Making Adjustments - 3 Ways to Help Yourself!

Anytime we begin a new season or experience life-changing circumstances, adjustments are required. Whether it's having a baby, sending a kid off to college or simply celebrating Christmas, there are things we need to do. It's the same with chronic pain or any other "thing" that causes suffering; we have to adjust accordingly. Listed below are the top three ways we can help ourselves (quickly):

Ask for help! This may seem like a no-brainer, but some women would rather die than ask for help. We live in a "do it yourself" culture and it makes us feel even more outcast and downcast when we can't do for ourselves. I'm one of the most stubborn people I know when it comes to this, but I've been practicing and you know what? My life and relationships are much healthier now that I've broken through this area of pride.

Take a nap! What? Yes, contrary to what others may say, naps aren't just for girls and old people (someone actually just said that to me). Short cat naps of 20 minutes can be just the thing to refresh us and gain hours in return. One time this summer I had to nap in the back seat of my truck just to get through a full day.

                                    A nap a day keeps the pain away! (not really).
             
Remove stress! Some people recommend reducing stress in our lives but I say we must  remove what we can - forever. I know it's easier said than done, but we're in control of our thought lives and have the ability to walk or hobble away from unhealthy things or people that create stress. And at the very least, we have the ability to change the way we react to these things.

By the way, I'm so not stressed out that my Christmas tree is naked except for the garden center flag on it. However, some of my family members are so they'll have to chip in and help me.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-8

Illness and Family History - Find the missing link

The reason I write about the topics of chronic pain and family history can be summed up in one word:                                        Genetics.

Genetics is the fascinating study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics. Have you ever been told you have "good genes?" Have you ever heard, "You take after your father?" (that can be either good or bad.)

Have you noticed that at the doctor's office - and if you're a chronic pain sufferer, you're always at the doctor - they grill you about your family history? At a recent visit to establish care with a new physician, they asked about my grandparents! I could sort of tell him about my maternal side, but could give limited information about my paternal grandparents.

Especially since I just located my bio grandpa on Ancestry.com and he's deceased.

Obviously, there's a link to the variety of things passed down to us via the family line. My family members have passed down some great things:

A strong work ethic.

       Practical sensibility.

              Love of reading, gardening and old things.

                                              and...
Hypothyroidism

         Depression

                 Parkinson's Disease (yikes)

Talking about these things with your family and doctor is important. Let me repeat that:

                                              IMPORTANT!

                                                     MUY IMPORTANTE (Spanish)

                                                             TRES IMPORTANT (French)

Are there some questions you need to start asking? Don't wait! You'll learn a few things about your family members and may discover missing links in your own health history.

                                                                                 

Two Powerful Enemies of Chronic Pain Sufferers

By now, it's widely known that there's a link between psychological stress and pain. In fact, in the treatment of many diseases and disorders, doctors advise us to "reduce our stress levels." I've been told to do this on more than one occasion, and I always think, That's a great idea doctor. Why don't you come live in my world and show me how it works?

For me, stress just IS.

I've simplified, decluttered, and reduced my activities as much as I can. If I did any more, I'd end up a hermit. But until someone takes away people, stress is going to stay. Because the source of my stress is people.

However, I learned a long time ago, that there are some things I can do. I can change myself and how I react to people. If you suffer chronic pain like I do,  two powerful enemies are...

                             
                                               People Pleasing and Perfectionism

It's hard to change these deeply ingrained characteristics, but it's the best thing for us. We can help ourselves emotionally, mentally and physically by getting rid of them. So how do you know if you're a perfectionist or people pleaser? Take note of what sets you off, freaks you out or frustrates you.

                     (Hint: Deep sighs, growls of frustration and snappy sassiness are good clues.)

Yesterday, I was at the optometrist with my daughter, Katya. During the eye exam, the doctor asked her to read the letters on the wall, she sputtered, grunted and sighed. The doctor told her to just, "do your best" while I snickered in the corner. Finally I stopped the doctor and told her she was dealing with a perfectionist. Then I snapped a picture...

So, if you can't stand bombing an eye exam and you need to say, "yes" to everyone at the expense of yourself, you may be aiding your true enemy. 

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:2

                 So tell me...are you a people pleaser, perfectionist or both?

                                                                                              He is faithful and wonderful!