Life is full of things we want to do and things we don’t want to do. We want to participate in activities such as hosting a family birthday party or going to lunch with friends. We’d rather not take the car in for an oil change or scour the bathroom.
What would happen to the “rather not” activities if we really didn’t have to participate? We simply wouldn’t do them.
For that reason, I’m thankful for the fact that I had to work when my fibromyalgia was at its worst. It kept me going. Sure, it’s hard to tackle everyday activities when you live with chronic pain, but what’s the alternative? When we have to do things, they simply get done.
I’m a believer in that we don’t know what we can accomplish until we have to do it. There’s nothing like a burning need as a motivator. We may feel completely incapacitated by pain, but if a job is the only thing keeping us out of debt, we go to work. If our children need something important, we find a way to get it done.
I’m not suggesting that everyone should have to work for a living. Whether you work or not isn’t the issue. It’s whether or not you move your body on a regular basis.
I encourage you to re-evaluate your “rather not” activities. Think of them as Motivators to Move. Moving our sore bodies builds muscle tone, strengthens our bones, and increases much-needed oxygen to the lungs. Isn’t it reflexive to take a deep breath before tackling a “rather not” activity?
CHOOSE to think more of what you’re able to do than what you are unable to do. Re-frame your thoughts to think in terms of “abilities” rather than “disabilities.”
Remember that it does a body good to MOVE — even if we’d rather not.
I keep popping back up on your site.
I have found the same thing with my fibro but find it really hard to keep that perspective and sometimes even with it, my abilities are not the same even if I do try to do things…I’m having another bad flare up now too…..and woke up b/c of it. Anyways, just wanted to say hi. 
-Ari
Ariana Anderson
The Frugally Rich Life
http://www.thefrugallyrichlife.wordpress.com
GF, dairy-free, sugar-free recipes and frugality (+ traditional “non-allergy” recipes too)
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Ariana,
You’re so right. There’s nothing more consistent than the inconsistencies of chronic illness. There are days I find it easy to workout, and days when it doesn’t work as well. The goal is to keep at it. I’m so glad you stopped by to say hi!
Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!
I LOVE how you cut through the fog on issues like this one — you’re direct and clear and so very right. Thanks for the great reminder about just “doing” — it is absolutely the way those of us with chronic illnesses keep going. And going …
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by SueIngebretson, Move Forward. Move Forward said: “Pain Ability or Disability?” – Sue shares what helps her move with fibromyalgia http://bit.ly/d6uifb (via @sueinge) [...]
You’re so right about the “rather not” activities. Pretty much everything has become optional with me just because I’m too tired to deal with it. My world keeps getting smaller and smaller because of it. I can do stuff when I really have to…but I really have to want to do it! Which means I opt out of a lot of stuff.
We all do that, Kathy. But at least you recognize it and can do something about it. I see you all over social media researching, reading, reaching out. That’s wonderful! So glad to hear from you here!