Living with Fibromyalgia plus Alexithymia

“The soul is like a bowl of water, and our impressions are like the ray of light falling upon the water. When the water is troubled, it appears that the light itself is moved too, but it isn’t. So, when a person loses their composure it isn’t their skills and virtues that are troubled, but the spirit in which they exist, and when that spirit calms down so do those things.” —EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES, 3.3.20–22 Life, as we all know, isn't always a smooth sail. Sometimes, it feels more like a wild ride on a turbulent sea. We face unexpected setbacks, frustrating delays, and moments that test our patience and composure. In these moments, it's easy to feel like we're losing control, that our carefully laid plans are crumbling around us. But what if I told you that even in the midst of chaos, you have the power to find your inner calm? Today, let's explore a powerful Stoic analogy that can help us navigate those choppy waters: the soul as a bowl of water. The Bowl of Water: An ...

“You cry, I’m suffering severe pain! Are you then relieved from feeling it, if you bear it in an unmanly way?”  —SENECA, MORAL LETTERS, 78.17 Fear can be a nasty thing. It can keep us up at night, make us doubt ourselves, and even cause us to miss out on amazing opportunities. But what if we told you there's a way to turn that fear into something positive? It's all about changing your mindset and focusing on what you do want instead of what you don't want. So, here's the thing about chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia. It's really easy to get caught up in the pain and the fatigue. It's like your brain gets focused on the negative, which makes it harder to find any positivity. But guess what? Even when you're body's not cooperating, your mind is still a powerful tool. You can use it to find small wins throughout the day, focus on the things you can do, and train your brain to see the good even when it feels impossible. Living with alexithymia adds another...