Today on our hike we’re going to look at the word being accountable. Being accountable to yourself and others is what helps you to keep moving forward on your journey through fibromyalgia.
The Challenge
I remember years ago I heard of some people hiking Mt. Rainier. For those of you not familiar it’s a mountain in Washington State in the United States of America. This group of people were prepared they had all the gear that was necessary for the hike (backpack, ice ax, crampons, rope, etc.). As they got closer to the summit, they tied a rope to one another creating an anchor of safety. The route began to have some treacherous terrain with slick, icy slopes and crevasses that would swallow them all if they weren’t careful.
This group worked together to ascend to the summit. As they were nearing their feat a member of the group slipped on the ice. Without thinking all the other members of the group anchored themselves to the ground using their ice picks and crampons. They were able to stop the increasing momentum of their hiking mate sliding toward the edge of a cliff and reestablish ground and bearings to eventually finish this arduous climb. When it counted most each member relied on each other for a successful, safe climb.
What does this have to do with fibromyalgia you may ask? Well, let’s keep on exploring
How does this relate?
Fibromyalgia is a complex illness, you will no doubt come across many setbacks that may literally sweep you off your feet. The momentum that you once gained, the strength that you once had, may not as easily be available to you. You may feel like you’re slipping into a dark crevasse of depression due to the unrelenting chronic pain, depleting fatigue, and the nebulous dark hole that your faced with in your mind. Without using the right tools and resources that are readily available, you can become disoriented, overwhelmed or confused by where to start.
Where to start?
- Find a fibromyalgia expert– someone that either has fibromyalgia and has worked to climb successfully out of it or has extensive knowledge of this condition. An individual who has the time and space to be there as your guide on this journey
- You need a doctor you can trust. Someone who is willing to listen and work with you. A doctor who believes in what you’re saying is productive and empowering to you as the patient. Make sure to advocate for your own needs and bring to a doctor’s appointment. a productive plan of what you’d like to try; of what has worked and what isn’t working. Do not just complain it doesn’t create a space of growth and healing.
- You need to be kind to yourself. Listen to your body. Do not overdo it and even if you do be okay with this. Making mistakes and learning from them is part of the journey.
Your goal is to heal and that requires accountability to yourself and someone to hold you accountable as well. My accountability partners are my wife, therapist, doctor, and myself. Yours will be different. Remember though, you always need to hold yourself accountable because your healing journey is worth it.
#SummitingFibromyalgia #Beingaccountable #You’reworthit