I have a dream job, at my favorite company, working for two of the nicest folks I know.  I get to use computers, do math daily, and work on projects I can’t tell you about.  My team includes a variety of brilliant folks with experience the likes of which I previously thought only fictional characters attained.  Think Jason Bourne meets guerrillas in an oil field in Colombia on his way back from Kuwait as he heads toward Saudi Arabia.  Now, add a train, Seeley, a 20,000 man construction camp, and a just bit of the ordinary.

In my first year of employment with this company I have received two raises, both without any request from me.  My total compensation package has increased over 20% since my hire date.  My title was revised to better reflect the skill-level required for my position to those outside the company.  My first year in said job has been better than I could have imagined it would be.  And yet my fibromyalgia flares…

So, like many folks with fibromyalgia, I wonder about fibromyalgia and full-time employment.

Is it impossible?
No.

Is it difficult?
Absolutely.

Is it worth it?
That is for each of us to decide on our own.  As for me it is worth the struggle.

My job challenges me to fight the fibro fog by keeping me using my brain.  My company supports me and allows me the flexibility I need to stay healthy.  And, most importantly, my team of coworkers encourages and teaches me daily.  My heart is buoyed up by the kind words I receive from many of my team members.  As they reach out, in kindness, to me I have the privilege of seeing my coworkers as people, with struggles, goals, and challenges… just like me.

Others show their support in less-obvious ways that are no-less-meaningful than outright expressions of concern and care.  And others clearly do not understand.  As annoying, and sometimes hurtful, as I find this, I am trying to remember they must have a valid reason for their hesitance and efforts to avoid personal, emotional, and other potentially uncomfortable topics.  Like me they face struggles… but I swear a positive and friendly attitude will get you somewhere.  Being negative and disinterested will get you well-acquainted with failure and left behind.

But yeah… enough of that.

More later…