Hey everyone,
I’m back with an update on my health and wellness journey! It feels like it’s been forever since my last post, but it really hasn’t. Isn’t it amazing how time flies when you’re focused on self-improvement? In my last post, I shared my goals of quitting smoking and improving my sleep quality. Today, I’m excited to share my progress and how far I’ve come. I hope my journey inspires you and encourages you to follow your own path to better health.
Progress in Managing Fibromyalgia
Let’s start with my fibromyalgia. Since starting SwingCare, I’ve seen incredible results. Recently, I had to switch medications because my previous one contained a cancer-causing ingredient. The transition to the new medication was seamless—no side effects, no disruption—which was such a relief.
SwingCare also includes a therapy app, and while it’s not mandatory, I’ve been using it for two months. The difference it has made is incredible—not just in managing my fibro but also in other areas of my life. This therapy has helped me better handle challenges, both physical and emotional, and has been a game-changer.
My Smoke-Free Journey
I applied some of the strategies I’ve learned from fibromyalgia therapy to quitting smoking—and it worked! Along with starting generic Chantix, I incorporated spirituality into my process. I carried a satchel of crystals to keep me grounded and focused on my goals, created a binding rune to symbolize “stopping it,” and used daily affirmations to remind myself that I’m stronger than my habit.
As of today, I’ve been smoke-free for 25 days. That’s over 350 cigarettes avoided, more than $50 saved, and two days of life regained. These numbers fuel my motivation every day. After three weeks, I stopped taking Chantix because I began missing doses, which I took as a sign that I didn’t need it anymore. I have patches on hand, but I’ve never had to use them.
Improving Sleep Quality
While quitting smoking and getting new pillows initially helped, I realized there was still more to fix when it came to my sleep quality. Through fibro therapy, I’ve learned to distinguish between quality and quantity of sleep—two very different things. I also discovered the negative relationship I’d developed with sleep due to years of pain interrupting it.
A major culprit? My old mattress. Last week, I finally got a new one, and it’s already making a big difference. I’ve also been working on staying out of bed until I’m genuinely sleepy (not just tired—there’s a difference!). Therapy has taught me that the methods I use to manage fibro can also help with sleep.
For example, even if I don’t get eight hours of sleep, I can still feel well-rested if those hours are high-quality. Tracking my sleep cycles with my smartwatch has been incredibly helpful, and I’m considering getting an updated sleep study next year to ensure my CPAP machine settings are still accurate.
A New Chapter in Missouri
Since moving back to Missouri, so many positive changes have taken place that my life almost feels unreal. While there’s still plenty to work on, I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
I never thought I’d quit smoking on my own, manage my fibromyalgia effectively, or see my mental health stabilize and improve. This journey has given me the chance to reevaluate my values and start living in alignment with them. For so long, I was just fighting to survive—but now I’m starting to truly live.
Your Turn
What about you? What changes are you struggling to make in your life? What’s keeping you from taking that first step? Let’s support each other as we work toward healthier, happier futures.