Nikki acceptance, chronic pain, coping, fibromyalgia, wellbeing

The life lesson fibromyalgia gave me about happiness

Fibromyalgia and chronic pain, in general, are extremely hard to cope with long-term. We learn some serious resiliency, often the hard way. Sort of get sick of needing to be resilient sometimes. After that rocky road, and falling off a few cliffs there, I learned some things about happiness. Not like I am particularly wise. … Continue reading The life lesson fibromyalgia gave me about happiness

Nikki chronic pain, coping, wellbeing

Battling chronic pain with positive psychology and cultivating character strengths

I always want to explore my psychological, mental, emotional strengths or how to develop them with chronic pain. And there is a reason behind that. I am quite aware that medication doesn't just resolve pain. In fact, it really doesn't do that much for me. I have to do a whole lot of other things … Continue reading Battling chronic pain with positive psychology and cultivating character strengths

Nikki acceptance, chronic illness, chronic pain, coping, emotional state, lifestyle, mood, thinking some thoughts, wellbeing

Chronic illness: Mood, happiness, and life satisfaction

What I don't like is this 'pursuit of happiness' as an ultimate life goal. It is flawed in design. It is like a utopia... it doesn't exist. You will never find it and the quest will make you dissatisfied and miserable. And yet, it is something in our culture we seem to think is perfectly … Continue reading Chronic illness: Mood, happiness, and life satisfaction