Go team! Posses aren't just for movie stars

by Jenni Prokopy, the Editrix

Like J. Lo, I couldn't function without a fleet of people keeping me fabulous, aka Team Jenni. These are the folks in my life who help me be my best. When I'm feeling great, when I'm feeling crap, and everything in between, I've got Team Jenni.

In the eight years since fibromyalgia became my roommate, the most essential thing I've learned is that I can often rely on people to keep me functioning at full power. I used to suck at asking for help, but now I know I can count on people to help out in a pinch. And I've learned to value the power of delegation. And whenever I can, just like Haley Joel Osmont, I pay it forward by helping out someone myself.

Whether you're newly diagnosed with something chronic - or you've been a ChronicBabe for ages - you must assemble your team. These are the folks who provide you with emotional and spiritual support. The friends, neighbors, and co-workers who will help move your couch or tell you your hair is fabulous. The doctors, nurses, masseurs and other caregivers with whom you share your most intimate details.

As an example, I present to you Team Jenni:

Friends. They make me laugh so hard I pee my pants. They show up to parties with home-baked goodies. They call to see how I'm feeling, they call to see if I want to go for sushi. They give me their seat when my tootsies ache. They call me on my BS. They're the biggest part of my team.

Family. Some days I adore them. That's what long distance plans are for. Some days I want to strangle them. That's what caller I.D. is for. When it comes down to it, I know they would back me up in a fight.

Steve the Husband. He is my partner, my friend, my errand boy, my sexy beast.

Primary Care Physician. He's has been my doc for eight years. We've built a solid trust, and he knows me backwards and forwards. Um, literally. He's part of the Northwestern Memorial health network.

Pain Doc. I'm lucky to have the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) just a few minutes away, and my doc's the head of the pain program there. They're not ranked the best rehab hospital in the U.S. for nuthin.

Psychologist. Yup, I have a shrink, and she is super cool. Another member of the pain program at RIC, she works with the other folks there to help me manage my pain. Among other things.

Biofeedback Coach. He has brought me that much closer to zen. Who knew electrodes could help teach me to relax?! He's another RIC team player.

Physical Therapist. Patient with my quirks and creative with her approach, she's one of many great physical therapists at RIC.

Beauty Queens. Nothing can boost your self-esteem like a funky hair color and cut. Aggie and Pam at Art+Science have kept me foxy for years. And I treat some of my most pain-prone parts - my hands and feet - to regular manicures and pedicures.

Gods of the Mailbox. I get all of my business mail at the local UPS Store, where they've been packing my boxes for 10 years. The guys are great - they know that some days I'm hurting, so they don't even ask anymore - they bring my boxes right out to the car for me.

Cleaning Lady. I resisted paying for cleaning services until recently, and now I'm kicking myself. In about 3.5 hours, my house cleaner does the work it would take me a whole weekend to do. I will no longer exhaust myself so my bathroom sparkles. Yay!

Coach. Suzan Bond is the best - since working with her, my business is stronger, I feel more balanced, and I know I'm learning how to embrace creativity in all my actions. Excellent!

Computer Fixer. He's saved my tush a few times - even enforcing cord control so I don't have to crawl around on the floor.

Accounting Genuis. She has saved me money, helped me plan for homeownership, and given back the dozens of hours it would take to do my taxes. No more freakouts at tax time!

Financial Planner. He got my accounts ship-shape and handles all the little details - so I can focus on fun ways to spend my money.

Creative Genius Pals. A fleet of graphic designers, web designers, photographers, pursemakers, writers, marketers - I know a bunch of folks with whom I've traded services and advice.

You can see that I'm backed up by a great team of people. If you're chronic, you may need to take a closer look at your team. Those folks who are helpful, friendly, enthusiastic? Keep them close. Don't be afraid of seeking and accepting help, of asking for what you need. Be honest with them, strengthen your relationships with them, and the results will pay off for many years to come. And whenever you can, join someone else's team too.

Posted: 6/15/2005 in Relationships | Also posted in: Inspiration

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Go team! Posses aren't just for movie stars