Guest guest Posted January 18, 2008 Report Share Posted January 18, 2008 <<I feel like you can't go around feeling sorry for yourself all the time>> It IS a huge problem for me. I think that when you cope with chronic illness that it is VERY easy to get involved in " This joint isn't working " , 'My BLANK is swollen " , " I'm nauseous after taking that med " , " I am doing a slug immitation " " I can't -fill-in-the-blank- " We HAVE to notice things - it is how we know to take pain pills or call the Dr. The unrelenting focus we have to place on the negative wears us down. I have to make a DELIBERATE effort to find joy in my life. I have re-configured my life to provide bright spots: On the drive to work, I enumerate my blessings (which include my wonderful workplace). My cubicle is decorated with pink flamingos. I visit websites like http://icanhascheezburger.com/. I have full spectrum bulbs in all of my lamps at home (S.A.D. is a BIG problem for me!) My home is filled with things that make me smile: Parrotts, Flamingos, Fabric and books. And then, there is ALWAYS Mr. Buffett's music. When I get VERY down, I deliberately watch old, corny sitcoms and read some Laugh-out-loud books (Janet Evanovich's Plum series and Jaqueline 's Every Night, phine are my favorites) My mantra during stressful times: Breathe In. Breathe Out. Move on. (Then I hum the song) This is a daily struggle for me. But I believe that these things help me physically and emotionally. It is hard to break a lifelong hait of looking at the negative. But I'm better off when I use my energy in a positive way. What gives me joy this week? Watching the dogs play in the snow, an almost done quilt, simple get together with the girlz, lingering over coffee in the morning, finding books for half off retail, packages in my mailbox (fabric, books or video), finally throwing out the stack of mail that accumulates on my kitchen table - gee, I'd forgotten how pretty the wood was..... My wonderful neighbors who cleared the snow from my parking place and side walk. And lists like these. I challenge all of you: every day this week, look for ONE thing that gives you joy. Spend five minutes savoring it. Rinse and repeat. CMPete Quilts With Poodle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 Thank You! I needed your post today, we have had a 2 month old grandson in ICU having seizures, its COLD, I hurt, I'm still working, and all my friends are busy doing other things, and my husband is out of town with family. I also LOVE flamingos. ......so i have the next 2 days off and I'm going to remember your post and make the most of them. Thank you for waking me up.......casey CM <cmquilts@...> wrote: <<I feel like you can't go around feeling sorry for yourself all the time>> It IS a huge problem for me. I think that when you cope with chronic illness that it is VERY easy to get involved in " This joint isn't working " , 'My BLANK is swollen " , " I'm nauseous after taking that med " , " I am doing a slug imitation " " I can't -fill-in-the-blank- " We HAVE to notice things - it is how we know to take pain pills or call the Dr. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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