Re: thoughts

From: Rose Lunn (rose.lunn@eds.com)
Thu Sep 6 20:03:00 2001


Ah, Rosie,

Maybe this should be put to music! We can build up a virtual campfire and sing it to each other.

Thanks, kcmo rose

At Thu, 6 Sep 2001, Rosie wrote: >
>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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