Seven Steps to Positive Thinking

Did anyone get the license plate number of the truck that hit me?????  Oh my goodness.  What a week I've had.

Saw my doctor.  My PICC line had sprung a leak last week, so this week it was removed.  I requested that I take an antibiotic holiday as well as any other medication my doctor thought I could get away with not taking for a few months (or as long as my body would allow).  My doctor agreed and took me off 11 medications!  One of the meds I stopped was keeping my blood pressure down so he replaced my medicine withan indian herb known to not only drop high blood pressure, but possibly correct the problem.  Why didn't he do that in the first place?  Arjin is an Ayurvedic treatment used for mild to moderate hypertension.  I'm happy to say that although we expected some rebound of my blood pressure, so far it has behaved itself.

After waiting 2-1/2 years, I finally got my hearing at the Social Security office.  Although it takes 30-60 days to get official notice, I am confident that it went in my direction.  The judge was compassionate and seemed to not only understand the symptomology of my overlapping disorders, but had truely studied my personal medical records.  If I am awarded disability, it will free me up to focus on my health, reducing the stress of constant worry, and best of all, allow me to obtain Medi-care insurance.  I currently am waiting for my COBRA package - something I don't think the King of Persia could afford!

Overall, it's been a pretty rough week.  The chronic fatigue that I suffer from, really got the best of me this week.  As a by-product of the fatigue, the brain fog and memory issues kick into full gear.  I had an extremely difficult time getting the energy to do much of anything - so nothing got done.  I couldn't think very well, or even find my words to hold a decent conversation.  It was pretty frustrating.  I was supposed to hold a stamp club meeting tomorrow.  I had to cancel because of how difficult things are right now.  My doctor said to expect some changes while my body tried to compensate for the things that all the medication usually took care of.  He was right.

Got some good advice tonight (thanks Joleen).  Trying not to focus on the fatigue and forgetfulness.  Trying not to put so much pressure on myself.  Need to focus on the positive.  A positive frame of mind is imperative to a healthy lifestyle and the first step to my healing.  There is much proof of the mind-body connection when it comes to our health.  My current textbook teaches that there are seven steps to a positive mental attitude:

 

1. Become an Optimist

focus on the positives, even in challenging situations

 

2. Become Aware of Self-Talk

guard yourself against negative self talk

 

3. Ask Better Questions

turn the negative questions we ask ourselves around by using positive language

 

4. Employ Positive Affirmations

phrase affirmations with positive words and attach happy feelings to them

 

5. Set Positive Goals

use positive language, be specific, and set attainable goals in the present

 

6. Practice Positive Visualization

see yourself doing positive things and feeling good

 

7. Laugh Long and Often

laugh, laugh, and laugh some more.  surround yourself with people who make you feel good.  read funny things.  watch funny things.  learn to laugh at yourself, then laugh some more.

 

 

See what you can do to bring more laughter into your own life!  Have an awesome weekend!



What are you going to do with your one and only life???

What are you going to do with your one and only life?  I heard this quote on a movie I was watching with my family the other night and it really grabbed me.  I'm not sure, to be honest, if I could have fit one more thing into the life I have lived so far.  It's been a very full, and fulfilling, (almost) 48 years.

Growing up the oldest of 5 kids, I am blessed to have such beautiful relationships with my siblings.  I am often amazed how incredibly close we are as a family.  Cousins are people that many families visit once in awhile and sometimes don't even really know.  Not in our case.  Our extended family is more like "immediate" family - a gift that was passed down to our children.  Watching our children grow up as best friends to one another has been an incredible experience.  I recently made a memory quilt for my parents.  What joy it was for me to go through our family's legacy!

My personal, greatest legacy has been the privilage of raising 4 fabulous daughters, a feat I could not have done without the help of my best friend and husband of 16 years - (thank you, honey!).  We celebrate all 6 of our daughters, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.  Not many people can say that at 48 years old!

We've had our ups and downs that's for sure!  We've had marriages, divorces, bought homes and lost them, had money in the bank and had no money in the bank.  We've had our health, and had our health problems.  We've made some beautiful relationships along our journey, been forever changed by the people who have come into and out of our lives, and have had the opportunity to influence a few people ourselves.  I can honestly say I live each day to its fullest (as I am capable) and always try to honor God with my thoughts and actions.  I've made plenty of mistakes along the way, but hopefully with my own actions, I have been able to teach my children that even Mom can make mistakes and it is always okay to say, "I'm sorry", even (and especially) if it's to our own children.  I've tried to teach by example and hope that God always shined through those actions.  I've tried to be humble, respectful, and grateful.  I've tried to stay positive - even when things felt hopeless.

As I sit here watching the IV drip into my arm, I am reminded that things are not so perfect right now.  I hope, though, that this is the evening before the beginning of a new journey.  Tomorrow I see my doctor and discuss the ceasing of my current medical treatment.  My poor body needs a break.

I don't think myself as extremely eloquent, but hope to use this venue to share my journey along with you.  Why the title, "One Peaceful Birth"?  I am working towards my bachelors degree in alternative medicine.  I only have 7 months left.  In March, I plan to be certified as a hypnobirthing practitioner.  After that, I am looking at becoming a labor companion (much like a doula) and a certified lactation specialist.  I feel led to use my new education to be a positive influence on couples starting out on their own personal "family" journey.  I'm so excited!  I hope to share helpful tips and "healthful" tips.  I hope to offer products that might help those whom I care so much about.  When I ventured back to college at such an advanced time of my life, it was with great passion to teach others what I learn - to hopefully help others to know that there are alternatives to medical treatment and that you can be empowered and educated to make medical decisions for yourself.  There is more than one way....

Thank you so much for sharing this journey with me - for sharing your life with me - I am truely blessed!