One of the hardest aspects of living with a chronic illness is the the topsy turvy emotions that come along with it. Anyone who has been sick for an extended period of time can attest to this. It's an hour by hour journey with no rhyme or reason. This current "flare" that I'm experiencing has sent me into a whirlwind and to be honest a bit of a depression. I thought I had a handle on this monster and then it reared its ugly head and laughed in my face. I'm now fighting a bigger battle than I ever would have envisioned with a much more complex illness. My days are up and down. In general, my health has been the same for about a month now but my emotions are another thing. One hour I'm on top of the world and the next I'm bawling and feeling sorry for myself.
So, this morning I woke up feeling especially bluesy! My hubby got a call last night that a bunch of our friends are getting together on Saturday. I sooo want to be there but am not sure it's worth the tailspin that would surely follow from a day out and about. So I pout, which solves nothing and makes both my hubby and myself feel worse! Time to put on my big girl panties! Now I'm about to share my sure fire way to get out of the bluesies as I call them!
1. Get out of bed! Laying around in bed helps no one! If you want to get yourself in a full blown depressed mood, stay in bed because it will happen! I don't care if you only move from the bed to the couch and stay in your flannel pj's, but get out of bed! Trust me!
2. Do some yoga! This is a new discovery for me. I have a very hard time with exercise (as you've read). I have to do some very easy yoga moves but find that the stretching and breathing is extremely calming. Pair this with some calm music and you are sure to feel refreshed!
3. Read the Bible! I'm guilty as someone who does not spend enough time on my faith. I tend to go to God only in desperation and am blessed that He always seems to be there waiting for me. Bible verses are extremely uplifting (not counting the one about cutting your wife's hand off if she grabs the privates of a man you are fighting). That one is just strange and I'm not sure why anyone thought it necessary to include! Haha!
4. Which brings me to my next point. Have a sense of humor! Life is short, laugh! It's a beautiful day and I feel like crap but it's my day and I can't get it back. This is the only February 22, 2013 that I get and I will not waste it! I will find the humor in life and enjoy it!
5. This is a big one and will change your life! Do something for someone else! You can do this from home, from your couch even. It can be big or small. It can be an encouraging e-mail, a monetary donation, or a simple smile and wave. I'm lucky enough to volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I work with an amazing group of volunteers and they always think of tasks I can do from home. There is nothing more satisfying than feeling like you're improving the lives of others. It's my belief that if we aren't making a positive impact on the world, we might as well not be here.
Do those five things and I guarantee, your mood will be improved. But don't forget to sit down and really feel sorry for yourself every now and then. Have a good cry! Life can deal us some pretty hard blows! But then you have to wipe the tears and live your life. It might not be perfect, but it is yours!
"I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Amy
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