Janet, let's march together, a little company on a journey is never a bad thing.

Angie, you know you hold a unique spot in my heart, we have never met and yet you aided me through Teah's diagnosis in a way even my friends and family couldn't comprehend. Plus, I will look into yoga, I just need to find a class which works with my schedule.

Gigi, I am sorry to hear of your health issues, I love that your inner style voice has become stronger over this time.

What a great spirit! Thanks for posting. It's an inspiration.

What a wonderful post!

This post is so timely, for I started to spiral downward when my mother died in 2012. Her death made me dwell on many negative things, including my own mortality. It took me until last summer (2015) to really WANT to live, and live with exuberance and joy. But baby, I'm back now, and with a vengeance and energy that is totally refreshing and live-giving. I really can empathize with you, Jules, and I believe you will do just great! Thanks to everyone who has shared their own story in this thread. You are inspiring us all.

Jules-
You've already show great resilience with all you've been through. I'm very glad you see a way forward, that's often the hardest part.
You are thought of fondly on here, virtual support isn't quite tactile but still it's nice to know that there are people around the world that care.

I love your attitude to tough times. I think we are all in your corner.

Bravo!

Jules, I'm honoured, and it's a pleasure to support you.

Karie, I'm inviting you along to my yoga studio in Madison Park. I go 4 to 5 times a week, so come on over! The instructors will take care of you - and I'd be happy to recommend the classes and teachers that I think you might enjoy most as you get into the swing of it.

So sorry for the tough year, but your spirit is remarkable. Wishing you all the best, and you gave me a much-needed boost that I can use in my own situations.

Jules - I am so incredibly sorry for all that you have been going through. Sometimes life throws so much at us, it's hard to see our way out.

I completely relate to what you have said as I've been battling my own way back since my son's suicide attempt last year. While caring for him, I seem to have lost myself along the way and even let my own health decline. Now I'm figuring out who I want to be and even how I fit in here. I was beyond touched at my warm welcome back so I know there are so many Fabbers who are holding your hand from afar and will help you up should your legs not hold you

Oh, what a dreich year. How heartbreaking to lose your Mum and harder still when you have your own health challenges on top of that aching loss. Your statement of strength is uplifting for those of us going through tough times; a reminder that sunshine comes after rain, but we will only find it if we stand up and open the curtains. All the best to you.

Your spirit and attitude is an inspiration. I am sorry for the hard times you've had. Know we are here for you.

We can only control our attitude, not what life throws at us. You are an inspiration.

Jules, you have a world wide cheer squad behind you!

For you, one of my favorite quotes: "The only way around is through." I am sure you will persevere with the same grace and poise you always show here on this forum.

When I read descriptions such as yours, Jules, I invariably think of this quote from Shakespeare:

When sorrows come, they come not single spies but in battalions.

I hope yours are in retreat for a while.

So glad you're here and have some energy to think about yourself and your look. Let us know how we can help!

Jules, popping in to say I am 100% behind you. Writing what you did is wise - now that it's in black and white, you will make it a reality. Angie's suggestion is fantastic. Yoga is centering and will force you to focus on yourself. Plus, it's exhilarating to feel yourself getting stronger and more capable physically. Love to you!

Onward, roseandjoan. Glad that you are focusing on the positives in your life, and a great reminder that I should do the same.

Hi RoseandJoan--

What a tough period; I'm sorry.

It's so easy to underestimate the physical and mental toll grief and/or chronic pain takes on us.

And it can take so long to adapt to new realities in a healthy, growth-oriented way that really gives us energy vs taking it away from us -- glad to hear you've now got the fire to enjoy trends, style etc!

Re the rheumatism -- Have you ever explored some of the fascinating research about how the brain and body process physical pain?

As someone who was mis-diagnosed for 3 decades and told my pain was all in my head and/or due to stress when it was actually endometriosis (for the...win?), I'm thankful to have basically had my daily pain and emotional reactions to it lifted since surgery this time last year. But the decades of missed disease have left me with some Broken Doll issues to manage on top of general aging stuff, and of course lots to process!

I think that's why so many are recommending yoga (I'd add swimming, too) -- trying to get the brain chemicals working so that you're less "upregulated" (hyper-responsive to pain signals) as the PT folks say.

Finding room in the budget/schedule for regular massage may be necessary, too, to help relieve inflammation and pain from tension.

Good luck and looking forward to seeing how you experiment with your style!

Supporting you in this spring season of renewal. I remember you fondly from posts from a few years ago and was always impressed with how genuine, original, and thoughtful you are. Take no prisoners!!!

So much wisdom and support here, I am truly lucky to be a part of this community.

I will need to take some time to digest all of your responses, I am overwhelmed in a positive way at present by your replies.

Laura, thank you so much for commenting on this thread. I miss your fab posts fashion or otherwise very much.

Shannon, I cannot imagine what you have been through, your son is so lucky to have your support. I really hope he receives the help to move on.

Vix, thank you so much, your post echoes the words of the specialist. The grief, physical pain and disrupted nights sleep (my daughter sometimes needs support through the night) has put my body into shock. I will look into the massage.

You have had quite a basket of tough to carry, Jules, but I echo what's already been said -- the journey back begins with awareness and acknowledgment, along with a plan to move forward. It's tempting to apologize for taking the time and energy to build your physical, spiritual and emotional strength, but you have to tend the garden in anticipation of a great harvest!

Jules-I replied earlier don't know where it went.
You attitude is inspiring! I have always thought that you have the best attitude. Moving forward takes courage and you have that.
I can't recommend yoga enough. It gives you a little me time while strengthening you both physically and mentally.

Hi! *waves* So nice to see you back here. Much love.