself to clean the house. Of being left behind when the rest of the world is speeding forward.

I know. I have been there. I lived it for 30 years. I am better now, but I remember. I know.

I also know your strength

The strength of getting up every morning. Of facing the day. The pain. The depression, the anxiety, the loss, the feeling unheard. Of feeling powerless. Of feeling unheard, of feeling invisible. Of feeling frustrated.

I know how hard it is to live the life with fibromyalgia as your constant experience. I know how much strength it takes of live that way. I know. I have been there. I lived it for 30 years. I am better now, but I remember. I know.

I know how to deal with fibromyalgia pain. How to live with it ungracefully and how to live with it gracefully (as humanly possible). How to breath, be present with the pain. How to exercise within my limitations. How to eat well to minimize symptoms. How to function on a tank half full. How to set boundaries to take care of yourself. How to manage my lifestyle to accommodate a devastating invisible illness. How to have less than I want or need because of my limitations.

I know. I did that for 30 years. I am better now, but I remember.

I also know that rebuilding your health is an option.

I know that you can move past the experience of fibromyalgia. To end the anxiety and depression. To get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning. To feel good in your body. To enjoy life again.

I know that you can improve. I know because I have experienced it myself. Improvement, release from the pain. Finding a life that offers peace and contentment. I know.

It isn’t a quick fix. It takes commitment, a willingness to make changes in your eating and lifestyle. It means looking within to discover the true source of pain and loving yourself enough to feel and heal your own pain. It means discovering the unhealthy beliefs that rule your life and keep you in negative cycles. It takes a willingness to change who you are. Not from force or willpower, but by allowing life to change you, allowing the illness to transform you into a different person. The important unchanging aspect of you will still be there, but the masks and fake part of your that you adopted to survive will be shifted, changed and/or released. Like the lump of coal that turns into a diamond after its transformation.

It isn’t a quick fix. It is a journey that is very rewarding and fulfilling. You will discover a you that is healthy, whole and complete. Who is awesome and powerful.

If you chose this journey of rebuilding your health, I am here to support you.

I am here to support you, to educate you, to hold your hand if needed. I am here to remind you when the going gets tough that you are not alone. That you can and will make it and you will be happy and thrilled with your new self and new life.

I hold the space for your wholeness and improved health. It is here for you to claim and embody.

My intention is to build a community of women committed to their health and wholeness. Committed to rebuilding their health and the transformation that entails. A community based in safety, compassion and love, where we can come together to discover love, acceptance and healing.

Please join me/us as we grow together in love, peace and harmony.

Always remember, there is hope.

💕Bindu

How to Build Kindness

by Bindu Johnson | Sep 1, 2023 | Emotional Health, Inspiration, Self Care, Self Love

How to be More Kind

“We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love.”

-Mother Teresa

Kindness is a simple act.

It doesn’t take a lot of time, money or resources unless you want it to. The smallest acts of kindness often go the longest way to changing lives. You can cultivate more kindness in your life in many ways.

Here are some examples:

When you believe in someone, tell them and show them your support. This support may be just what they need to drive them to achieve things greater things.
Think about your words before you speak. If what you’re thinking isn’t kind, stop what you’re doing. Think about how to better phrase what you’re thinking or perhaps don’t say it at all. Remember to be kind in how you deal with the person.
When you receive kindness spread it around. Continue to spread the kindness by paying it forward.
Everyone faces challenges even if they don’t outwardly show it. Don’t discriminate on who you are kind to.
Be an example. Be a role model to others by always being kind.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a close relationship or a stranger, it’s important to be mindful of how you treat others. Be considerate of everyone.
Practice having good intentions. Try to have good intentions when you say something nice. Don’t expect something in return.
Reach out when others don’t.
If showing kindness is hard for you, try to remember how you felt when someone was kind to you.
Be kind every day. Holding the door for someone while giving them a genuine smile is an easy way to brighten someone’s day.
Create a kindness calendar. Add some type of kindness you can do to each day. For example, take a cup of coffee to your coworker, help your elderly neighbor with their groceries, thank the mail carrier with a card, give your umbrella to a mom and her kids waiting for the bus in the rain, share your lunch with a homeless person or any other act of kindness.

There are many ways you can be kind.

Some acts of kindness take only a few moments, such as a smile or quick complement. Some acts of kindness take more time and/or effort on your part. Don’t dismiss the impact of those that only take a few moments. They are often the most powerful.

If you are stumped for ideas, here are a few to get you started.

Let someone in front of you at the grocery store because they have fewer items.
Smile at someone who really needs it. Maybe you see a struggling mom trying to shop with her three kids. Give her an encouraging smile.
Talk with a friend who is having problems. Lending a ear may be all they need.
Buy food for a homeless person the next time you go for fast food or a restaurant.
Compliment a stranger.
Help a coworker on a project even if you have a full schedule.
Let someone in your lane in a traffic jam.
Donate old clothes to someone in need.
Call your grandparents or parents instead of waiting for them to call.
Say please, thank you and your welcome.
Compliment someone on their hair, outfit or something else.
Offer your seat on the bus or train.
Bake something for a neighbor, older relative or nursing home and visit with them.
Text someone good morning or good night.
Plan to meet with an old friend you haven’t seen in a while.
Wash someone’s car for free.
Have a sick neighbor? Mow their yard or shovel their snow. Take out their trash. See if they need you to pick anything up for them – medication, groceries, etc.
Stop and help someone broke down on the road. Or see if they have help coming.
Plan a surprise party for a friend’s birthday.
Wish someone a good day.
Leave a nice note on someone’s car or in their mailbox.
Tell someone how much you appreciate them.
Smile at everyone.
Help a stranger in some way.
Actively listen when someone is talking to you.
Give an unexpected gift to someone.
Thank someone for something specific they’ve done for you
Make a donation to charity.
Volunteer your time.
Share a memory with a child or friend.

Be discrete when carrying out acts of kindness.

When carrying out your act of kindness, be sure to not intrude or embarrass the receiver. Discretion is key. Give your smile or gift then move on, unless the receiver wants to talk. Some acts of kindness can be carried out anonymously as well.

Above all else, carry out your acts of kindness because you genuinely want to make yourself and others feel good. Not because you expect something in return.

Contemplation for this week:

1. This week, create and intention to carry out one act of kindness per day. More if you would like.

2. At the end of each day, notice if you remembered or not. Be kind to yourself if you forgot. That can be your act of kindness for the day. Reinforce your intention.

3. If you did remember to carry out an act of kindness, take a moment to remember how it felt and how the other person responded.

4. Pat yourself on the back for each act of kindness your carried out.

5. Continue this practice indefinately.

May kindness fill your heart with love and compassion for yourself and others.

Bindu

Free Hug – Pass it On!

by Bindu Johnson | Aug 31, 2023 | Emotional Health, Inspiration, Self Care, Self Love

Close your eyes and take in the hug I am sending you right now.

Feel it full of love, unconditional love.

We all need hugs.

Physical touch is grounding and calming.

No words needed.

A gentle hug says more than words.

With hugs, both the giver and receiver get full benefit.

If you don’t have anyone nearby to hug,

wrap your arms around your self

and give yourself a hug.

Afterall, your own self love is the greatest love of all.

May you get a hug every day, 💕Bindu

8 Keys to Enhance Health, Wellness and Wholeness

by Bindu Johnson | Aug 25, 2023 | Care of the Body, Care of the Mind, Emotional Health, Mindfulness, Personal Growth, Self Care, Self Love

Fundamentals of Health, Wellness, and Wholeness

Fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses are challenging on many levels. We are physically compromised, emotionally out of balance, and mentally stressed. We want solutions to our pain and discomfort. We search and often the solutions come up with none or minimal results. This becomes stress on top of the stress of being ill in the first place.

What then can we do to reclaim our health and happiness . . . our wellness and ultimately wholeness?

Today’s article is focusing on what I call the Fundamental of Wholeness. These are eight important aspects to rebuilding our wellness. Below is a list of the fundamentals of wellness. They create a foundation upon which to rebuild our health, wellness and wholeness.

Awareness
Compassion
Balance
Acceptance
Introspection / Self-inquiry
Self-Responsibility.
Insights
Integration

Awareness

The ability to be self-aware. To observe our body, our mind, our emotions from a place of awareness rather than identification. In other words, to be able to observe our self objectively. We can be aware of the sensation and pain in our body, the emotions that we feel, the thought that we think. We can start with our conscious thoughts, and then delve into a deeper layer of subconscious thoughts and emotions.

Compassion

As we meet our self with awareness, compassion is a necessary ingredient. There are parts of us that we might judge or disown. By meeting our self with compassion, we can identify positive and negative experiences, emotions, thoughts, and memories. We can see the good, bad, ugly and beautiful parts of who we are. Without compassion, we may block truly seeing because we have literally and figuratively exiled parts of who we are as they are deemed unacceptable. Yet, until you can meet these parts with compassion, wholeness will continue to elude you.

Balance

Balance is at the root of health, wellness and wholeness. Everything in nature survives and thrives because of a state of balance. Your physical body has 12 homeostatic (balancing) control mechanisms that keep your body functioning and healthy. Emotionally, we need a balance of positive and negative emotions to be emotionally healthy. Mentally, we need a balance between positive thoughts and negative thoughts. A healthy optimistic attitude with a healthy dose of reality and awareness of possible difficulties. We need a balance of rest and activity, work and play, alone time and time with others. When discovering the right balance for you, health, wellness and wholeness will be the rewards.

Acceptance

Acceptance is acknowledging what is. That doesn’t mean we have to like it. It means telling the truth about what is. When we are honest about what is, we have the power to change is. If we are denying the truth, ignoring it, or pushing it out of our awareness, we are powerless to change it.

Introspection / Self-inquiry

Self-inquiry allows us to go within and discover who we are, what we think, feel, need, want, like, dislike. What are greatest joys are, what are greatest challenge are. Self-Inquiry allows us to discover internal causes of challenges and discover resolutions from within.

Insights

The process of awareness, compassion, acceptance, and introspection results in insights from within. We can see parts of our self we had previously denied. We can see how we are creating our own stress. We can see how we have given our power away. These and many more insights are available with meeting our self with awareness, compassion and acceptance.

Self-Responsibility

When I first heard the word responsibility, to me it meant self-blame. Then I heard a new definition of the word which was, “ability to respond.” The ability to respond rather than the old knee jerk reaction to any situation is a step to reclaiming our power. To look at any situation or challenge with awareness, compassion, acceptance and introspection gives us needed information and insights upon which to make internal changes or take external actions, guided from within. That is self-responsibility.

Integration

Integration happens as the new awareness’s, insights, internal shifts and responsible actions become integrated into our lives. We begin to feel more empowered in our lives. We can let go of feeling like a victim to our circumstances or feeling like the answers to our problems are outside of us. We can let go of coping mechanism and begin to let our true self shine through.

Summary:

The fundamentals of health, wellness and wholeness have the power to impact us on all levels of our being: physical, mental, emotional, energetic, spiritual and in our expression in and interaction with the world around us.

This week’s introspection:

Contemplate these fundamentals and notice which resonate with you and which don’t. Pick one or more to experiment with becoming aware of how it operates or not in your life. Remember, awareness is the foundation of all change.

May you be healthy and whole, 💗Bindu

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