Pained Slayer Series: Avoiding Lock-down

www.CelesteCooper.com

I posted the original article on my Facebook Page and I received a comment that spirited me to share it here on my blog.

“Excellent advice, I am going to rely on in 2018...

and [it] will help to organize me, starting now.”

I hadn’t thought of it as a way to start the New Year, but now I can’t think of a better way. I am reminded of the importance of taking a periodic inventory on myself. Thank you readers, you inspire me!

We can become overwhelmed because of chronic pain. It affects not just our body; it also affects our relationships, our self-talk, our energy, our ability to socialize, our pocketbook, and our self-esteem. We all need reminders to help us avoid the negativity that chronic pain and illness can sometimes create.

TIPS FOR AVOIDING THE SHACKLES OF PAIN

·        Give yourself time.

·        Solicit help from friends and family on semi-days.

·        Make a new friend.

·        Smile at a stranger.

·        Do something nice for someone else for which you are not paid.

·        Identify and manage perpetuating factors.

·        Avoid known stressors, especially during a critical period.

·        Remember, you are not alone.

·        Engrave this on your forehead-STCF

o   Some things can't be fixed.

·        When you can do something, do it.

o   Set reasonable goals.

o   Re-evaluate periodically.

o   Upgrade or downgrade goals as necessary.

o   Avoid making excuses.

o   Use up time effectively without overdoing.

·        Put your physical needs in perspective.

o   Pay attention to your posture.

o   Avoid repetitive movements.

o   How much is too much?

o   How much is not enough?

o   Set aside rest periods.

·        Practice your affirmations. 

·        Exercise your brain regularly with number or word games.

MANAGE TIME EFFECTIVELY

·        Organize.

o   Keep frequently used items in your personal space.

o   Put things back from where they came.

o   Write things down, in the same place.

o   Develop and in-out rule, something new in, something old out.

·        Get a second opinion.

·        Solicit help when needed.

·        Help others when you can, sometimes it’s just listening.

·        When the opportunity presents itself, take out the mental trash.

o   Replace no's with yes', can't with try, won't with will.

o   Remember TTT – Things Take Time.

o   Mediate.

·        Enjoy the wait.

o   Arrive at doctor appointments early-take a book you have been wanting to read but haven’t had the time.

o   Make a list of words you would like to use for a word wall like the one here on the welcome page.

·        Recognize opportunity when it knocks.

·        Know your inbox!

·        Don't be a clutter bug.

·        Don't pay tomorrow for a hamburger today.

·        Enjoy a birth every day, a flower, a baby, a friendship, a kind word.

·        Laugh out loud. 

·        When things get tough, remember… 
"This too shall pass" 

 In healing,,Celeste

Celeste Cooper / Author, Freelancer, Advocate

Think adversity?-See opportunity!

http://CelesteCooper.com

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Learn more about Celeste’s books here. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All blogs and comments are based on the author's opinions and are not meant to replace medical advice.  

Pushing the Reset Button on My New Year’s Resolutions by Celeste Cooper

How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions? I know I am working at them; I even have them listed and taped to the top of my laptop so I don’t forget.

• M-F— write 1,000 words each day.
• M-W-F—10 minutes of Yoga.
• Tu-Th-Sa—T’ai Chi (at least the 24 movements).
• Every day—meditate.

But, is this a wise thing to do?

I am making an effort, but like all people living with chronic pain, some days are better than others. If I am honest with myself, I would give myself a D. That’s not much of a self-esteem booster, is it? I am certainly writing, but the thing is—the 1,000 words are intended to be on my next book. Instead, I am writing blogs like this one. In the suggested New Year’s resolution for writers, sticking to the goal means avoiding distractions and they suggest the biggest for everyone is social media. So while the intent is there, my effort is not would it should be. Or is it?

How we manage our resolutions is most likely more important than making them in the first place, especially in the face of illnesses that can cause a flare. We are already dealing with the overdoing we experience after the holidays. Shouldn't I be kinder to myself, cut myself some slack, provide for down time so I can manage my real priorities and work on striving for that balance I talk so much about in my books?  

It's not the amount of time as much 

as it is about how I use and manage it.

I need to regroup. I will set aside time for my other New Year’s Resolution, the one that didn't make it to that note on my laptop, learning how to use my new digital SLR camera. I even bought a book on how to use it and it still sits there, not a page turned. I give tips to others on how to set priorities, now it’s time to do them for myself. There is such peace and appreciation when I am totally in that moment of photography, seeing life from various angles and resolutions through the lens of my camera. That is the metaphor for living, not sticking to New Year’s resolutions.

I still need to make the effort when I can—no excuses, but aren't New Year’s resolutions intended to make us wiser, more accomplished? I think in order to do that, we must focus on the intent instead of holding ourselves up for defeat. That is a more attractive resolution.

So I am pushing the reset button. My New Year’s resolutions now read.

• Find resolve, peace, and joy.
• Experience a sense of accomplishment.
• Find a way to achieve despite the obstacles of chronic illness and pain.

How will your resolutions change when you hit the reset button?

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Update 2015

"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see opportunity."  

Celeste Cooper, RN

Author—Patient—Health Central Chronic Pain Pro —Advocate

New Website

Celeste’s Website: http://CelesteCooper.com

Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's  blog. Subscribe to posts by using the information in the upper right hand corner or use the share buttons to share with others.

All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.