Living with CRPS: How to Do It Right Without Missing Out On What You Love

Hey guys! Good morning! :)

Lately, I've been thinking about my lifestyle and how I often miss out on things I want to do because of my pain.

For years, I have wanted to play soccer and run again. I miss those things so much. I would totally go out and do them if it wasn't for the pain I'd experience during and afterward. That scares me.

So, I spend my nights dreaming of one day joining a soccer team and running a marathon... it makes me sad, to be honest.

But the thing is... just because I choose NOT to do those things doesn't mean I CAN'T.

If I train, if I work in little spurts, I can get there. I have a friend who also has CRPS who runs AND plays basketball, despite the pain. Such an inspiration to me that she remains so strong through it all.

Here are the things I keep in mind for planning my events:

1 - Family is the most important thing. Make them number one, no matter what.

2 - Plan events in which you can rest if you need to. Always prepare for the worst.

3 - Comfort over beauty, always. I know you want to look cute and wear those heels, but you will kick yourself for it later!

4 - Always consider your spoons. More rest now means more time tomorrow to have fun!

5 - Never neglect taking care of yourself.

6 - Don't rush. Stress will only make things worse.

7 - Space out events so that you don't feel overwhelmed on one day.

And that's pretty much it. I know it kind of sucks, living with rules, but it really doesn't feel like rules. They HELP me, and really in no way restrain me from doing what I want to do - they enable me! :)

Sure, sometimes it sucks having to cancel on a loved one, but I can spend that time resting and writing, something I adore, or even reading! There are options, and NO MOMENT IS A WASTED ONE. Learn to love every bit of life. Turn that cancelled event into a fun day by incorporating something you normally wouldn't do into it. Bored and stuck in bed? Grab a coloring book and order takeout. Unable to leave the house? Turn on Netflix and start a new series. Play with your hair. Try to cook something.

Being alone and immobile isn't the end of a good life - it's a challenge to create happiness out of misery. And you CAN do it! :) Take those moments and turn them into something fun, beautiful, and productive! :)