The first week of July is the three-year anniversary of my first published column in Fibromyalgia News Today. I’m truly blessed to be affiliated with a company like BioNews Services. Writing has definitely changed my life for the better. My struggles would be more daunting without a creative outlet. Thank you, everyone, for believing in me!
I’m currently recovering from co-authoring and editing a book that will be released this month. “The Many Faces of Fibro — Sun, Fun, and Flip-Flops,” is about the fun and not-so-fun ways that fibromyalgia impacts our travels and vacation time. It’s the third in our series, with at least three more slated for this year. The books are a compilation of stories written by ordinary people living with an extraordinary invisible illness. We are always looking for new writers, no experience required. I enjoy seeing the writers’ work progress with each book.
In 2017, I self-published “In Spite of My Illness,” a devotional for people with chronic illnesses. It turned out to be one of the most exciting and challenging things I’ve done. Honestly, I never thought I could do it. I’m glad I took the risk because it has impacted so many more lives than I could have hoped to accomplish one-on-one.
I know that writing isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s been a lifesaver. In case that’s something you’re interested in pursuing, the following are resources that you may find helpful:
- “Writing With Chronic Illness”
- “5 Tips For Writers Limited By a Chronic Illness”
- “Writing and Chronic Illness”
- “The Benefits of Chronic Illness”
- “Writing With a Chronic Illness”
- “7 Tips for Writing With a Chronic Illness”
- “5 steps to Creative Focus, in sickness and in health”
- “Writing about chronic illness and pain”
I’ve tried numerous times over the years to journal; thus far the habit hasn’t stuck. I’ll probably keep trying, though, because I think it’s a great discipline. If journaling is your thing, here are a couple of helpful resources:
- “Benefits of Journaling When You Have a Chronic Illness”
- “How Bullet Journaling Helped Me Cope with My Chronic Illness”
Writing can be cathartic and a viable avenue to emotional healing. Writing down thoughts and feelings can be a great way to process both. In this second half of life, I’ve found that writing is something I can do even when I’m bedbound. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
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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.