THE FIBROMATES JOURNAL

By Irene Roth, Blog Editor, Book Reviewer

Like all of her books, this one is very organized and easy to reference later. She makes the steps in the guide so easy to understand and feel doable in real life. The examples are relatable and the advice is customizable. There are many prompts that will have you truly evaluating your lifestyle and inspire you to make changes that are important to you.

I really enjoy her writing because it’s easy to digest and at times, quite humorous. Everyone who is into minimizing, de-stressing, or just prioritizing their life could benefit from this book. I believe it’s a book that can change your life. I don’t say this often about a book. But I think this book merits that kind of compliment.

Shira Gill’s book provides a practical framework for a more intentional life. She presents tools and systems that are small, actionable prompts to help you create the life you want. The key takeaways for me are:

• It is never too late to start decluttering and organizing. Even a small amount can help us feel freer and less overwhelmed.
• Consistency is key. Small habit shifts can compound over time, resulting in progress.
• We must try to reframe our mindset. We should complain less and be more grateful for a happier and more fulfilled life.

This book is a refreshing combination of beauty, practicality, and lighthearted inspiration to up style your life. The tone is uplifting and fun, making it feel like a personal invitation to transform your life and environment without the stress. Every page sparks some new ideas, and it’s clear that the author put a lot of thought into making it approachable for everyone.

Plus, there are these beautiful personal therapy moments woven throughout—gentle reflections that allow you to not just organize your space, but also nurture your mind. It’s like the book is a little wellness retreat in printed form, offering both practical and emotional support for a harmonious home life.

If you’re looking for a home decor and organizing book that strikes the perfect balance between beauty, efficiency, and personal growth, this is it! Fibromates can also find this book useful as they will be inspired to start organizing and decluttering in as little as a few minutes a day. Since all our efforts add up, if we’re consistent, we’ll have a tidier and less cluttered living space in no time. It’s just the book for the spring season.

By Guest Blogger Laura Erdman

When I first became ill, I was working as a gardener. I had quit my go-nowhere corporate job to pursue a more joyful, authentic life. I became a full-time gardener in training. I should have been the healthiest I’ve ever been. I was enjoying the sunshine and the activity. I loved caring for plants and their soil, and I delighted in the creature communities of bugs and birds and fungus that I met every day.

I met the nicest people in the garden. Kind, gentle people who with sensitive fingers and eyes, carefully cultivating the conditions where tender organisms could thrive in the harsh Canadian climate. I made friends. I was happy. I was renewing my life in a good way, so I don’t know why my body chose that moment to revolt.

It’s a prolonged grief, the grief for what I used to have. I used to be able to get up at dawn and dig in the soil for hours. Since that time, 5 years ago, my life has gotten smaller and smaller. I am continually giving ground as I adjust to my new lack of capabilities; I can’t drive to town like I had hoped. I can’t shop at the greenhouse because it is too large to walk through. I just can’t keep up with the weeding and watering, so my lovely plants wither where they were planted.

The grief is profound and prolonged, so how can I celebrate the coming of spring?

I will try, of course; I can’t not try.

I’ve learned to break goals into tiny steps. Just the smallest possible task, done today or tomorrow. No pressure. No striving. So today or tomorrow, I’ll take a poke around and find my gloves and shears. Then today or tomorrow I’ll go out and look at the shrubs. On one of the next few days, I’ll set my timer for 10 minutes and gently clip the winter kill. Then, judiciously, I’ll clip off twigs and ends that appear to be healthy, but will choke the plant of its space and sunlight if allowed to grow. In the first days of my gardener training, this horrified me, excising perfectly healthy tissue from a perfectly healthy plant. Now, with experience, I am wise enough to see that these particular limbs are choking the plant from the inside out by using precious resources that inhibit its growth. Clipping these parts allows the emergence of fresh new leaves ready to soak up the sun and beautiful blossoms primed to fruit.

I prune this little bush as I know I must lovingly prune myself. I can’t continue to be the person whose beliefs and behaviours led to this collapse. Losing my capabilities has had the advantage of exposing what’s really important. The tiny bit of energy I have must need to be allocated to the thoughts and behaviours that sustain me, the things I love, the things that uplift me, and that help me to feel good. The better I feel, the more I can do.

What is keeping me from thriving?

I see the gnarly pieces that are choking my potential to thrive; adjusting myself to suit someone else’s preferences, failing to speak my true feelings for fear of being rejected, obsessively ruminating on one bad interaction, allowing my mind to dwell on the same negative thought over and over again, sinking away from the will to take positive action into sucking hopelessness and self-hatred.

These, too, I must trim away. I must make space for healing with intentional small steps that support my well-being. I must become my own gentle gardener by using my inner voice to cheer me and direct my wise actions, making safe space for feelings to be felt, honouring my authentic needs, learning what my boundaries are and defending them. For the sake of feeling good, for good health, as good as it can be, I owe this to myself. I deserve it. If nothing else, it is necessary—to balance out my grief, loss, and pain.

Just try to be okay.

Wishing you a gentle, slow, and hopeful spring. May you cultivate the space to help yourself thrive.

Laura Erdman is a 45-year-old artist living in British Columbia. Originally from the prairies, she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2020. She explores creativity, self-care, and the challenges of building a meaningful life while managing chronic illness.

by Irene Roth, Blog Editor/Writer

Cultivating a Spring Mindset

As winter loosens its icy grip and the first signs of spring emerge, nature reminds us of its incredible resilience. For those living with fibromyalgia, the transition from cold, dark months to warmer, brighter days can be both physically and emotionally challenging.

However, just as nature awakens and blooms, we too can harness the energy of the changing seasons to shift our mindset from hibernation to blossoming. By embracing a mindset of renewal, growth, and self-compassion, we can step into spring with a refreshed perspective.

Winter often encourages us to slow down, rest, and conserve energy. While this can be a necessary form of self-care, it can also lead to feelings of stagnation, isolation, and even depression.

Spring, on the other hand, invites movement, renewal, and optimism. Recognizing this natural rhythm allows us to align our mindset with the season’s themes of rebirth and possibility.

Instead of dreading the transition, view it as an opportunity to cultivate a new outlook. Just as the earth shakes off winter’s dormancy, you too can shed the heaviness of the colder months and gently welcome fresh perspectives.

Start by observing the small signs of renewal around you—the budding trees, the return of birdsong, and the longer daylight hours. Let these natural cues serve as reminders that transformation is always possible.

Fibromyalgia symptoms often fluctuate with the weather, and seasonal transitions can bring new aches and pains. Rather than viewing these changes as setbacks, reframe them as opportunities to listen to your body and make mindful adjustments.

Perhaps the longer days encourage you to spend a few extra minutes soaking in the sunshine, which can boost your vitamin D levels and improve your mood. Maybe the milder temperatures make gentle outdoor stretching or walking more inviting, providing a natural way to reduce stiffness and increase endorphins.

When setbacks arise, remind yourself that just as nature adapts, so can you. Adopting a growth mindset—one that focuses on possibilities rather than limitations—can help you navigate seasonal changes with resilience and hope.

1. Renew Your Routine – Spring is an excellent time to assess your daily habits and make small, positive changes. Consider incorporating more fresh, seasonal foods into your diet, adjusting your sleep schedule to align with natural light patterns, or engaging in light movement such as stretching, yoga, or tai chi.
2. Connect with Nature – Studies show that spending time outdoors can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase energy. Even if mobility is limited, sitting outside, gardening, or simply opening a window to let in fresh air can have profound benefits.
3. Set Gentle Intentions – Rather than overwhelming yourself with drastic goals, focus on small, manageable shifts. Perhaps you set an intention to embrace gratitude, engage in a new creative hobby, or prioritize self-care in a way that aligns with your needs.
4. Surround Yourself with Positivity – Seek uplifting books, music, or conversations that inspire you. Spring is a time of renewal, so why not refresh your mental environment as well? Let go of negative thought patterns and welcome in affirmations that encourage hope and self-love.

One of the most beautiful lessons nature teaches us is that growth happens at its own pace. Not every tree blossoms at the same time, and not every flower opens on the same day. Your journey with fibromyalgia is unique, and it’s important to honor your personal rhythm. Some days will be filled with energy and optimism, while others may require rest and introspection. Both are valid, and both are part of the cycle of growth.

As the season shifts, give yourself permission to embrace change in a way that feels right for you. Celebrate the small victories, whether it’s stepping outside for a few moments, trying a new activity, or simply allowing yourself to dream of possibilities. Just as nature awakens after months of dormancy, you too can bloom—one gentle step at a time.

By aligning your mindset with the renewal of spring, you can transform this season into an opportunity for personal growth, resilience, and hope. Fibromyalgia may present challenges, but just like the changing seasons, there is always a chance for renewal and a fresh beginning.