THE FIBROMATES JOURNAL

by Shelley Taylor/Guest Blogger

Good glorious morning!

I was out on the balcony early (for me) and was met by an attempted murder of noisy crows… who were arguing with the resident starlings. I was bundled in layers, trying to stay warm, and eventually was able to peel away some of the coverings.

The sun is gaining strength these days, and it’s been delightful enjoying this warmer weather. Not too hot, thankfully, since it seems my inner thermostat has faulty wiring. I want to enjoy as much time on my beloved balcony as possible before summer drives me indoors to the AC.

I’m busy these days, but comfortably so. Listening to my inner voice telling me to rest frequently, I’m able to keep up with my daily chores and the medical appointments I have. The VON and PSW services that visit certainly keep me well supported, and I’m ever grateful to have friends who help me plant my garden pots and fill other “gaps” that pop up unexpectedly.

Bri and I were finally able to grab a magical 25 hours together last weekend in Ajax to celebrate Bob and spend some quality time together. It was a wonderful getaway, and we looked through old photo albums I dragged along, remembering many good memories and reframing some difficult ones.

The changes I’ve made as a result of the “work” I’ve done with my Chronic Pain Coach have helped me shift into a much better version of a mum to an adult child. I’m moving full speed into Cronehood and enjoying every minute!

New orthotics (finally!!!) will enable me to get out walking again, and I’ve got two lovely ladies in my building agreeing to start our own walking club! I’m committing to NO DAIRY for six weeks to test how much better I know I’ll feel, and I’m grateful for all the fresh vegetables I’m adding to my menu, thanks to the Odd Bunch box I get delivered.

It’s looking to be a wonderful summer. I’m making plans to do a bit of travelling to visit friends, but all within an easy commute. All my hobbies, both old and new, keep me entertained, and I remain hopeful about resurrecting my blog and webpage, Balcony Prompts. I know it’ll happen!

Enjoy the day… do something nice for someone, as well as yourself!

Blessings!

By Irene Roth/Blog Editor

For many fibromates, home becomes more than simply a place to live. It becomes a place of recovery, comfort, and restoration. On difficult days, when pain, fatigue, or sensory overload make the world feel demanding, having a small outdoor refuge can offer surprising emotional and physical support. The good news is that a healing sanctuary does not require a large backyard or elaborate landscaping. Even a modest balcony, porch, patio, or sunny corner can become a gentle space for renewal.

A healing garden begins with comfort.

Fibromyalgia often heightens sensitivity, so creating a space that feels soothing to the nervous system matters. Start by considering seating. A supportive chair with soft cushions, a hammock chair, or a small bench with blankets can create a welcoming place to rest. Comfort invites us to linger rather than rush.

Shade and sunlight both deserve thoughtful attention.

Many fibromates appreciate gentle morning sunlight but may feel overwhelmed by intense afternoon heat. Consider adding an umbrella, pergola, or shaded corner while still allowing access to natural light. The goal is balance rather than exposure.

Plants can bring both beauty and emotional nourishment.

You do not need to be an experienced gardener to create something meaningful. Choose plants that feel calming and manageable rather than demanding. Lavender, mint, chamomile, rosemary, and lemon balm offer pleasant scents that many people find soothing. Purple flowers, soft grasses, and flowering herbs can create a peaceful visual rhythm.

Container gardens work beautifully for balconies and smaller spaces.

Raised planters or pots can also reduce bending and strain, helping conserve precious energy. A healing garden should support your body rather than exhaust it.

Think beyond plants.

A sanctuary engages the senses gently and intentionally. Wind chimes, bird feeders, small fountains, or smooth stones can add quiet sensory comfort. The sound of water or birdsong often creates a calming atmosphere that helps settle an overactive nervous system.

Texture matters too.

A soft throw, outdoor rug, or weatherproof cushions can make the space feel nurturing and personal. Some fibromates enjoy grounding by standing barefoot on grass or resting their feet on natural surfaces. Others simply appreciate feeling surrounded by natural textures.

Personal touches make the sanctuary uniquely yours.

You might include a favourite mug for tea, a small journal, inspirational stones, fairy lights, devotional items, or treasured garden ornaments. Healing spaces do not need to be perfect or expensive. They simply need to reflect peace and belonging.

Perhaps most importantly, release the pressure to create a picture-perfect garden.

Healing gardens are not competitions.

A single potted flower and comfortable chair can be enough. Fibromyalgia often teaches us to redefine success—not through productivity or perfection, but through gentleness and sustainability. Your sanctuary should feel supportive, not like another task on a long to-do list.

Gardens and balconies teach us something important.

Growth happens slowly.

Flowers bloom in their own time. Seeds rest before they rise. Nature reminds us that healing, too, is rarely hurried.

For fibromates, a healing garden or balcony sanctuary becomes more than an outdoor space. It becomes a quiet companion—a place to breathe, reflect, rest, and reconnect with ourselves.

Sometimes healing begins not with doing more, but with sitting quietly among growing things.

By Irene Roth/Blog Editor

In A Love Affair with the Unknown, Gillian Deacon offers a thoughtful and deeply personal exploration of one of life’s greatest challenges: learning to live with uncertainty. Blending memoir, psychology, philosophy, and practical wisdom, she invites readers to reconsider the unknown not as something to fear, but as an inevitable and even meaningful part of being human.

Deacon draws heavily on her own experiences, including her battle with long COVID after previously facing cancer. Rather than presenting herself as someone who has mastered uncertainty, she writes with honesty about the vulnerability, frustration, and fear that accompany illness and unanswered questions. This openness makes the book feel authentic and relatable rather than prescriptive.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its balance between personal storytelling and broader reflection. Deacon explores why uncertainty creates anxiety, how our brains seek certainty, and why accepting ambiguity can ultimately lead to greater resilience, creativity, and compassion. Her insights are grounded in research yet presented in an accessible, conversational style that never feels overwhelming.

Readers living with chronic illness, caregiving responsibilities, or major life transitions will likely find particular comfort in Deacon’s message. She acknowledges that many of life’s most difficult experiences cannot be solved quickly or neatly. Instead, she encourages us to remain present, cultivate curiosity, and discover moments of hope even when outcomes remain uncertain. This perspective is especially meaningful for anyone navigating unpredictable health conditions or significant personal change.

For Fibro Warriors, this book is especially relevant. Living with fibromyalgia means living with uncertainty every day. Symptoms can fluctuate without warning, plans often need to change, and there is rarely a predictable pattern to pain, fatigue, or brain fog. Deacon’s reflections gently remind readers that while we may not be able to control what tomorrow brings, we can choose how we respond to it. Her message encourages self-compassion, flexibility, and resilience rather than striving for impossible certainty. These are invaluable qualities for anyone learning to live well with chronic illness.

The book also reinforces an important truth for those with fibromyalgia: healing is not always about finding answers or eliminating symptoms. Sometimes it is about learning to live fully despite uncertainty, discovering meaning in the present moment, and trusting ourselves even when our bodies feel unpredictable. Deacon’s compassionate approach aligns beautifully with many of the principles that support emotional well-being for people living with chronic pain.

What makes this book especially memorable is its hopeful tone. Deacon does not dismiss fear or uncertainty, nor does she offer simplistic reassurance. Instead, she gently demonstrates that uncertainty can become a teacher, encouraging humility, wonder, deeper relationships, and a richer appreciation of the present moment. Her writing is compassionate, reflective, and quietly inspiring.

A Love Affair with the Unknown is an engaging and uplifting read that reminds us that certainty is not a prerequisite for living well. Through graceful storytelling and thoughtful reflection, Gillian Deacon offers readers a fresh perspective on embracing life’s unpredictability with courage, openness, and hope. For anyone living with fibromyalgia or another chronic illness, this book serves as a reassuring companion, reminding us that while the future may be uncertain, it can still hold beauty, purpose, growth, and joy.