I learned to be kind to myself. I learned to be more thoughtful of different disabilities and elderly around me. A lot of the elderly people I assist are functioning way less than me. I learned to be very cautious to try any new drugs or supplements. I am very sensitive to a lot of things. I am more honest with the close family and friends around me especially with activities or helping energy on bad days. I pray more and am so blessed in my life.

Before I became ill my self esteem and confidence was based on my job as a nursery nurse and on how useful I was to others.when I became ill and could no longer do my job and be as useful to others my self esteem and confidence took a huge blow.I have gradually learnt to be happy in myself and content even if I am not perfect, and this no longer depends upon acheivment or approval of others.

I finally learned to slow down! For years my husband told me you need to slow down. I was always on the go, rarely even sat down until bedtime. I used to frown upon staying in your PJs till noon on the weekend, now I embrace it. I have learned to my needs first sometimes, which is something I never did in my life. I've also become more assertive and learned to say no. I am more compassionate with people in general but especially with people who have disabilities and the elderly (since I feel 90). There are many positive things I have learned from having Fibro, I'm just sorry it took getting ill to learn them. I think if I had of learned to slow down years back, I just might have been able to prevent this from happening in the first place.

I learned to say no, take care of myself better both mentally and physically. I am still learning to pace myself but getting better at it and feeling relaxed in my new life.

I have learned to be understanding of others even when I can't see their problem or pain.