Right now, I am struggling with topics for our daily posts. We’ve bombarded you with travel-related topics, and we prefer not to be redundant any more than is happenstance as we cover topics we’ve covered in past posts.
In the past 12 years, we’ve published 4,366 posts, much more than most online resources of our size. Recently, I’ve changed some of the daily format to elicit more interest from our readers. No, we haven’t been losing readers. If anything, we’ve added more new readers during this dull period than we’d expected. We appreciate every one of you and your continuing readership.
The bottom line is that I am facing a challenging time until we arrive in Cleveland, and then, although feeling safer being there, I will be dealing with the news on how they’ll proceed with my case. No, it’s not keeping me awake at night or impacting my appetite, and much to my surprise, I don’t feel depressed or suffering from anxiety.
However, it’s unnerving when I become breathless from putting on my shoes, making a salad, or walking to the car outside the door of our hotel room, no more than 20 paces. Each time I get up from my secure and comfy spot on the sofa in the living room to go anywhere in our hotel room, I hesitate, wondering if whatever I am about to do is necessary.
I wouldn’t be so careful if my heart didn’t react each time I became breathless. I can feel it struggling to get blood flow to my legs. Of course, my caution is centered around avoiding a heart attack. Otherwise, I feel fine when staying relatively still and like my usual upbeat self most days. Tom and I continue to laugh, tease one another, and enjoy quality time together.
Now, I understand more fully how others feel when facing serious illnesses of one type or another, regardless of their age or situation.
Although I wish to implement more of the following suggestions, I am doing my best.
Staying strong in serious medical issues is a profound challenge, but it’s possible to find strength through a combination of mindset, support, and self-care. Here are some strategies that might help:
1. Acknowledge Your Emotions
- Allow yourself to feel: It’s okay to feel scared, angry, or sad. Acknowledging your emotions rather than suppressing them can prevent them from overwhelming you.
- Seek understanding: Educate yourself about your condition. Knowledge can reduce fear and give you a sense of control.
2. Build a Support Network
- Lean on loved ones: Share your journey with friends, family, or a support group. Talking about your struggles can ease the burden.
- Professional help: Consider seeing a therapist or counselor specializing in chronic illness or trauma. They can provide coping strategies tailored to your situation.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
- Healthy lifestyle choices: Eating well, resting, and staying active (within your limits) can improve your physical and mental resilience.
- Mindfulness and meditation: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help you stay grounded and manage stress.
- Routine and structure: Having a daily routine can create a sense of normalcy and control, even when much feels uncertain.
4. Stay Connected to Your Purpose
- Reframe your goals: Adjust your goals to fit your current reality. Small achievements can bring a sense of accomplishment and forward momentum.
- Find meaning: Finding meaning in your experiences can foster resilience and hope, whether through faith, creativity, or helping others.
5. Celebrate Small Victories
- Acknowledge progress: Every step forward is worth celebrating, no matter how small. Recognizing these moments can boost your morale and encourage you to keep going.
6. Self-Compassion
- Be gentle with yourself: Understand that it’s okay to have bad days. Treat yourself with the kindness and patience you would offer a dear friend.
- Positive affirmations: Regularly remind yourself of your strengths and the progress you’ve made.
7. Prepare for the Unexpected
- Flexibility: Life with a serious medical condition can be unpredictable. Being adaptable and open to change can reduce frustration and stress.
- Emergency plan: Having a plan for flare-ups or emergencies can give you peace of mind.
8. Maintain Hope
- Hope is vital: Even in difficult times, maintaining hope can be a powerful source of strength. This might be hope for better days, comfort, or moments of peace.
9. Stay Connected with Your Medical Team
- Communication: Regularly communicate with your healthcare providers. They can adjust treatments as needed and provide reassurance.
- Advocate for yourself: Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right.
10. Engage in Life
- Pursue passions: Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, even if you need to modify them to suit your condition.
- Stay social: Connecting with others, even in small ways, can be crucial for comfort and strength.
Staying strong through serious medical issues isn’t about denying the reality of the situation but finding ways to live fully and meaningfully despite it. Resilience comes from a combination of inner strength and external support, and it’s okay to lean on both as you navigate this challenging journey.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, August 16, 2014:
Hi Jessica, Just wanted to let you how now much I love you and have kept my prayers for you. Will you be able to get on a plane??
Keep me up on what is going on.
Sending all my love to you.
Cousin Phyllis
Dear Phyllis, I am going to ride with Tom. There’s no way I could go on a plane. Can’t wait to get there!
Thanks for thinking of me. We both love you,
Jess & Tom