Always have hope

12 years ago, my life changed forever. I was an 11-year-old girl beginning her life at secondary school which was already a big transition as it was in every young girl’s life. However, it was not the only change in my life, in 2008 I had developed symptoms of chronic pain. I was left with no understanding or answers as to what this pain was, how to make it better or why this was happening. I was then diagnosed with chronic pain syndrome 4 years later in 2012 and it was only last year the diagnosis changed to Fibromyalgia which although it was a diagnosis it is where I lost a lot of my hope. Knowing there was no cure or very much knowledge to this unbearable, excruciating pain that I was experiencing 24/7 at such a young age was soul destroying. But here I am 12 years later living the life I am today; I am an Upper Second-class Graduate in Early Childhood Education, I have been employed for the last 4 years, I am in a happy relationship, have family and close friends around me and I remain positive. Don’t get me wrong getting to the place of peace and acceptance that I have reached was far from easy and I still have bad days but don’t we all. I can’t be the judge of when things will get better for you, but they will, things will get easier. You just have to make a promise to yourself that you will keep trying and never give up!