Happy Thanksgiving!

Good morning friends!! 

I just wanted to take a moment and wish you all a wonderfully Happy Thanksgiving and to again thank each one of you for joining me on my journey to being Happier and Healthier.

I know that sometimes it is hard to find things we are thankful for when we are constantly bombarded by the responsibilities and stresses of everyday activities but I encourage each of you to take time every day and find something that you are grateful for and be sure to tell the people in your life that you appreciate everything they do for you too. A simple "thank you" goes further than any reward or gift ever could.

Despite the inordinate amount I pain I am in today, I must say that I am extremely thankful for the improved health I have experience this year and I know that with determination and dedication I will continue to improve. I am super thankful for the loving support of my family and friends (even you!) through the many difficulties I have faced this year and I know that with this amazing support, I can accomplish anything.

I also want to extend my love and gratitude for all of our troops, wherever you are, who cannot be home with their families because they continue to protect and serve - you will always have a place at my table my brothers and sisters. I especially want to shout out to to two of my brothers, Army SGT. Benjamin and Marine Corp Crpl. Patrick, both of whom are deployed to the Asian Pacific this holiday season. (Bring me back something unique guys)

Be Happy! Be Healthy! Be Thankful!

Love you all!

Rachel 

Saying HI!!

I just realized today that it has been almost a MONTH since I posted on my blog but I am surprised and blessed to see the number of viewers who continue to join me on my journey to being Happier and Healthier while living with Fibromyalgia!

I will try to recap the past month as it was rather stressful and chaotic for me and a real eye opener as I came face to face with my Fibromyalgia, Depression, Stress, and this horrible desire to just throw in the towel. But I didn't! I had to keep fighting because I have so many friends and family members who believe in me and bolstered me through the tough position I was in.

I am sure I have mentioned in the past that not only do I work as an office administrator and accountant, but I am a USANA Healthcare Associate, a full time mom to a beautiful little girl, but I also am a full time student! I go to school online at Colorado Technical University and while it has been a wonderful experience, I have to admit that I am a bit of an overachiever and demand excellence of myself. This is a double edge sword. This last class cycle, which last 5 and half weeks, I was taking 3 classes and it drove me into the dirt as I struggled just to keep up with the work load not to mention trying to get the grades I demanded of myself. I finally was able to let go of some of the negative energy I was beating myself up with and just did the best I could with what little energy my Fibromyalgia, stress, and the weather allowed me. And you know what? I still passed every class!

Yes, I am plowing head first with all the energy and determination that I have to FINISH my degree in Accounting and I will achieve that goal in March!! Only 4 short months away!! I cannot express how excited I am because that will allow me even more time to spend with my daughter, get back to physical training and building a healthy lifestyle, and sharing my story of success and encouraging others with Fibromyalgia, USANA, and Me! I have so many exciting ideas! Like Financial Freedom Fridays - where I can share a tip to managing finances and working towards eliminating debt. (Gotta put this degree and talent I have with managing finances too good use!). A friend of mine inspired me to a Meatless Monday - and I would like to make and share with you easy and healthy vegetarian dishes! Maybe we could start a Wellness Wednesday and talk about the nutrients that our bodies need and ways that we can obtain them naturally! I would love to hear any ideas that you would have to share!

As a Fibromyalgia fighter, I have my good days and my bad, but all in all this past year has been much healthier than I have had since being diagnosed many years ago. I am determined to share my story, all the successes and setbacks, so that I can inspire other Fibro Fighters to be Happy and Healthy and to help educate the world on the difficulties associated with the disease. But I need to get back to the books, Thank you all for your loving support! I will see you again soon!!

Depression Hurts

I personally absolutely HATE that phrase - Depression Hurts. I don't know what kind of depression they get but holy hell, my depression turns me into a dark, cold, desolate pit of nothingness. And tears - lots of tears.

Usually my depression is mostly controlled by my antidepressant, the only chemical pill that I still take daily, but for some reason, well lots of reasons, my depression has been consuming me more and more making it increasingly more difficult to function.

"But you don't have a reason to be depressed" - please don't ever say this to someone who has chronic depression. Believe me, those of us who do, would much rather not have to deal with the unreasonable unprovoked sadness and lack of emotion that comes with depression.

Chronic depression is often provoked by a very real situation, which may or may not be of significant importance to anyone else, but to us it is a huge looming monster that we have to face down in addition to maintaining what is as close to a normal life as we can manage. And yes it's exhausting.

I can usually push my depression into submission by making lists of things that make me smile, doing small pieces if art, or taking my baby girl to the park. For some reason this bout is being harder to shake and is making homework significantly more difficult than normal too. I honestly suspect that it stems from my worry and anxiety about my work situation. I know that all these things will pass and I will find that strength that I keep deep inside to fight through it, but this exact moment...I feel like the Greek Titan Atlas with the weight of the whole world, even if its just my little corner of the world, on my shoulders.

Stay strong and healthy my friends. If you are a friend or family member of an individual with chronic depression, talk to them and learn how it affects them and ways you might be able to help. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to not talk but just offer a genuine hug because that moment of closeness may be all we need to summon our strength and break the bonds of darkness. If you are the sufferer, try taking a short walk, even 10 min in the fresh air can raise your spirits! 

Much love!

Rachel 

Ps - does anyone else find comfort in storms? Sometimes they seem like an external manifestation of my inner feelings. The patter of rain is soothing too...

Oh the Nerve!

Ok, I am pretty sure that in general, we can all agree that Fibromyalgia is a real PAIN!

Today, for whatever odd and infuriating reason, the random nerve pain associated with my case of Fibromyalgia is causing significant issues. I am used to my knees and elbows hurting, especially when the weather is going to change, but today my right foot - just the right one - feel like it has a burn on it and is actually kinda puffy. Unless I managed to put only my right foot on a bed of hot coals while I was sleeping and there are no external indications that I did...I would seriously think that I had if I didn't know better.

While I don't know if there is a specific name for this kind of nerve pain, I will actually experience it in my hands as well. Its always the soles of my feet and the palms of my hands. If I am not putting pressure on them its just a light throbbing tender feeling, but the minute I try to walk or pick up something (heaven forbid it be my coffee mug) the pain becomes scorching and shoots up the limb.

I was diagnosed with Raynaud's Syndrome when I was only 15 and was having surgery on one foot to remove a bone spur but usually that only causes issues with circulation to my hands and feet. While its annoying, I find it amusing too. It will be 100 degrees outside and my hands and feet will be ice cold and purple. Sometimes I get these funky purple blotches on my legs too. It freaks people out, but I have gotten used to it. While I do not have a massive problem with my Raynaud's, I would imagine that because it is a circulatory issue, it would be something to keep an eye on if it persists for long periods. When my feet do get super cold like this I know that circulation is poor so I get up and walk around or massage my feet after putting them in socks. I have had them so cold that it is excruciating to even take a shower! For those who do not have this issue, I would equate the sensation to the way your hands feel after playing or working in the snow for several hours and then putting them in warm water to try warming them up. FIRE!!!

Ok, so now that I have raged about the NERVE my body has to put me through such rediculous pain, I am going to try and finish this homework assignment. Thankfully my hands are working this week!

Rachel

Shout Out!

Hello friends!!!

This is just a quick shout out to recognize the viewers of my blog! I love seeing where all of you are from and knowing that my story is reaching far and wide and hopefully bringing understanding of living with Fibromyalgia and Hope for a Happier an Healthier life! 

So here it goes!

Welcome Russia, the Ukraine, India, Turkey, and Belarus!! (Belarus is new to me so I got to learn a little about your country when I looked up where you were!)

I have a paper to get posted tonight for my Auditing Lab class but I will be back again this weekend! Until then, make it a Happy and Healthy day!

Love Rachel 

A Touch of Humor

Fibromyalgia is a tough thing to deal with and even though these past few weeks have been very tough and I am flaring very badly, I always manage to find something to laugh at.

This morning while I was getting my daughter ready for school I went through every cupboard in the house looking for something to put her cereal in just because I didn't want to wash a bowl. Migraines make me stupid lazy. :) So what do I do? I put it in a coffee mug and put bowls on the shopping list. Hehehe lazy at its best! 

I muddled through a few hours of work but between the migraine and the ADOSSD (attention deficit, Oh something shiny!! disorder) I didn't get nearly as much done as I normally do. But then again, my heart is no longer in my work there. The stress and disorganization, among other things have been getting to me and triggering my flare ups. Taking 3 classes towards my degree isn't helping either but it's only 5 weeks - Army basic was 10 weeks so I can suck it up. (Hey now, I know I didn't have issues with Fibromyalgia then but it was still hard!)

Finding little things, like that pain chart, that make me laugh goes a long way to helping me manage. It's even better when I can find a way to laugh at my situation because it helps me to look at the situation in another way and it loses it's Boogyman status.

Laughter really is the best medicine. So laugh! Even if those around you arnt "in on the joke" sometimes we just have to do what makes us happy! So find a picture, a YouTube movie, or a comedian that you enjoy AND LAUGH!!

Be Happy, Be Healthy!!

Love, Rachel

Winning Look!!

Are you ready for this Holiday Season??

Have you been thinking about shedding a few pounds so you can show off that Perfect Little Black Dress?

Come join us for the BEST Holiday Party of the Season!

You will loose weigh, feel sexy and confident, and have more energy than you have had in years!!

I know - I have lost 50lbs so far!

And the top weigh loss in each category wins $400!! 

Its WIN - WIN!!

Shimmer and Shine this Holiday Season as you Sashay from party to party looking your absolute BEST!

Email or Call me today!!

 rachelpresley@usana.com

(USANA products are available world wide, so don't worry about being able to get your products delivered to your home! Happy and Healthy is what we do!)