Reflections, Resources, and Real Talk for Your Journey

Mindset is Everything

Nov 14, 2020 01:11 PM Central
Angela Carroll
fibromyalgia, Mindfulness, mindset
0 Comments

I’m a true believer that whether you believe you can or you can’t, you’re right.

I apply this to all aspects of life. Our minds believe everything we tell them. Have you ever noticed that some people seem to get ahead more easily, or always seem happier or healthier in spite of any obstacles or limitations that may seem to exist for them? Or found yourself surprised that someone isn’t as fit, happy, or successful as you would expect?

Ever wonder why that is? It ultimately comes down to mindset.

I’ve been told more than once I don’t fit the mold of a person living with fibromyalgia. I live a fairly normal and active lifestyle. It’s because I made that choice right from the start. I decided when I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia, at the age of 19, that I wouldn’t let it stop me. I continued with that mindset after a freak fall and hip injury in February 2018. It doesn’t mean it’s always easy. I have my days of frustration. But I refuse to let it keep me down. I refuse to let these things dictate my life for me.

I have fibromyalgia. It does not have me.

See how that works? If you decide limitations and obstacles in life own you, you’re right. Your mind will give up looking for solutions. Your body will stop working to its fullest potential. You’ll end up feeling defeated. Because you told yourself in the beginning that you were.

I’ll say it again. Our minds believe everything we tell them. Make sure you’re filling yours with all things good and hopeful, and reminding yourself that you’re ultimately in charge.

This doesn’t mean it will always be easy (I mentioned that above). It doesn’t mean your body will always respond and do 100% of the things you want it to do. But it does mean that you’ll learn to listen. You’ll learn that your limitations are not what defines you. You’ll learn what your body is truly capable of. And you’ll learn that you’re winning at life. Because you are in control.

Looking for a little more guidance in managing your fibro? Get my free guide here.

6 Tips for Staying Motivated

Nov 5, 2020 03:36 PM Central
Angela Carroll
fibromyalgia, holistic health, mindset, motivation
0 Comments

Motivation. We’ve all struggled with it, right? And if you’re like me, 2020 has made it especially hard to find motivation and keep it.

I recently asked in my free online group for fibro warriors what the biggest struggle was when it comes to managing health. Motivation was a big one! It can be hard to want to do much when you’re body aches and you can’t think clearly. Making changes, even if for the better, can feel so overwhelming and like too much work. I get it!

So, I thought I’d offer a few tips. Word to the wise though...motivation only works when you put the work in. It’s not always going to be easy, but it will be worth it. But let me see if I can take a little of the work and overwhelm out of it for you.

A few things you can do to get and stay motivated.

Find your why. Why do you want to get and stay healthy? Make a list and keep it where you’ll see it daily. If you don’t know why you want to take the steps to improve your health, motivation is definitely not going to be there.
Dig out an outfit you want to fit into but can’t. Don’t have one? Buy one. Seriously. I’m not saying it will work on its own, but it will help you keep focus on the direction you want to go. So, give it a try.
That being said...take baby steps. Don’t go crazy and dig out (or buy) something 5 times too small. Even if that’s your goal. Make small goals that will eventually lead you to that big goal. Same goes for nutrition. Don’t jump in all at once. Cut out soda first. Then creamer in your coffee. Move onto cutting out all added sugars and processed foods. You get the idea. Baby steps.
Ask yourself who needs you at your best. Who will benefit from you living a healthier life? I read a book earlier this year, High Performance Habits. The author suggests placing a post-it note with the question, “Who needs me on my A game right now?” where you’ll see it daily. I’m going to say there’s a good reason for him making this suggestion. Maybe give it a try. It just might help.
Keep focus on your end goal. How do you feel now vs how you want to feel? This will kind of tie your why and your goal together. Stay focused. Take the steps to get there in small chunks. And know that if you don’t give up, you’ll reach that end goal.
Know you’re not alone. Find a support group or person. Accountability and encouragement from those you know truly have your best interest at heart goes a long way. You’re welcome to join my free grouphere.

Have more motivation tips to add? I’d love to hear ‘em!

Reclaim Your Life with Fibromyalgia Management

Oct 20, 2020 01:18 PM Central
Angela Carroll
Health & Nutrition, Mind-Body Connection, Self-Care & Boundaries
0 Comments

Fibromyalgia Doesn't Have to Be a Life Sentence

A fibromyalgia diagnosis can feel like a brick wall. You’ve got the muscle weakness, the relentless fatigue, the brain fog that makes you second-guess what room you walked into. And just when you manage to get a few hours of sleep? It doesn’t feel restful at all.

If you’ve been there, you know the questions start swirling. Will I always feel this way? Am I stuck taking medications that barely work? And how am I supposed to deal with groggy side effects on top of the brain fog I already have?

Take a deep breath because here’s the thing you need to know as a fellow fibro warrior: Fibromyalgia doesn’t define you. It’s not a life sentence. You can live a fulfilling, dynamic life. You can reduce your symptoms and feel like yourself again—even without being at the mercy of “just more meds.”

The Road to Relief

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 19 years old. That’s more than half my life ago (and yes, I’ve been officially diagnosed multiple times since). At first, it felt like my world was shrinking, but you know what? I refused to stop moving. I decided to figure out what worked for me, on my terms, rather than letting fibro dictate my life.

It’s been over 25 years of learning what my body can handle and making adjustments. Some things I avoid entirely because I know they’ll trigger a flare-up. Other times, I push through when something matters to me, but I plan ahead to rest afterward. It’s a balance, and learning to manage it has given me so much more control.

Food as a Tool for Healing

One of the biggest game-changers in my fibro management has been food. What you eat can either help calm your symptoms or make everything worse.

For me, clean eating is non-negotiable. I avoid heavily processed foods and added sugars as much as possible, and I focus on whole, nutrient-rich options. Over time, I’ve learned to spot which foods trigger my symptoms. And listen, this didn’t happen overnight. It’s been trial and error, but the results? Worth every effort.

Still figuring this out for yourself? A food journal can make a world of difference. Write down what you eat and note how you feel afterward. Patterns will emerge, and once you start connecting the dots, you’ll be able to make choices that support your well-being.

Listening to Your Body

We often underestimate just how much our bodies are trying to tell us. Every symptom, every flare-up, every energy spike is data. Once you start tuning in, you’ll see just how much control you actually have.

Here are a few tips to begin listening to your body more closely:

Track your triggers: Whether it’s food, activities, or stress, keep notes on what’s going on around the time of a flare-up.
Listen and adapt: If your body says rest, rest. If it feels good, explore it further.
Start small: Focus on making one adjustment at a time so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Your body isn’t working against you; it just needs you to start listening closely.

You’re Not Alone

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s that you’re not alone. I’ve been in the trenches of fibro for most of my life, and I’m here to tell you, it’s possible to feel better. You’re more in control than it might seem.

Start with small, manageable changes. Build on what works for you. And know that support is out there for wherever you are on this journey.

Your Next Step

Are you ready to take control of your fibromyalgia and start feeling like yourself again? My guide to managing fibro naturally is a quick read with a handful of tips and techniques I’ve learned through years of trial and error. Grab your copy here.

xoxo Angela

Get Fit Without the High-Impact Stress

Aug 20, 2020 05:52 PM Central
Angela Carroll
Energy & Vitality, Fitness & Movement
0 Comments

When you think about workouts that deliver results, do you automatically picture something high-intensity? You know, all the jumping, sprinting, and burpees you can handle? I used to think the same way. For a long time, I assumed low-impact workouts were just for rest days, not serious results. Spoiler alert—I was so wrong.

Some of my best results have actually come from low-impact exercises. And if you’ve been feeling like high-impact isn’t working for your body anymore, I’m here to tell you that you can absolutely stay fit and feel amazing without it.

My Turning Point

First, don’t get me wrong—I’ve had a good time with high-impact fitness. Shaun T’s programs like Cize and T-20 are still among my all-time favorites. But in February of 2018, everything changed after a freak volleyball accident. It left me with injuries that made high-impact workouts painful and unsustainable.

For months, I figured I’d just “push through,” but my body had other plans. The jump-back wasn’t happening. That’s when I discovered yoga. And wow did it change my life.

Why Yoga Became My Best Friend

A neurosurgeon I visited during my recovery once joked that yoga isn’t really a workout. (“You just stand there, right?” he said.) Oh, how wrong he was. For me, yoga has been a total game-changer.

Strength, flexibility, muscle definition, mental clarity—it’s all there in a yoga practice. The beauty of yoga is that it doesn’t just work the outside; it focuses on your well-being from the inside out. It’s honestly the most well-rounded form of exercise I’ve found.

Since switching to yoga and other low-impact workouts, I’ve tried to go back to high-impact a few times, thinking I might miss it. But you know what? I really don’t. Yoga makes me feel strong, aligned, and at peace with my body in ways I never expected.

The Truth About Low-Impact Workouts

Here’s what I’ve learned through all of this: low-impact doesn’t mean low-results. The key is to keep moving. Whether it’s yoga, pilates, strength training, or even walking, the most important thing is to find what feels good for your body.

A few other benefits of low-impact workouts include:

Reduced risk of injury: Ideal for those with joint issues or recovering from past injuries.
Improved strength and flexibility: Helpful for building a strong, functional body.
Sustainable fitness: Something you can stick to in the long run without burning out.

And of course, it matters how you fuel yourself. Cleaning up your eating habits works hand in hand with movement to give you the best results. Bad eating habits will hold you back, no matter how much you work out.

What’s Your Style?

Now I’m curious. Are you a low-impact or high-impact worker outer? Or maybe you’re somewhere in between? (And yes, “worker outer” is definitely a term. It’s a thing—I’m making it happen!)

Your Next Step

Check out my guide to fitness over 40 for tips, workouts, and inspiration to help you stay active and feel incredible. You deserve to feel your best, without feeling like you have to sacrifice your body to get there.

xoxo Angela

Body Talk: How to Listen to Your Body and What It’s Telling You

Aug 4, 2020 06:09 PM Central
Angela Carroll
Energy & Vitality, Mind-Body Connection, Self-Care & Boundaries, Self-Discovery
0 Comments

Have you ever wondered why your body feels “off” some days and amazing the next? Those signals aren’t random. They’re your body’s way of communicating its needs to you. And the truth is, no one knows your body better than you. The trick is learning to listen.

Once you start paying attention, you’ll notice how much your body has been trying to tell you all along. Learning to tune in isn’t just about avoiding discomfort; it’s the key to better health, more energy, and a greater sense of balance in your daily life.

If that sounds easier said than done, don’t worry—I’ve got you. Here’s how you can start tuning in to your body’s signals and figuring out what they’re telling you.

Why Listening to Your Body is Essential

Your body is talking to you 24/7. Maybe it’s the tension in your shoulders when you’re stressed or the stomach flutters before an important moment. These little cues are messages, asking you to pay attention and make changes when needed.

When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at the age of 19, I learned (the hard way) how important this was. No one told me to listen to my body, but over time, I figured out that certain activities led to more pain and longer recovery times. It wasn’t easy, but once I began to notice patterns, everything started to make sense.

Listening to your body could mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving. And the best part? It’s a skill you can develop, no matter where you’re starting from.

Common Body Signals You Might Be Ignoring

Your body sends signals in so many ways. Here are just a few examples to watch for:

Tense muscles: A sign that your body needs rest, relaxation, or stress relief.
Stomach discomfort: Could be linked to diet, stress, or emotions.
Headaches: Often tied to dehydration, poor posture, or even emotional tension.
Brain fog: A telltale signal of needing sleep, better nutrition, or a mental reset.

Recognizing these signals is the first step. Decoding them takes practice, and that’s where journaling becomes a game-changer.

How to Use Journaling to Understand Your Body

Keeping a journal allows you to track what’s happening in your body and identify patterns over time. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be fancy. A simple notebook works just fine, but guided options like the Dailygreatness Wellness Journal can give you a bit more structure.

Here’s what to note in your journal to start reconnecting with yourself:

What you eat and drink: Write down your meals, snacks, and hydration levels. How did each make you feel afterward?
Your physical activity: Record your workouts or general movement. Did you feel energized or drained?
Self-talk: Pay attention to your thoughts. Were you uplifting yourself or being overly critical?
Interactions with others: Notice how the people around you influence your mood and energy.
Symptoms and sensations: Note any tension, pain, or other physical signals.

At first, it might seem like a lot to track. Start small. Focus on food, exercise, or one other area that feels most relevant to you right now. Over time, your notes will help you connect the dots and figure out what your body is really asking for.

Start Small and Stay Consistent

One of the biggest challenges with learning to listen to your body is not expecting instant results. It’s easy to get discouraged if changes don’t happen overnight, but trust me on this one. The work you put in now will create the foundation for long-term health and happiness.

Begin with just one area. Maybe you start tracking how food affects your energy levels or how your body feels after different workouts. When that becomes second nature, layer in something else. Little by little, you’ll start recognizing your body’s patterns and responding intuitively.

You’re Worth the Effort

There will be days when it feels overwhelming, and you’ll be tempted to give up. But don’t. This isn’t just about solving the headaches or fatigue in the moment—it’s about building the relationship you have with yourself. You are worth the energy it takes to figure this out.

Whatever you do, keep moving forward. This process is for you. It’s about showing up for your health, your happiness, and the best version of yourself.

It is also important that you use the right essential oils if you’re exploring those options. If you need help, reach out to me for guidance.

Love this blog? Check out my guide to Fitness Over 40. Get it here.

xoxo Angela

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