Sometimes we [people with Fibromyalgia, women in general, parents, grandparents, older alduts] have to remind ourselves to STOP. We are so use to doing things for others, to putting others first, that we neglect our own needs and health. It has been difficult for me to do this in the past, but since my surgery I have begun to practice putting myself first. Sometimes I have to remind myself of the flight attendants speech, "in case of an emergency, put your oxygen mask on first and then turn to help children and others around you".
Here is a list of 10 things we should type up and put on our mirrors or frig to remind us that we need to stop doing in order to take care of ourselves.
The following list is from an article written by Adrienne Dellwo for about.com
Today I will stop:
1. Overdoing it.
2. Criticizing myself.
3. Blaming myself.
4. Believing other people's negative opinions about me, Fibromyalgia, and weight loss surgery.
5. Having unrealistic positive expectations.
6. Having unrealistic negative expectations.
7. Putting myself last.
8. Giving up on new treatment options and/or lifestyle changes for my Fibro too soon.
9. Letting stress overwhelm my life.
10. Asking why.
