Fibromyalgia Awareness 2022

Natalie-Jane wearing a purple hair flower and ribbon sash for Fibromyalgia Awareness

12th May is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!

For those of you who may not already know, Fibromyalgia is the name of the debilitating, chronic pain condition that I live with. Living with this illness also means that I am part of a vibrant, supportive community of Fibro Warriors - some of the most beautiful, kind and caring souls I have ever met, who are also living with this condition. Many of us are highly motivated, high-achievers and despite the challenges of Fibromyalgia, we continue to take an active role in our communities in whatever capacity we may be able to.

Ultimately, this is what Fibromyalgia Awareness is all about; asking you to take some time to learn a little more about our condition so that we might be met with more understanding in our communities. Living with disability can mean that we sometimes need a little more help to manage tasks that the able-bodied can manage alone, but we are far from a drag on your time and resources. When disabled people are supported and enabled to be active members of our communities, our talents and efforts will also enrich and bless the lives of others.

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Pain can be lonely, even isolating. Words such as "unpleasant" or "uncomfortable" do not do justice to the realities of living with chronic pain. It is exhausting - a fatigue beyond anything that an able-bodied person will ever experience. It can restrict what we are able to do - some of us are wheelchair users (full time or part time). But underneath all of this illness, there is a very real person, with much still to offer, that the world too often forgets.
 
There are dancers who are no longer able to dance - but they can choreograph. Carers who have become the ones who need caring for - but they can share their wisdom and be a listing ear. Extroverts who need peace and quiet due to sensory-overload - but still enjoy quality time with friends. All that we were and all that we loved before we became ill is still there within us. You can help by gaining that awareness about Fibromyalgia, so that you can be more understanding and separate the illness from the person.
 
We are Fibro Warriors. We are people who live with Fibromyalgia. We are not Fibromyalgia - that is just the name of the condition we live with. This Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, I challenge you to learn something new about Fibromyalgia and if you know anybody living with this condition, please take time to learn something new about that person. Find something out about who they are and what sparks joy in their life - pain is not who we are.
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Another common practice around Fibromyalgia Awareness is wearing something purple on 12th May, to help raise awareness and show your support for people living with this condition. I know a lot of people who love purple and have a purple wardrobe, but in my experience, a great way to raise awareness is to actually wear something like a purple awareness ribbon. When we wear awareness ribbons, people become aware that this colour is there for a reason, they are more likely to ask about it and then we can open a conversation.

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This year I have made a special Fibromyalgia Awareness 2022 bracelet design - there are currently 3 available. I have used amethyst, purple lepidolite and (dyed) purple tiger's eye to create this bracelet in Fibromyalgia Awareness colours. The sparkly rhinestone spacers are a reminder of the beautiful people living with this condition and their ability to brighten and enrich our lives. These bracelets also feature the lava beads which can be used with essential oils - aromatherapy and natural remedies are used by many with Fibromyalgia. Finally, the bracelets feature 2 charms: the awareness ribbon with "Hope" written on it, and the butterfly.
 
Butterflies are symbols of Fibromyalgia because they represent the idea that one day we will be free. Just like the butterfly, we have hope that one day we will rise above this condition. We have hope for a cure, that one day we will move beyond the pain - but perhaps more immediately within our grasp, with your help, we might be able to move beyond the stigma and limitations that society places upon us. your understanding and willingness to open the conversation around Fibromyalgia can help to do that.

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Get Yours Now

Size: 6.75"
£22.00 + P&P

Perfect as a gift to yourself or a loved one with Fibromyalgia.

For more information about Fibromyalgia, don't forget to follow me on Facebook & Instagram! You can also search hashtags such as #Fibromyalgia and #FibromyalgiaAwareness to see what other people are sharing and check out my Fibro Blogs over on my author site - my 2017 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day article talks about how your awareness can save lives!