Gentle Moments in Time

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At one point, it seemed there was no interest in a page for coping with chronic illness; however, I now know better.  Here are some suggestions I learned and I hope you will be adding to this list because it is for all of us!  Besides, sharing ideas is fun and helpful!

Do what you can for your body.  Practice the basics of healthy living: eat a nutritious diet, get enough rest, and participate in a m-i-l-d exercise program, even if it's a five minute walk.

Grieve for what you have lost.  Accept the fact that you have a chronic illness.  Accept who you are now!  You are still beautiful in the Lord and He still has a purpose for you.

Don't blame yourself!!!  It is not your fault you're sick.  We are programmed in this country to believe we can overcome anything if we work hard enough.  Don't let yourself feel guilty because you have this illness.

Find support, it really helps to talk to other patients who suffer with the same or a similar illness.  Joining a support group can be a "lifesaver" that can help you get direction in your life. 

Realize that you have limits.  Remember that even healthy people can't do eveerything.  Learn to be realistic about what you expect from yourself.

Spend your energy wisely.  You carefully ration every ounce of energy.

Set reasonable goals for yourself.  If you are having a bad day, don't go grocery shopping.

Schedule rest periods.  You have to listen to your body.  Lie down  BEFORE it's screaming.

Set priorities.

Have fun.  Keep your social outlets.  It is crucial to make time for play.

Keep a journal.   Write about your bad days and your good days and they will encourage you to realize that there are still good days to enjoy.

Don't live in the past or in the future.  God gave you today.  Live therein.

Pray a lot!

Go to bed on time.

Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

Say "no" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.

Delegate tasks to capable others.

Simplify and unclutter your life.

Allow extra time to do things and to gt to places.

Separate worries from concerns.  If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you to do and let go of the anxiety.  If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

Live within your budget

Have backups:  extra car key in your wallet, extra house keey outside in a special place, extra stamps, etc.

Write thoughts and inspirations down.

Everyday, find time to be alone.

Keep a folder or journal of favorite scriptures on hand.

Develop a forgiving attitude.

Be kind to unkind people

Sit on your ego.

Now it is your turn  ~    leave you ideas or comments in the comment box

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