Walking the Wild Atlantic Way
Mullaghderg Beach
“Walking the Wild Atlantic Way” was one of my first blog posts. I am sharing it again for Self Care September.
In 2010, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and possibly rheumatoid arthritis, a great relief after seven years of poor health. Although I had been a Natural Medicine’s therapist for twenty years, I never had any clients with fibromyalgia or even knew of its existence!
Since the outset of my symptoms, I have been incredibly proactive, using the following healing tools:
- Diet,
- Dr Bach Flower Essences,
- Radionics,
- Reflexology,
- Massage,
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy known as CBT,
- E.F.T. Emotional Freedom Technique,
- Creative Writing….
Researching fibromyalgia, I learned that exercise is key in healing this debilitating condition.
Thus, I have increased my walking, bit by bit, and I am now a true walking enthusiast!
Cows grazing behind Dooey Beach
My lung function has improved greatly, my sleep pattern is considerably better, I have lost weight and friends tell me “you no longer look grey”!
However, I have learned the hard way about pacing, and not overdoing things. Sometimes my body just needs to rest!
I am very blessed to live and walk in The Rosses, home to some of the finest scenery and best beaches on Planet Earth.
You will find many more posts on the topic of walks. Simply click on “Walks” in my Categories icon.
Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from a debilitating illness.
She lives in Donegal, Ireland – an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Categories: Donegal - The Coolest Place on the Planet, Self Healing, Walks
How beautiful and inspirational…walking…just perfect.
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Thank you. Its great for us and its free.
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Thank you for sharing this. Exercise, diet and sleep.. and avoiding unecessary stress. Slerp is such a renewal for the body.. and fresh fruit and veg.
Health is so precious and delicate. Well done on the exercise.
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Thanks Bella. It is such a tonic.
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I’ve heard that fibromyalgia can be very painful and it seems so many people have it. I’m glad you found several ways to manage living with this condition.
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Yes, once I knew what it was I was able to manage it better. The not knowing was very hard.
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It’s one of those conditions that mimic others correct? I used to watch a program called Mystery Diagnosis and found that there are so many ailments out here that make pinning down a correct diagnosis extremely difficult.
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Yes, it is also often combined with auto immune diseases which makes it even more confusing!
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I neglected to mention that the video you shared was fabulous. The views are spectacular!!
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Thank you. Its lovely to get such nice feedback. Bless you.
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You’re very welcome! 😊
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Walking is my go to..I call them my Soul Strolls..medicine for my mind, my body and my soul.
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Yes, its a great healer.
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You’re amazing. I think it’s wonderful how hard you are working to live with these conditions. ❤
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Thank you Nikki. That’s so kind of you. That is why I have written my book – to help others who have trouble managing Fibromyalgia… Blessings.
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A lot of thankfulness in your post. Good for you and good for us.
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Thanks Bernadette. I posted this back in February so it was actually a re – blog. Sometimes it is just the timing needs to be right…
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These places look very peaceful… it’s really therapeutic just staying in places like this. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
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You are really welcome. I have lived in the city – Edinburgh in the past, but I love the countryside especially being near the sea.
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Sorry to hear you have FM. Sounds like you are approaching it well. I had ME for many years and healed myself through a natural approach, including diet. Most importantly it taught me about balance and how our modern hectic lifestyles eventually take their toll on us. I learned to tune into nature, and follow her cues – eating healthily but also getting plenty of sleep, RnR, and – as you are doing – exercise, but without pushing past my limits. Being proactive in your own health story, as you are, is SO important. Keep up the good work. Thank you for sharing 🙂 Blessings 🙂
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Thanks Judith, ME and fibromyalgia share a lot of symptoms don’t they. I think the lesson is to change the way we live. I am very thankful for my journey. Take care.
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Hi Brigid – Have just been reading The Medical Medium by Anthony William. He talks about FM in that. Fascinating stuff. Thought I’d mention it to you just in case you haven’t come across him. Blessings 🙂
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No, I haven’t come across him but I have seen Caroline Myss in Scotland who has similar gifts. I will look out for him though. Blessings.
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So pretty and so different to the Australian coastline!
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Yes, I am very blessed to live in such a beautiful place. I love to travel and Australia is high on my wish list.
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When you decide to visit downunder, let me know and I can pull together some travel tips!
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Thank you. It is on my wish list. I have family in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth but I would like to see some hidden gems.
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Oh, you are basically an aussie 🙂
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Hi Brigid, My mother and now my daughter have fibromyalgia. My daughter has been using some crystals and aromatherapy and some nutritional things as well. So I am very interested in your experience and what you have learned. So glad you are posting on Senior Salon! Jo
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Goodness that is unfortunate. I have found diet changes very helpful but it takes a bit of time to find triggers – a bit of trial and error. I found herbal medicine wonderful but again it took time and I stayed on them for five years. Everyone finds their own Key eventually. I do find exercise really helps but pacing is essential – it is easy to undo progress by doing too much too soon. Sleep is also key to healing – I have written a post on insomnia that they might find helpful. My book which will hopefully be published in November tells the full tale! I enjoy your posts too. Senior Salon has a lovely vibe!
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I will look forward to that, and reading your blog in the meantime. Thanks, Brigid!
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I can identify with your relief at having a diagnosis and being able to take control with natural treatments. I eventually chose that path too (for a different problem) after allopathic medicine just kept making me sicker and weaker. I am pleased to read of the improvement in your condition. ☺️
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Yes, having a diagnosis really was my turning point.
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Walking is a great healer plus your choice of natural medicines, herbs and spices. Can feel your relief.
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Yes. It sure was a load off my mind.
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I just discovered your blog which I am now following. My 33-year-old daughter is presently in Ireland on a 2-week vacation visiting the West Coast of Connemarra, etc. which is how I came to find your blog. I am a recent cancer survivor and finding my own way towards healing and recovery. Pace, as you put it, is really important. I am learning to relish the slowness and the silences in my life; they offer me space and time for reflection which is a real gift in our overly busy lives. I look forward to reading you….
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How lovely to meet you Barbara. I do hope your daughter has a lovely time. Wishing you well on your journey. I will go check out your blog.
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Thanks for “following me” and I am now following you. A match!
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You truly are surrounded by beauty Brigid, not just your “walking places,” but your garden as well. Having such gorgeous scenery is good for the soul (and the body)!
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It sure is good for the soul Terri. I will be working in my garden later. Still plenty to do before winter 🌼
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What a beautiful place to walk.
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Thank you. We have so many lovely beaches here with very few people on them. 🌼
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Inspiring.. post you are inspiring.
Today in our daily class it was said that illness can be a blessing, they come to teach us something, they are letting go mechanism. Or tgey distract us from an emotional situation that we cant seem to come out off. I have seen it in action.
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Yes. I agree Bella. Illness teaches us so very much. I appreciate all the little things in life these days. 🌼
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🌹
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I have also increased my amount of walking and learnt to pace myself. A few times I’ve got a little carried away and paid for it the next day, but I have now learnt to stop when my legs start to get to tingly. 🙂 That;s the sign I need a rest. 🙂 Walking to so wonderful though. So relaxing, and wonderful for us both physically and mentally. I wish I got to see cows on my walks though! 🙂 xxx
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Yes. Pacing is the key Heather. Although I can get carried away myself especially in the garden. I hope you are feeling a little better. Hugs to you and Dizzy xx
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I love wild – your scenery is inspiring.
Wonderful walking therapy for the soul, heart and body…
Hope you’re continuing to heal.
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Thank you Laura. I am feeling good at the moment. The lovely summer gave me such a boost. 🌼
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I love this post. What a wonderful reminder, and you do live in a most beautiful and magical place!
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Thank you Jennifer. I feel very blessed to live here in Donegal. 🌼
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a beautiful re-visit Brigid. walking does wonders for the body and soul, this place you share is very serene and welcoming. I would get a lot of healing from a place like this. I wish you that healing as you navigate your illness, you are brave and so resilient, you always inspire me.
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Bless you Gina. The wonderful summer gave me such a boost and I am feeling good. 🌼
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You hit two important points, that keys to living well; exercise and diet. Michael is a psychologist and I asked him if he ever say patients who had fibromyalgia. He said tons and even long ago when it wasn’t even recognized. He also added, that in his cases many times it would seem to be related to a stressful childhood. Have you heard that before?
I am so glad you’ve found ways to combat and deal with it. Take care….Terri
P.S. I am afraid to say that my walking habits come in spurts but then I don’t have gorgeous shorelines to transverse. j
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I have heard of it being related to stressful events Terri and also after RTAs but never specifically to a stressful childhood. In my case I would say it is definitely a key factor. 🌼
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That crossed my mine when he told me that.
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I too took up walking though not with your enthusiasm! I walk around my neighborhood, with my dog, as an effort to combat RA. I think it helps.
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I think it does Jacqui. I want to get a dog but I want to do more travelling first. A golden retriever is my dream friend. 🌼
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I love walking it clears my mind, some great images it looks beautiful, Brigid 🙂 x
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Thank you Carol. There are so many lovely walks here. X🌼
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A great re-share of your post, and an apt reminder about exercise, even if just a little here and there! I try do take a little walk every day but it’s not much and I know I need to build on that to help with my conditions 🙂
xx
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Thank you Caz. Listening to our bodies is essential and pacing too. I learned these lessons the hard way… 🌼
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You have done so well with your lifestyle changes to improve your quality of life, Brigid. You ability to adapt is phenomenal and it is lovely that you have shared your experiences so that others can benefit from your learning.
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Thank you Robbie. I am still adapting and trying new things. It is great to be able to share on the blogosphere 🌼
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What beautiful pictures! I’m glad that you are able to get relief from your pain by walking. It’s such a bonus that you have lovely scenery too!😃
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Thank you. Yes exercise really helps. I feel really blessed to have acess to so many beautiful walks. 🌼
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Your photographs are so splendid. They give a feel of peace. Walking is another natural healer, no need for strenuous exercise just go at nature’s pace breathing in God’s Air. Bless you.
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Thank you. There are so many beautiful walks to choose from. I feel very blessed. 🌼
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