6 Ways The Chronically Ill Can Set Reasonable Annual Resolutions

Did you recently make resolutions for the New Year?

- I'm going to exercise more - I'm going to lose some weight - I will try to get rid of my bad habits - I won't let little things get to me any more - I'm going to start making wiser choices about money

Most of us have at least reflected on a list of aspirations to accomplish but then March 23rd rolls around and we feel like a failure. Some of the goals we haven't done a single thing about but feel guilty.

For most people, going through the steps of setting goals is an expectation of themselves. For those of us who live with chronic illness or chronic pain, however, it can be frustrating and intimidating. illness symptoms change constantly, hence our life, feels like it is out of our complete control most of the time, following through on the little things, like jumping on a treadmill, seem impossible before we've even began.

The list of why we may "fail" at our resolutions even seems justified.

--> I'm going to exercise more . . . And then the town closes down the only indoor pool for winter construction

--> I'm going to lose some weight . . . But a simple trip over a curb turns into a broken bone and then the doctor puts you on steroids. Soon you just want to maintain your weight and not gain even more.

--> I'm going to save some money . . . But then on top of my illness I got cancer. Along with tests and labs, it's setting me back thousands of dollars I don't even have to begin with.

So how do we move forward when everything seems stacked against us?

First of all, congratulate yourself if you ignored that calendar that flashed "January" beckoning you to set resolutions. January is be a time to recover from the holidays, the travel, or the family that may have visited. There is no universal rule that says all goals must begin in January. You're likely exhausted. December is often a time to finish up as many medical visits as possible before the new year's health insurance deductibles set in. The weather conditions can leave you home-bound for weeks. And if you've survived it all without getting the flu, a cold, or infection, you're one of few. Could there be a worse time to make major modifications in our life?

Secondly, make some simple changes in your life that you resist calling "resolutions." Instead of vowing to walk a half a mile each day, consider taking a walk and spending the time praying, appreciating the birds and flowers, or getting to know some of your neighbors. When you choose your snacks, reach for the high fiber, low calorie chips, and resist the temptation to grab the party-size bag of sour cream and onion.

Thirdly, write down what kinds of things you value. Instead of vowing, "I'm going to spend less money," think about what you really treasure. For example, would you like to go on a missions trip, using your own experience to help others with disabilities? (If so, call Joni and Friends International Disability Center; they often have people with illness go on these trips too.) Rather than listing "get some chronic pain management skills" as a goal, ask around for chronic pain management support groups, counselors, life coaches that specialize in chronic pain, and local hospitals that offer free workshops. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on spa treatments to get some chronic pain treatment. Stick your list on your refrigerator or on your bathroom mirror to be a daily reminder of what you are specifically saving money for.

Fourthly, partner up with someone else who has a chronic illness where you can share your goals and how your illness impacts them. Illness adds a great deal of stress to our lives all the time. Any changes are intensified because our disease is so uncontrollable. It's not helpful to have your healthy best-friend say, "Let's just walk a half a mile today! A little pain means it is working those muscles!" A friend who can say, "I totally understand how hard it is when you've lost five pounds and then steroids put it back on in three days," is a gift. You will be able to keep perspective on the situation. Chronic pain patients who join support groups often report a better quality of life.

Fifthly, go easy on yourself! When you make a choice that is not the healthiest option don't beat yourself up over it. It's not a failure, but rather a momentary lapse in your drive to reach your goals. Try to make the right choices at least fifty percent of the time and then build on your success. Skipping the drive-thru fast food restaurant where you used to order the milkshake is a step in the right direction.

Lastly, have a fun goal! We easily forget that resolutions don't all have to be things to do to "fix" us! Decide that once per month you will go see a movie--even all by yourself. Or that you will put lunch with a friend on the calendar for the second Tuesday every month. Remember to reward yourself. When you clean out those dresser drawers, go buy some new pajamas and big fluffy slippers.

By having levelheaded expectations about your goals in addition to some compassionate friends, you'll likely discover that you are one of the few people who have reached a few of those New Year's goals. And regardless of how many aspirations you didn't reach, you will definitely have discovered how to live with more joy. You will feel less guilt about what you've not been able to do and instead, appreciate all that you are able to accomplish.

Article Directory: http://www.article-tree.com

Get a free download of 200 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend from "Beyond Casseroles" by Lisa Copen when you signup for to HopeNotes invisible illness ezine at Rest Ministries. Lisa founded of Invisible Illness Week

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated