Migraine and Headache Awareness 2015 #13- What in Nature Brings you Hope

Day #13 Prompt- What in nature brings you hope: Tell us what things in nature bring you hope and why.

I find hope at the beach!!!  I love going to the beach in the evening and just walking.  It gives me time to talk to the person I'm with without distractions, or just enjoy the quiet.  Whether the sun is shining or there is a storm rolling in, the beach is always peaceful for me.  And peace=HOPE.

"The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is organized by the American Headache and Migraine Association." 

Migraine and Headache Awareness 2015 #12- "Birds of Hope" quote

Day #12 Prompt- "Birds of Hope" quote: Interpret the quote: tell us what the quote on the image below means to you.

To me, the quote means that I can find HOPE anywhere if I just relax, listen and look.  There is no secret to HOPE.  It's all about trusting that when I am at my worst and in my darkest place, hope will be right there, waiting for me to grab it. 

"The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is organized by the American Headache and Migraine Association." 

Migraine and Headache Awareness 2015 #11- Helping Others Hope

Day #11 Prompt- Helping others Hope: What do you do or say to help others have hope?

This is a tough prompt for me.  I found online support groups and organizations about 4 years ago.  Through both, I have met so many people who have taught me so much and helped me more than I could ever explain.  But I am unsure of what I do or say. 

I blog on and off to share my personal experiences with others.  I tend to do it so infrequently that I suspect I write more for myself than for others.  I try to share as much information as possible, to educate people.  And honestly, I just try to be genuine.  I try to let those who I come into contact with know that I really care and I really want to help.  If that is sharing a story with them or just offering a prayer, that is what I am here for.  For me, it was knowing I was not alone that gave me the hope I have today,  So I hope that I have been there for others when they felt all alone. 


"The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is organized by the American Headache and Migraine Association." 

Migraine and Headache Awareness 2015 #10- How Do You Find Hope on a Dark Day?

Day #10 Prompt-How do you find hope on a dark day?  Please write about any ways you have to find hope on a dark day.

I find hope on my darkest days through planning and being ready for the pain.  That may sound strange, but it is 100% true.  I never expected to find a day where I would not be able to manage my pain and move on.  When that day came, I was thrown to my knees and it took me two years to find my footing.  The pain was so bad that I immediately fell into a deep depression.  Since I was no longer working, I just didn't leave my house.  I gave up all hope for living life and just tried to exist. 

After going through a program for individuals with pain, I learned that the best way to make it through, to not lose my way and to hold on to hope; was to be realistic that the pain was going to be severe.  I learned how to plan for that pain and how to set myself up for the greatest success no matter where I am.  Having a plan of action allows me to find hope on my darkest day. 

At Home:
When I am at home I have a room that I can go to when the pain becomes intense.  This is a room where no one else HAS to be in, so I can have the needed privacy at any time.  In this room I keep my Iceman machine and my Celfaly.  I am also able to bring any meds that I may need with me without fear of just leaving meds around for anyone to get to.  I can curl up in my chair and have everything at my fingertips.  There is enough room in there to pace and my chair is big enough and comfortable enough to rock in without hurting myself.  There is also a treadmill and television in there for distraction purposes. 

Away from Home:
I am still very particular about who I will leave my home with.  I tend to have anxiety attacks, so I only go out with people who are understanding of this.  When I leave my home I carry a HUGE purse that I can pack with whatever I need to be ready to combat my pain at a moments notice.  I carry rescue medications with me, my Cefaly, a portable ice pack, and my Chill n' heat.  I also carry peppermint oil so I can use that when I come into contact with people who are wearing strong perfumes or colognes. 

For me planning really helps me keep myself and my pain in better control.  These items also are what I considerable my security items and give me HOPE to survive each attack. 

***I also want to mention what I have just started.  This item was recommended by a Teri Robert.  In the last few weeks I have started a gratitude journal.  I am trying to fill it each day with things I am grateful for.  So when I am in a moment of pain and losing hope, I can go back to that journal and remember that there is good in every day. 


"The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is organized by the American Headache and Migraine Association." 

Migraine and Headache Awareness 2015 #9- Hope Lets Us Win

Day #9 Prompt- Hope lets us win:  Watch and listen to the video below of Bran McKnight's son "Win," and share with us which of the lyrics you believe. 

To me the lyrics that stand out to me and that speak to me come at the end of the song. 

When it's all said and done
My once in a lifetime won't be back again
Now is the time
To take a stand
Here is my chance

For me, this statement is so true.  For so long I kept hoping for what I had to return.  If I could only get better.....
I can't keep living my life like that.  For me, my hope comes in making the most out of what I have today.  I don't work.  But there are so many more things that I can do to make my life matter.  Hoping on that one day when I will miraculously be all better so my life can start again is what was holding me back from living.  I have to find ways to make a difference today, tomorrow and the next day;  not sitting around wishing for what is no more. 

"The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is organized by the American Headache and Migraine Association." 

Migraine and Headache Awareness 2015 #8- Pets for Comfort and Hope

Day #8 Prompt- Pets for Comfort and Hope: If you have pets that help you keep hoping, tell us about them.  If not, tell us about something else that helps you keep hoping.

I am the proud mother of a furbaby cat named Tiger.  He was actually my husband's cat, so I adopted him when we got married.  I will tell you that the first few years with Tiger was pretty difficult, he did not appreciate my hubby bringing me home.  But things changed after I became sick and stopped working.  Eventually he became my shadow and my best friend.  We spend the day talking, arguing and eating!!!!  Whenever I have a bad attack or a bad day, he is right there to take care of me.  Sadly I must say that in the last few months he has become ill and I am now the one taking care of him.  My hope is that we still have tons more time together, but whatever happens, his love means the world to me!!!!!

"The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is organized by the American Headache and Migraine Association." 

Migraine and Headache Awareness 2015 #7- Activities/Hobbies that Build Hope

Prompt #7- Activities/Hobbies that build Hope: What activities or hobbies do you participate in that help build hope for you?

For me, anything that keeps me moving and thinking, gives me hope.  Some of what I love to do:
-Read
-Write
-Listen to music
-Complete puzzles
-Sudoku
-Walking
-Yoga
-Participate in support groups
-Spend time with family and friends

Since I stopped working, sometimes I find it tough to find a purpose.  In the past few years I've learned that my main purpose at this moment is to take care of myself.  So I try to balance what I enjoy doing with making sure I don't overdo any one thing.   


"The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is organized by the American Headache and Migraine Association."