Walking in wellness

Now that we are several weeks into the new year, this is usually the time I take a closer look at how I am doing in relation to my intentions that I set for myself at the beginning of this year.  In my previous blog I mentioned practicing "soulutions" instead of resolutions that might provide a more purposeful perspective to managing daily life.

To be honest, I feel like I am just now stepping into 2020 with my sneakers on ready to walk in wellness instead of crawling through the chaos of chronic illness. In addition to the normal struggle of my M head, any sickness on top of that really can wreak havoc to my system.  For three weeks around the holidays, our house was cursed with several variations of the nasty respiratory virus that was "going around."   One by one family members dropped quickly.  It was the gift that kept giving for sure.  However, we all managed together and that seemed to lessen the burden overall.  We still had plenty of fun playing games amidst the coughs and sniffles!

One of my intentions is to shift my perspective in how I manage the daily-ness of chronic M.  Instead of concentrating on my limitations and feeling the weight of the multitude of medication side effects, I hope to focus more on the progress I am making in reaching the tiniest of goals in my healthy choices.  This feels so much better and offers me hope and encouragement to keep going. 

A positive attitude and a perky perspective are not to be confused with making light of coping with M disease.  Many people who live with invisible illnesses and deep, hurtful wounds can sometimes feel like their experiences are not validated. This is not helpful.  Just because they seem fine in outward appearances doesn't mean all is well and good.  Being truthful about how hard the journey can be at times is the best way to educate others speaking from a place of authenticity.

Can you think of any times a shift in perspective might help you handle a situation better?  Maybe it is a relationship that needs improving or a nagging health issue or a work situation that seems overwhelming.  Sometimes all you need is a little boost to get going in the right direction.  That little boost can be refreshing in body, mind, and spirit.

I found this little exercise very helpful, and I offer it to you.  May your days be filled with gratitude and joy in this new year.