thoughts

From: Rosie (kandleglo@email.msn.com)
Thu Sep 6 11:55:24 2001


1. View recovery as a process. 2. Rather than look for the one "magic bullet" that will cure you, see every action as a step on the road to improved health. 3. Don't expect to see overnight changes; slow progress isstill...progress. Try to let go of fear. 4. Uncertainty about the future causes a great amount of fear and anxiety. The best way to cope with this is to focus on the moment as best you can and take it one day at a time. 5. Avoid contemplating the "what ifs." 6. Avoid negative people and things. 7. Try to focus your energies on what enhances your sense of well-being, and let go of what damages it. 8. Listen to your body. Learn how to carefully observe your body's signals and adjust your energy expenditure accordingly. Even as your condition improves it's essential to pace yourself, balancing activity with rest. Know that overdoing will have consequences--sometimes occasionally making the choice to overdo is necessary and worthwhile, but we can try to plan for this by allowing more downtime afterward 9. Accept your limitations. We live in a society that emphasizes what we do rather than who we are. You may not be able to do the same job you did before or exercise as long or as hard. Look for new ways to respond to what your body needs at every stage. 10. Cultivate supportive relationships. Spending time with people you care about is good for the body and the soul. People who are supportive of you can provide love,encouragement, and help. Reaching out to others is essential to combat the loneliness and isolation that is inherent with a debilitating illness. Don't waste energy on those who can't or won't try to understand and accommodate your illness; focus on those who do. 11. Think positively, not unrealistically. Many people with chronic illness learn to enjoy and appreciate things they never did before. Try to focus on what you have, rather than what you've lost, on what you can do rather than on what you can no longer do. This is not to say you should adopt a "Pollyanna" attitude. Acknowledging feelings of loss and sadness are equally important. 12. Recognize and express your feelings, but try not to dwell on them. 13. Relax! some type of relaxation is essential to achieving and maintaining better health. Some practice meditation, deep breathing, or other types of relaxation exercises. Cultivating a peaceful environment is alsoimportant. 14. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. We are sometimes our own worst enemy. The pressure we put on ourselves, the guilt we feel about our limitations, and the judgment and self-criticism that occupies our minds all serve to increase stress and detract from our inner healing powers. 15. Strive to nurture yourself, look for simple pleasures, and forgive your shortcomings. Believe that recovery is possible with time, and know that you're doing the best you can.

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