Posts by Fibromyalgia Support Network

Reviewed by Irene Roth/Blog Editor

Living with fibromyalgia can often feel invisible to others. Many fibromates struggle not only with pain and fatigue, but also with feeling misunderstood, isolated, or defined by their illness. Talia Hibbert’s Get a Life, Chloe Brown offers something deeply meaningful: a main character with fibromyalgia who is strong, complex, and fully human. This novel is both validating and uplifting, making it an excellent fiction choice for fibromates.

Chloe Brown, the protagonist, lives with fibromyalgia, and her condition affects every aspect of her life. She experiences chronic pain, fatigue, and limitations that require careful pacing and self-awareness. Hibbert portrays Chloe’s illness with realism and sensitivity. Chloe must plan her days carefully, manage her energy, and cope with the frustration of not always being able to do what she wants. These experiences will feel immediately familiar to many fibromates.

One of the most powerful aspects of the novel is how it validates the emotional experience of chronic illness. Chloe often feels vulnerable and cautious because her body is unpredictable. She has learned through difficult experiences that pushing herself too hard can result in painful flare-ups. This reflects the reality that many fibromates face daily. The book shows that fibromyalgia is not simply a physical condition—it shapes one’s emotional world as well.

At the same time, Chloe is not defined solely by her illness. She is intelligent, witty, creative, and determined. After a near-death experience, Chloe creates a list of things she wants to do to “get a life.” Her goal is to step outside her comfort zone and rediscover herself beyond the limitations imposed by fibromyalgia. This journey is deeply inspiring because it reflects the experience of many fibromates who must rebuild their identity after diagnosis.

The novel also explores the importance of pacing and self-respect. Chloe learns to listen to her body and honor its needs. She recognizes that rest is not weakness, but wisdom. This message is especially important for fibromates, who often struggle with guilt about needing rest. The book reinforces the idea that respecting one’s limitations is an act of self-care and self-love.

Another meaningful aspect of the story is how it addresses the invisibility of chronic illness. Chloe’s pain is not always visible to others, and she sometimes worries that people will not understand or believe her. Many fibromates share this experience. The novel validates these feelings and reminds readers that their experiences are real and deserving of respect.

Despite addressing serious themes, the book is also filled with warmth, humor, and hope. Chloe’s journey is ultimately one of self-acceptance. She learns that her illness does not diminish her worth or her ability to live a meaningful life. She discovers strength within herself and learns to embrace who she is, including her limitations.

What makes this book especially powerful for fibromates is that it offers representation. Seeing a character with fibromyalgia living a full, meaningful life can be incredibly validating. It reminds readers that they are not alone and that their lives can still hold joy, purpose, and connection.

This novel is particularly appropriate for fibromates who are struggling with identity after diagnosis. Chloe’s journey reflects the process of redefining oneself and finding new ways to live fully despite chronic illness. Her story offers hope and encouragement without minimizing the challenges of fibromyalgia.

Overall, Get a Life, Chloe Brown is a deeply affirming and empowering novel for fibromates. It portrays fibromyalgia with honesty, compassion, and respect. It reminds readers that while fibromyalgia may change their lives, it does not define their worth or their potential.

Most importantly, Chloe’s story shows that even with chronic illness, it is possible to rediscover oneself, embrace life, and move forward with courage and self-compassion.

by Heather Walton, Guest Blogger

I heard the little one, before I saw her. I was up on the chancel unpacking my guitar.  I watched her dance up the aisle chattering away with her Grandma and clutching Minnie Mouse and a tiny backpack. With her blond curls bouncing, and smile beaming, she dropped her jacket and Mouse on the first pew and marched right up the steps to my side where she proceeded to wrap her little arms around my waist, saying “Hi!”

Her Grandma came bustling up behind her, starting to apologize for the little one’s boldness, but I was delighted and I hugged her close.

From that moment on, nothing in the service went as planned. This little one, holding the divine spark that we often don’t take enough time to fan into flame, led us up the mountaintop to worship.

She helped with the singing, and added her own dance moves. Then, she helped me show a picture of another young girl, who was helping to feed her community by placing seeds into bricks.

It seemed fitting somehow to have these beloved children of God renew our hope and calling on a week where there has been such loss and sorrow clutching our hearts across the nation.

 Truly life is a blend of sorrow and joy.

In the closing prayer, my little helper waltzed up the steps again just as I was lifting up prayers for the lives lost this past week. She placed a picture in my hands covered in stickers, scribbles, and golden stars. I lifted it high and I and the congregation laughed even as the tears poured down our faces. This tiny sun kissed gal reminded us that even when everything seems to be falling apart, yet we are loved, cherished and held in Holy Hands.

This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine

Heather is a people person, and is a lay leader in local city and country churches, She strives to see each person as unique facets of the Creator’s love and grace. She finds it a delight, and challenge to serve such a diverse bunch of folks.
As a former cook, and home day care worker, Heather brings a wealth of lived experience to share. She is Grandma to 7 grandkids, 2 sons, and has been married 47 years to Bob.

Heather has Arthritis and a back injury which has gifted her with an understanding of the shadows we all dance with during our lives at some point. Sometimes life is simply hard, but we can choose to be better or bitter. Being in
chronic pain has given Heather an empathic view of the difficult journeys that many are on. And so, as a writer and musician, her mission is to uplift, encourage, and share kindness in as many ways she can. Just for the joy of it!

by Irene Roth-Blog Editor-Freelance Writer

Body awareness is powerful—but it can go two ways. For some people, noticing the body becomes a form of scanning for danger: What’s hurting now? What symptom is next? That kind of awareness can increase anxiety and make the body feel even less safe. The goal isn’t just awareness. The goal is awareness with kindness—because kindness changes what awareness does inside you.

Self-kindness is not pretending you feel fine. It’s telling the truth with gentleness. It’s the difference between saying, “I’m falling apart” and saying, “I’m having a hard day, and I deserve care.” When you pair body awareness with self-kindness, your nervous system receives a different message: You are not alone in this. I’m here with you. That message matters because the body often responds not only to what’s happening, but to how we relate to what’s happening.

Start by noticing how you talk to yourself when symptoms show up. Many of us use harsh language without realizing it: This is ridiculous. I can’t do anything. I’m so weak. That inner commentary becomes a second layer of pain. It tightens the body, increases stress hormones, and drains emotional energy. Self-kindness interrupts that cycle by changing the tone of your inner relationship—from criticism to care.

Try this three-step practice: Notice – Name – Nurture.

• Notice: What is happening in my body right now?
• Name: What might I be feeling—physically and emotionally? (tired, overwhelmed, tense, tender)
• Nurture: What is one kind response I can offer?

The nurture step is where self-love becomes practical. Kindness might look like pacing your day, sitting down sooner, choosing simpler meals, texting someone for support, or giving yourself permission to cancel what’s nonessential. It can also look like speaking kindly: Of course this feels hard. I’m doing the best I can. Even a small shift in language—This is difficult instead of This is hopeless—can soften your body’s stress response.

It also helps to widen your awareness beyond symptoms. Ask, What feels even 5% better right now? Maybe it’s a warm mug in your hands, a softer light in the room, a comfortable blanket, or a slower breath. When you notice comfort alongside discomfort, you teach your nervous system that you are safe enough to keep going. This isn’t ignoring pain; it’s balancing your attention so pain doesn’t become the only headline.

Body awareness can also guide boundaries. If your shoulders rise every time you talk to a certain person, that’s information. If your stomach drops when you say yes too quickly, that’s information. Self-kindness means you take that information seriously. You don’t override yourself to keep everyone else comfortable. Instead, you respond with a boundary that protects your body’s peace.

One of the most healing forms of self-kindness is micro-rest. Not a full nap—just 60 seconds of softening. Unclench the jaw. Drop the shoulders. Exhale longer than you inhale. Place a hand on your chest and remind yourself: I can slow down. These tiny acts tell your body it doesn’t have to stay on high alert.

Over time, turning awareness into kindness builds self-trust. You begin to believe your body’s signals instead of arguing with them. You learn that support is not something you earn; it’s something you give yourself because you matter. And that changes everything. Awareness becomes less about fear and more about guidance—your body’s messages translated into daily compassion.