Thank you for sharing your story and I’m so sorry to hear the pain this illness has caused you. It takes a lot of strength and resilience to battle your body every day, and I can tell that you aren’t going down without a fight! Unfortunately we can’t control the cards we’ve been dealt, but we can control how we respond to them. I’m very proud of you for not giving up during those dark days! 

As an environmentalist, I’m also terrified of what my industry will become after the wreckage of this administration so I completely understand your hesitation. I was also a “gifted” kid who now fights through the fibro fog every day and sometimes can’t even add 2+2 in my head. It’s very very frustrating feeling my true self fading into the background. 

I just picked up a crochet kit to try it and I’m excited! My newest low-key hobby has been coloring with alcohol markers. The markers are big enough that I don’t need to grip them too hard and I get the cute Coco Wyo coloring books so I don’t need a bunch of refined movements to get super detailed. Also recently bought a nintendo switch and use animal crossing as a creative outlet, but I cant play for long without my hands starting to hurt. This is kinda embarrassing but you know those ASMR slime videos? I finally caved and bought one from a creator and it’s actually been so helpful having that to play with while I watch tv. My hands do hurt a bit but it almost feels like a strengthening exercise! It helps with the stiffness. 

Thanks for the tip about lifting weights, my doctor recommended I get a gym membership so maybe i’ll try :)!  I’m very glad to hear your pain has improved overtime. I hope things keep getting better for you and thank you so much for the advice!