As
we descended the Rockies, marking the end of our annual respite, my husband and
I were blasted by the summer heat. Yet, I am grateful for the opportunity to
renew my spirit, comfort my body, and bring calm to my mind because of my
shared experience with the ever changing temperament of nature.
As
we travel across the flatlands, which are alive with corn fields and roads
lined with bright yellow sunflowers, I am reminded of the purpose of a Midwest summer,
its sun, color, and growth. Yet, I am also aware summer will soon surrender to
the crisp chilly air of fall and the harvest moon.
Some
of us living with chronic pain will see an uptick in our symptoms as a result
of the changing season. So, as summer transitions into fall so does our need to
adapt.
 |
| Reflections on the Road from Celeste’s Photography© |
“To map out a course of action
and follow
it to an end requires courage.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
________________________________________________________
Not
every day presents a crisis of earth shattering magnitude. (See “Day
Twenty-eight.”) However, those of us who experience chronic pain do have
challenges to overcome on a regular basis making it important to be aware of
system breakdown predictors. Factors apparent in a total system breakdown
include a loss of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual safety net
(the four-seated teeter-totter we discuss in this series of books). If we are
aware that mounting daily stressors are precursors to a crisis, can we be
better prepared should a crisis occur?
Symptoms
that risks are mounting:
·
We
become short tempered.
·
We
don't feel rested for several days in a row.
·
We
have more difficulty than usual concentrating.
·
We
feel overwhelmed and without resources.
·
Our
pain is not being managed adequately.
·
We
struggle with tasks that we normally manage well.
What
can we do when we find a consistent pattern that could be leading up to a
coping failure? We can:
·
Delay
chores or break them down into segments.
·
Approach
each day individually and break it down by each hour if necessary.
·
Summon
help from support system members or healthcare providers.
·
Give
ourselves permission to rest.
·
Change
what we can, and let the rest go.
·
Accept
that some days doing the minimum allows us to charge our battery and prevent a
total breakdown later.
·
Focus
on our successes.
What
can I add to the list of warning signs?
________________________________________________________
Other
articles you might find helpful:
In healing,
Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate
Think adversity?-See opportunity!
~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~
Learn more about
Celeste’s books here. Subscribe
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