The Flip Flop Theory

In line with The Spoon Theory is the the Flip Flop Theory, http://fighterzblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/the-flip-flop-theory/. This theory is for those that have an auto-immune disease.   Many of us focus not on what we accomplish each day, but what we could not do or give up.  The Flip Flop Theory is about focusing on what we can do and did accomplish and rewarding ourselves for the good things.  It is also suggested that we keep a journal and write everyday about our accomplishments not matter how small they may be.  For some days it might be taking a bath or shower, while other days might be back to school shopping or even working out.  By rewarding ourselves and taking time to remember all the things that are accomplished we train ourselves to look for the positive in things. In line with The Flip Flop Theory, I am going to take the time and blog my daily accomplishments.  I am hoping that this will not only help me out, but will help out others that are also struggling with Fibromyalgia or other auto-immune diseases.  Here is looking at the positive!

The Spoon Theory

I am sure that I have already mentioned that I have Fibromyalgia, the reason that I am now a stay home mom.  If you had not heard of it before then you are not alone, neither had I when I was diagnosed.  I was glad to have a name to what was happening to my body, but there were more and more questions.  The hard part about this disease is that on good to pretty good days I do not look sick and it is hard for others to comprehend what I am going through.  Even my husband and daughter have a hard time understanding after two years of being diagnosed.  Some days are okay and some days are not and when I don't look like something is wrong with me they sometimes forget.  Trying to explain what is going on is also difficult because it is not only about good and bad days, but what I can do without paying a high price.  For example, we went to Canada over the Christmas Holidays and my husband wanted me to be able to ski with him and my daughter, so he wanted me to ask my doctor if it would be okay.  I already knew the answer, but asked anyways.  The answer is yes, I can ski, but I might not be able to do anything else on the trip.  Not because I might fall or might be sore, but because of the energy to ski would definable make me sore and because of the Fibromyalgia, my recover time would be much longer than the norm.

As more and more people are being diagnosed everyday with Fibromyalgia and other auto-immune diseases more and more of the public is being made aware, but I did find a great story that explains what it really is like to live with a silent disease that is often misunderstood.  The Spoon Theory written by Christine Miserandino, http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/, is a perfect way to explain what it is really like.  If you have time you should really check out the story.  You never know who you might know that is suffering.