wise words
NAME: Janet Geddis RESIDENCE: Athens, Ga.
CONDITIONS: Migraine, osteoarthritis, chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome( CFIDS)
FIRST DIAGNOSED: 2001, eight years after migraines began
Photography by Chris Hamilton
What is the most frustrating thing about your life? I never know which moments are going to be stolen by this disease. There’ s so much I enjoy, so much I look forward to— but I know without a doubt that some of those times are going to be held captive by migraine, and I won’ t get them back.
What’ s your greatest achievement? Opening my own business in October completely from scratch— my dream bookstore, Avid Bookshop. It’ s the most amazing achievement of my life( thus far!).
How do you manage your condition? My number one rule is keeping a consistent sleep schedule. When I break that rule, I feel out of sorts for days. I try to eat regularly, not work too much and have plenty of time to relax and read.
What’ s your favorite book? You cannot pose this question to someone who is so obsessed with books that she opened her own bookstore! But I really loved Wonder by R. J. Palacio. Any book where a protagonist has a physical condition that alters his view of the world and the way the world sees him helps me cope with my own disability.
Where do you get the greatest support? My greatest source of support is my family, by far. My partner also has migraine disease, and he is unfailingly supportive. Migraine runs in my family, so my already compassionate sister and parents are especially understanding.
What is your idea of happiness? Peacefully accepting that there will be days I cannot do the things I want to do, while being immensely grateful for the days that I do feel healthy enough to spend time with my loved ones, read a book, talk with customers in my bookshop and travel. I’ m beginning to think that following your passion is the key to feeling peaceful, especially if you deal with migraine.
Janet Geddis is the busy, dedicated owner of Avid Bookshop, a community-focused, independent bookstore in Athens, Ga.
— Kelly Hagler
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40 HEAD WISE | Volume 2, Issue 2 • 2012