I had another really bad flare up on Monday that kept me home, pretty much bedridden, for most of the day. I didn't go to work the next day, either, thus further diminishing my already dwindling paid leave.
To say that I was frustrated was a tremendous understatement, especially since I had already taken a sick day last week. But such is life.
While discussing all of this with my husband last night, he said, "You have to stay positive. Once you tell your brain, 'I'm done', then it's all over. How do you think people survived the concentration camps or being tortured? They didn't give up."
Point taken.
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I'm searching for answers to this as I do not want to live the rest of my life with a negative attitude about my health.
So I'm asking you, oh wise blog followers, for advice.
How do you stay positive?
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Keeping positive definitely helps when you're faced with trials, but the 'how to' can be hard. For me it's focusing on the important things in life - my hubby, kids, friends. Enjoying those little things like laughter, the cat doing something adorable, all of life's blessings. And putting my hand in God's and trusting Him. He know's you're running low on sick leave and He all ready knows how He will provide when you need it.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that helps me when I get sick is that I try to enjoy the day in bed. I can't change it, I need the rest, so I accept it. So I relish the bed all to myself and read a good book or spend hours dreaming up some more scenes for my writing.
I think the key is to come to a place of acceptance, which can be a long process. And most of all to be kind to yourself. I hope that helps, Melissa.
Thank you for such a wonderful, thoughtful response, J.T. I appreciate you so much!
DeleteMy current struggle is my husband being laid off and still in bed in the morning when I leave for work!!! It's really been hard to to stay positive.
ReplyDeleteThe days I'm successful at staying positive is when I take it one day at a time (one hour at a time if necessary), and when a sour mood catches me, I combat it by thinking of a blessing. I've started carrying a tiny notebook around with me to write down every blessing (like a good parking spot, a sweet thing a kid says, a call from a friend) This is based on 1 Thess 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all things and "Take every thought captive to obedience to Christ" -(that's off the top of my head, not word perfect).
That is such a good idea, Margo! I need to start writing down my blessings, too, and you're right - they can come in incredibly small packages, too! I pray that your husband can find a job soon. I know it must be so hard to deal with that.
DeleteAlso i meant to say I agree, I think our health is really affected by our outlook. Living with constant pain, I can only imagine what a trial that is, and it's not like a mood that you can kick away with enough effort. That takes real mind over matter, gosh! Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteMelissa-I think your hubby is right. In my case, when I feel that I'm having a hard time staying positive, I think about my Uncle.
ReplyDeleteI like the picture you posted too-it's very comforting:)
What I need to learn is to be positive on the days I'm feeling sick - I do pretty good on the other days. But on those days when I'm having a flare-up...oh boy. I really get down.
DeleteI love that picture, too. =D
You married a wise man. Still, when it hurts, it hurts. I think about past times when I wondered what was the point, and I'm still here, telling the tale, or tales. :))) One of my fave books is Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss. The main character, a mother of several, is bedridden by the end, but her positive outlook, which had altered greatly throughout the book, which spans many years, is always a beacon to me. We can't imagine what God's plan could be, yet we are being used, even while in our own agony, for some beautiful, albeit mysterious, purpose. Of course I would love a hint to that purpose, but I am aware each day and every moment is for *something*.
ReplyDeleteAt times Melissa, it's just the mystery that keeps me going. I know good awaits, sometimes in an abundance that blows me away. Sometimes it's as soft as a cooling breeze or a simple cup of tea. My love and prayers are with you in this trial. You're not alone.
Thanks so much, Anna. What wise words you gave me. I think you're absolutely right that God has an amazing plan and we just don't comprehend how mysterious and wonderful it all is. But I am hopeful that we will some day. :)
DeleteI'm naturally a very positive person but I don't have to go through any of the struggles that you have to face. I give a huge amount of credit to you for keeping that positive attitude.
ReplyDeleteIt's tough - but I'm so thankful for all my blessings!
DeleteIt is difficult to stay positive when everything seems to be working against you. I try to remind myself that things could always be worse, but when you feel like you're at the bottom of the barrel it's hard to keep that perspective! When I feel really stressed or down I like to lose myself in a easy romantic suspense!
ReplyDeleteI think reading something fun and uplifting is a definite help. There are times I just crave reading something breezy!
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