Ten things I wish I understood before I got really ill
I was pondering the lessons I've learned in the last nine months of my life (and the years before) while cooped up in bed, recovering.
I had so many thoughts swirling through my mind that I just had to grab my laptop and write my list down. This is the result of that.
Very few things are worth worrying about, nor are there many things outside of your immediate circle you need to devote your limited energy to.
Fretting about the news has a negative impact on your life so stop watching it. Come to think of it, stop reading it too. If you feel up to it, reading the newspaper website is okay, the rest is not.
Keep your focus on joy. Pain is temporary, doing something you love to keep your focus is so healing.
When thoughts start to spiral, remember this: memento mori and then turn your focus to something you love to do or make.
Creativity is fluid. Let it go where it wants to go. Itâs always rewarding.
Donât be afraid to show youâre sad, but donât dwell in it. (more on that in a later post, I will link it when it's up).
Complaining is a great way to bring down your mood. Expressing gratitude for what you do have is key to stopping this.
Keep fighting, keep standing in your strength. Itâs easy to believe youâre powerless, hide from your strength. Fight for yourself.
Donât be afraid to lean on others. âCan do it myselfâ is no great attitude for when you are deep in recovering.
The only âhave to doâ is have to do everything to focus on getting well again. The rest is secondary. (And when you're well again, the only thing you have to do is the one thing at the top of your to do list).