Finding a New Calling in Life with Fibromyalgia

Robin Dixby Robin Dix

In Columns, Through the Fog - A Column by Robin Dix.

Finding a New Calling in Life with Fibromyalgia

Through the Fog
I have found a new calling after my fibromyalgia diagnosis — perhaps you are like me, and found a new calling, too. If not, maybe it’s something to think about. Before my diagnosis my life was pretty busy with kids, school and running errands. But as I got sicker, and was finally diagnosed, everything sort of came to a stop, and I had to decide what was I going to do going forward.

One of the first things that I did was to create a Facebook group just for women struggling with fibromyalgia, and eventually it became a group for women with ANY type of chronic illness. It is an honor and a privilege for me to be able to support and encourage these women.

A little over a year ago, I was contacted by BioNews Services based on something that I wrote for The Mighty. I was asked if I would be interested in writing for Fibromyalgia News Today. I never considered myself a particularly good writer, but I was encouraged by one of their editors, and started writing a column once a week, which eventually turned into twice a week.

Because I was gaining confidence as a writer, I decided to invest in a course called self-publishing school. The course teaches you how to write and publish a book in 90 days; so, of course, I was intrigued. I’m still at the beginning stages of writing my first draft and it’s pushing my limits a little bit, but I’m very excited about it. I’m hopeful that this will be the first of many books. This first book is going to be a devotional for chronically ill women — sorry, guys.

I’ve also been playing around with creating graphics, both for my business and just for personal use. I’m always looking for ways to monetize my talents — of which, some I have yet to discover. Because I’m no longer able to work outside my home, I’m always looking for ideas and praying about opportunities for me to make money.

I decided long ago that I was not going to let fibromyalgia defeat me, or define who I was. I’ve connected with like-minded people on Facebook and on Periscope (which is a live streaming app that’s related to Twitter).

I would really like to encourage you to find something that you’re good at; something that you’re passionate about and enjoy doing, and to do those things. And, when possible, find a way that you can monetize them. I would love to hear your thoughts.

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Note: Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Fibromyalgia News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to fibromyalgia.

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18 comments

  1. Dia says:

    Thank you so much for this. I have recently had to give up my Shiatsu Practice of 8 years due to no longer being able to manage the physical and emotional demands of giving treatments due to fibro. It has been a frightening and sad time, but I am now attempting to create some income by producing bags and floor cushions from up-cycled fabrics. I am exploring talents I thought I had, but never had opportunity to pursue. I’ll have my first booth at a local craft fair in a few weeks. So far so good. Your article really struck home for me. Thank you!

  4. Marita Mitchell says:

    Hi Robin, well done. It is of course about your deep empathy and kindness that you are successful. You have already inspired me to look into starting a blog, but in the meantime I have managed to get a bit of my writing and my art published online. I have found that colours and textures soothe my soul, and so I create unusual embroideries when I can. I also love writing.
    I know that we all suffer financial hardship, but at the moment I am unable to charge for anything, as I can’t face the pressure of producing to order.

  5. Brooke says:

    Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement. I’m struggling with finding what I can do, and reading articles like this on The Mighty gives me hope.

  7. Linda says:

    I LOVE THE IDEA OF A DEVOTIONAL FOR WOMEN. anything POSITIVE TO START ONE’S DAY WOULD BE AWESOME. And I LOVE YOUR ZEST FOR LIVING WITH FM by keeping a positive outlook. Each day is a day that I decide to conquer something instead of giving into the pain. And it encourages others along the way. Never give up and always hope today will be a better day. God bless you all !!!

  8. Christa Boyce says:

    I am excited to read your first book. When do you expect it to be available. It’s my first time here but I’ve lived with fibro now for 35 years since diagnosis. I like to veggie garden. It is labor intensive, but I love it the most in my retirement. I schedule one “thing to do” a day. Morning, afternoon, or evening.
    I am blessed to have the freedom. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do something until the morning of that day, long after there are no refunds on deposits or meals. My attitude has changed and I don’t stress anymore. I choose to be positive with that. Tell myself “today I am taking care of me. I’ll get some small project done at home and feel better in the evening, to boot. Now I can do something tomorrow.” If I find I can do something additional in the day, I can add that on. I am able to maintain a very spoiled cat, but not a full-time partner. It’s something else I’ve chosen.

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