I was uncertain whether to put this in the series. I have always had some physical issue and mental issues. And I have been experimenting with this in the last two weeks wondering if it was appropriate to add to this specific series. But I have written 10 versions of different posts this week that didn't bring that Tigger kind of excitement. It was more of an Eeyore moment with each.
Now I am not in any way trying to say illness should bring Tigger-like happiness. But what if it could bring the ability to quiet the mind and reflect on what you have survived and how you did. For example, what if you did sit down and close your eyes and think about an illness or disability in your life and picture all the things that have come from it. Maybe you started watching inspiration Instagram posts. You could have joined a support group that helps you bring joy not just to yourself but to the others around you. Make just a tiny shift in perspective.
I am working on making this blog into a business. I am not business savvy. So, I made this decision and then went to the grocery store with my family. When we get home and I get out of the car, I couldn't control my leg movements. As my husband led me to the house, I looked up at him and said, "I look like I am coming home drunk. What if our nice new neighbors see me?" Then instead of bursting into tears. I started laughing so hard. Which may have made me look a little more drunk but I didn't care. I had made a perspective shift in how I was going to feel about this new symptom. I needed to laugh about it or I was going to lose it for the rest of the evening. And I was certain that I didn't want to ruin the night I had become an entrepreneur.
Now laughing at my illnesses has always been a thing for a while now. I have recognized that they are not me and they are stupid. Yes, stupid. But only in the not knowing what is causing it. Why since that first incident getting out of the car, do sometimes I start toward the bedroom door and end up going right to the closest on the right side not straight to the door to the living room? If I didn't laugh at it then what will happen? I am actually not sure because every time is different. Perhaps in severity. Who knows. I do know I have doctors appointments coming up with several specialties of doctors and I have to find a way to get to them without feeling terrible the whole time. Not dwell on the days from now until then. I need some perspective shifts.
So, how can you bring laughter into sadness and illness? First, realize the illness or disability is not you. Separate it from yourself right away if you are putting it all into yourself. For instance cancer is not who you are. It is inside you, yes. But it is a separate thing. It does not make you do, say, be, or love anything you don't want to. You are the one who does that. You are the kindness in this situation. You are the one creating the perspective shift.
Another thing, it has a different name than you. You may be, June or Samuel. It could be fibromyalgia, stroke, high blood pressure, or a heart attack. They are not you. You are who thinks, loves, hugs, and spreads so much kindness throughout the world.
Now here is where the separation helped in the last few days. I am having a lot of times where I am losing my balance in the shower. Probably about 4 times each night. But the issue is not me. I could call it Fuzz Bucket. Who cares. I for sure don't. Though I do kind of chuckle thinking about it. I mean what a name! It could be the problem with balance I am having or any numerous things you want it to be. It could be a joyous name to bring kindness to it. Not all things have to be treated badly. I wish I could bring my illness more often into a warm embrace. Sometimes I think it doesn't always get the love it needs. It is kind like we forget what the illness is affected by our mood. Could you be blaming your brain for having an illness. Have you loved your brain lately. Have you given it food that would help it be healthier. Were you like me who did a long beautiful yoga routine to make your brain and body become grounded several mornings? Or were you someone who ate a piece of chocolate to manage the anxiety? Is that a different perspective? I would say so.
I am not in anyway trying to tell you to take your brain or your illness on a date, but just start caring for it. Ask it what it needs to feel better. Ask your body, "What would make you feel better today. I want to be proactive and no longer forget you have needs. And here is a hug to feel warmth."
I am not asking you to hug your cancer for example. But what if you had a real conversation with it? You really asked how you could make it stop creating so much havoc. And maybe you came up with a food to eat to calm your stomach.
Or if you have a broken limb and all you wanted to do was compete in the city's half marathon. Can you realize that the limb is just like you and wanted to run. So, you could give it some fresh air and kindness.
I experimented with this during the last week because I decided I was beating myself for not being superwoman. I started to think that my illness was trying to keep me from being there for my family. But then I asked if I was treating myself as a whole or including something that wasn't really me. I came to realize that I needed to try myself with kindness and compassion.
Now, I know that it will be very hard at times even with this knowledge that I have gained. It is easy to fall back into the realm of thinking our illnesses are us. But they are not us. We are the people that care about our bodies and want to keep them healthy. And some of us may know that they were not born healthy. But that does not mean that they can't find joy in being who they were born to be.
I was given the idea from my mother that we all have a purpose. A purpose to better the world in some way. My illness will not stop me from getting my purpose completed. Because my illness isn't me just like your illness or disability isn't you. And you can accomplish your purpose because you my friend are the power in this relationship. You can bring peace, warmth, healthy food, and kindness to yourself no matter what you are experiencing. Because really it's just an experience. You are growing because of who you are and not what it is.
Have you ever had a moment of realization or growth when facing a health challenge? What did you learn about yourself? What was your perspective shift? Can you explain it a little in the comment section.
Now go. Be safe. Know that you are not alone.
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