The content in this blog is based on my experiences and the guidance I have received from my Care Team determined by my individual and evolving needs. Before beginning, trying, or experimenting with anything mentioned in this blog, you MUST CONSULT A PHYSICIAN!!
Nov. 29 - Toot that Horn!
Want to hear a secret? You’re awesome. (It’s actually not even really a secret). This is going to be hard for you, O Modest One, but you gotta give yourself props today! Write three things you love about yourself – things you’re great at – or just want to share. Don’t you dare signpost or undercut those self-compliments!
Why yes, I am awesome! I do my best to be a good listener and think outside the box. I try not to judge and work hard to be proactive. :)
This one is the hardest one for me... I'm not very good at tooting my own horn.
Nov. 28. A Time to Give Thanks
What’s the one thing you’re most thankful for? Write a list of three things that you’re thankful for, excited about, or inspired by.
I am thankful that I have a family who loves me no matter my condition.
1. I love that my niece, Missy, can spell my name independently and knows my phone number by heart! She inspires me to find new reasons to smile each day and just embrace the silliness of it all.
2. I am excited that I am getting one of those cool gel pillows for Christmas this year! I freaking love my sister's and cannot wait to get it!! I really think it will help with my night sweats and help me rest better.
3. I am in awe of my sister and how creative she is. She has the ability to pick up new skills, create stunning crafts out of gaudy trashy looking items... She has no idea how amazing she is. I love you Jennifer!!
Nov. 27. Black Friday and Holiday Shopping - In preparation for Black Friday holiday shopping, give some advice on how to survive the long lines and packed stores. How do you find the best bathrooms? How do you stay comfortable on your feet? Give us some tips before heading to the stores.
Order online! Or do what I do - offer to babysit so your friends can go shopping, then slip them some cash and your list. :) We can usually get the children to enjoy a cuddly fun day of movies, books, snacks, helping cook, and decorating the tree... Which is much more fibro-friendly than fighting it out in the mall at 4am.
Nov. 26 - Top Three Tuesdays: List three questions you have for other patients.
1. How do you manage to exercise?
2. How do you juggle your work/job with your illness(es)?
3. How do you not feel guilty for doing more with your family?
Nov. 24. Take the High Road: Write about a time you had to be the bigger person and take the high road.
A few days before my Dad passed away, I was very sick with a nasty stomach virus. My lupus was irritated and the medications and harsh virus symptoms had thrown me into a major fibro flare. I was absolutely miserable... Dad called and we talked, but he could tell I was very sick so he told me to rest for a while and he would call me later.
About two hours later, Mom called and said that he had coded and was being rushed to the hospital on an ambulance. So I got dressed and met them at the hospital. Whenever I called the Nursing Home to speak with one of the nurses (while he was in route) she fussed that I should have been there to see him instead of at home. In her professional medical opinion, she stated that my "issues" were psychological and I was being selfish.... I knew that I was doing everything I could do to help Dad, going to see him almost every day, having multiple conversations with him over the phone every single day, and doing a lot of surprise checks on him and the nursing staff - sometimes even twice a day! I was terrified and was so sick - but I knew that she was also scared... and that my Dad would not want me to show my @$$. So I took the high road.
I'm not sure if this is what this post is asking about, but... for me it counts.
Rest in peace, Dad. I love you.
