For me, surprisingly so, January slipped by in a blur and here it is February. It has been nearly one year since we have been stuck in this heart wrenching pandemic mode--- a living nightmare with our deep political divide and much social unrest. While vaccinations are available now and treatment plans are in place, fresh hope is surrounding our sorrowful souls. Yet there is SO much work to be done. I ask myself how may I best be part of the healing story?
Living with chronic migraine continually prepares me when life gets extra confusing and spicy. I can honestly say that my adaptability and flexibility are easier to tap into because I rely on these two important traits to maneuver through many crazy, painful, and exhausting days.
I stretch and open up my body physically, mentally, and spiritually knowing:
1---I cannot control my environment most of the time, but I can control how I respond to it.
2---I feel "all the feelings" even when they are uncomfortable.
3---I remind myself that I cannot predict how others will respond to my thoughts or actions.
4---I adjust my boundaries according to what my body feels it can handle day by day and even hour by hour. My chronic migraine is extremely unpredictable and unreliable but "I" am not. It is the disease that is.
5---It is very important to create daily time for spiritual rituals like silence, meditation, and prayer to help me stay grounded. Moving my body gently is so helpful such as in a yoga practice and or walking outside in the fresh air. Living near the beach is a win win in my book!
6---I trust my tribe and confide my true feelings about how I am feeling day to day.
7---I enjoy reaching out to others in the community, especially online at the present, so I can continue my advocacy work which gives me purpose for my outreach mission.
8---Accept that some days I need to rest ALL day just to reset my tired body and feel refueled once again. This important resting IS productive.
9---It is perfectly acceptable to grieve when situations do not turn out the way I had hoped for them to. Life moves on.
10----Most importantly, I do my best to live with joyful gratitude for all of my blessings.
These tidbits not only help me to cope day to day but they also help me gain a perspective in coping with some of the larger life issues we still face at the present. Maybe some of these insights might resonate with you. I hope so.
I try and offer others heartfelt grace and then give myself some too. New year, new opportunities to help one another in the healing process as our reality with separated physical contact continues. In the words of author, Glennon Doyle, "we can do hard things." Yes, we can!!
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