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Writer's pictureFibro Diva

Self-Care: This Moment is Mine


September is National Chronic Pain Awareness Month. What better way to observe this month during a global pandemic, stay at home and social distancing orders than to spend the time practicing self-care? During these unprecedented times; acute, mental, emotional, and spiritual pain is just as important as chronic, physical pain. Actively practicing self-care can help us "cross the bridge from passive victim to active victor". ©SJohnson 1998


Self-care is anything you choose to do that helps you make YOU the center of your attention at the moment. Soaking in a warm bath, practicing mindfulness, performing a favorite hobby such as crochet, painting, sewing, or baking … simply for the pleasure of performing that hobby. Putting on your favorite pajamas or T-Shirt and cuddling up with a good book is a form of self-care. I have a special t-shirt I like to wear. My grandchildren made it for me and when I wear it, I'm taken back to when each one of them was an infant cuddling in my arms.


Fibromyalgia warrior, Necie Edwards has designed a line of self-care apparel, The Self-Care Butterfly. Necie says, "This shop is all about empowering you to practice Self-Care. The butterfly represents transformation and hope."


Self-care also includes listening to guided meditation for pain relief. I listen to a White noise machine on nights I'm battling insomnia and even have a guided pain meditation app on my phone. Ms. Edwards, the founder of The Fibromyalgia Patient Education and Support Organization, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, also developed a guided pain meditation file. Ms. Edwards is presenting this guided pain meditation file for free to anyone with Chronic Pain during the month of September. Click here to listen.


Self-care is the general category of mind/body/Fibro management tools. Self-care can be broken down into sub-categories.

  • Mental

  • Physical

  • Emotional

  • Social

Examples of self-care activity include:

  • Set a routine, go to bed, and wake up at the same time every day.

  • Take breaks throughout your day to recharge your energy level.

  • Practice Mindfulness. Utilize the pain meditation tape developed by Ms. Necie Edwards found at this link

  • Practice proper sleep hygiene.

  • Be Kind to yourself.

​Ms. Edwards adds the following tips:

  • Put yourself on your own to-do list.

  • Take a leisurely walk.

  • Take a mental health day.

Remember Self-care is not selfishness.

Watch for an upcoming link to Fibromyalgia Talks. Ms. Edwards invited me, Sabrina Dudley-Johnson (aka Fibro Diva) to talk about self-care and advocacy tips.

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