Managing Chronic Pain While Juggling Life as a Single Mom
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Living with chronic pain feels like steering a boat through a storm: moments of calm punctuated by relentless waves that test your balance and resolve. For over two decades, fibromyalgia and chronic pain have been constants in my life. They’ve shaped my days, influenced my choices, and forced me to find strength I didn’t know I had.
As a single mom, these challenges are compounded. Chronic pain doesn’t wait for convenient moments—it crashes in when I’m juggling work deadlines, helping my teenage son navigate life, or simply trying to take care of myself. Yet somehow, I’ve learned to manage the pain while holding onto my dreams for a better life for both of us.
The Reality of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain isn’t just physical; it’s mental, emotional, and deeply intertwined with daily life. Some days, I can power through and almost forget it’s there. Other days, it’s impossible to ignore, like a storm that won’t let up.
Brain fog is another unwelcome companion, making it hard to focus or stay productive. Chronic back pain has taught me to sit, stand, and move with caution, as even small missteps can lead to flare-ups. And yet, I’m still here, finding ways to adapt, cope, and keep going.
This pain doesn’t just impact me—it ripples through my life. It affects my son, who looks to me for stability. It shapes my relationship with my dog, who loves long walks I can’t provide. It influences my work, my hobbies, and even how I plan for the future. Chronic pain requires constant adjustments, but it’s also taught me resilience and how to find moments of joy amidst the challenges.
My Toolkit for Managing Chronic Pain
Over the years, I’ve assembled a toolkit of strategies to help me navigate life with chronic pain:
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Pacing Myself: Instead of pushing through, I break tasks into smaller chunks and alternate between sitting, standing, and resting. Investing in an ergonomic office chair has made a world of difference. Shop ergonomic chairs on Amazon.
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Gentle Movement: While high-impact workouts are out, stretches and short walks on my walking pad help keep my body moving without overdoing it. This walking pad is perfect for small spaces, and it’s what I use in my office.
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Mindful Rest: Resting isn’t just about stopping; it’s about giving myself permission to take a break without guilt. Knitting, sitting on the deck with my dog, or even lying down with a good audiobook helps recharge my body and mind. Try Audible free for 30 days.
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Healthy Boundaries: Learning to say no has been a game-changer. I’m careful with how I spend my energy, prioritizing what truly matters. This planner helps me stay organized without overwhelming myself.
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Support Systems: While I treasure alone time, I lean on my support system when I need it, whether it’s my son, my besties, or simply writing this blog to connect with others.
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Medical Care and Self-Advocacy: I’ve learned to advocate for myself in medical settings. From acupuncture to physical therapy, I stick with what works and speak up when something isn’t helping. Find a local acupuncture specialist near you.
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Brain Fog Hacks: To combat foggy thinking, I rely on to-do lists, reminders, and working during my clearest hours, usually in the mornings. Sticky note pads from Dollar Tree are great for quick reminders.
Dreaming Beyond the Pain
Managing chronic pain is only part of the equation. The other part is my determination to create a better life. For me, that means financial independence, stress-free living, and someday traveling the world with my son.
Pain has slowed me down, but it’s also given me focus. I’ve started this blog to build a flexible income stream and carve out time for creativity, all while keeping those big dreams in sight.
Encouragement for Others
If you’re living with chronic pain, I want you to know you’re not alone. Pain may shape your day-to-day life, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Build your own toolkit, give yourself grace, and keep moving—no matter how small the steps.
For me, hope comes in moments like my son telling me he loves me countless times a day, completing a knitting project despite carpal tunnel, or wandering through a yarn store simply because it makes me happy.
Your hope might look different. Maybe it’s a quiet sunrise, a heartfelt laugh, or simply getting through the day. Whatever it is, hold onto it. Those moments are your compass through the storm.
Life with chronic pain may feel like a marathon, but every step forward matters. Whether it’s finding joy in small victories or dreaming big despite the challenges, you’re creating a life that’s uniquely your own.
For more on finding balance during the holidays as a single mom, check out this post.
Share your thoughts, tips, or dreams in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you navigate the waves of chronic pain while juggling life.