7 Daily Reminders for People Living With Chronic Pain
If you are anything like me when I am having my rough days of flare-ups, it’s hard to pull your head out of the situation. It can seem and truly be all-consuming. Build room for love and change.
These are my daily reminders for living with chronic pain:
1. Gentle: Be gentle with yourself inside and out.
2. Rest: Allow time for rest without feeling guilty for not “doing” something. This is a hard one for me. I have to remember resting is healing the body.
3. Laughter: Laugh as much as possible. Hang with that friend who gets you and you feel comfortable with.
4. Hobby: Try a low-key hobby, something low-maintenance but still fun. Watch HBO GO. Listen to an audiobook of something you read in your childhood. Knit, take an online course or workshop, create claymation, or finger paint on your wall.
5. Apologize: If you are mean to someone because you are in excruciating, mind-searing pain, always apologize afterwards. No matter how many times. Always apologize.
6. Go outside: For just a few minutes, no excuses. Even if it’s just a drive in the car. Look at the sky and remember you are a shiny piece of stardust within this vast galaxy.
7. Forgive: Forgive those around you. Forgive your surroundings. Forgive your body, thoughts, and emotions.
Follow this journey on Genevieve’s blog.
Image via Thinkstock Images
I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, Bartonella, and Tularemia in 2014, while studying Occupational Therapy and teaching yoga. I spent 3-4 years getting better, tried oral abx, IV abx, got a picc line for 10 months and eventually dug myself out of the dark hell that is Chronic Lyme, disability and limbic brain dysfunction. I’m currently practicing DNRS, Dynamic Neural Retraining System created by Annie Hopper. I’m seeing big changes and would recommend it to anyone interested in neuroplasticity. Ask me anything! I was able to get back to teaching yoga in studios, but while I was very ill I created Lyme Yoga Warrior, where I teach yoga classes for people with chronic illness, pain, and Lyme. I’ve since held these as workshops in yoga studios. My mission is to create and implement yoga for every body and complete accessibility. I am back in graduate school online, this time for Library and Information Science. I also started a small hand embroidery business, which I love dearly! It helps to have a low key activity to do at home to pass the time and build confidence. My pieces are for sale on my website and I do commissions as well! I’m not back to working full time, but it’s my goal one day. Anyone who is struggling with Lyme, chronic illness, mental health, anything really, send me a message! I’ve been there or I can hear what it’s like. We are in this healing journey together, especially at this wonderful place called the Mighty.
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