Stage Three: Living with Chronic & Critical Illness
I pay attention to my Self and give myself credit for facing this heavy challenge.
Self-acceptance, self-care, self-nurturing, putting yourself first: these guiding principles become necessary for your survival. You may change the way you eat. You may have to develop new routines. You may integrate certain supplements, herbs or alternative medicine into your life. It is also important to stop and feel every little victory you have, and to honor your “story”. Taking care of yourself and giving yourself credit for what you are going through becomes the highest thing you can do for yourself. More on I pay attention to my Self and give myself credit.
I manage the discipline of taking prescription drugs.
In many cases of chronic and critical illness, there are drugs given to the patient with intense side effects. The drugs are necessary tools with powerful benefits and potential dangers. You can learn to appreciate your drugs for their positive benefits, while separating the negative side effects from your sense of self. “It’s not me. It’s the drugs.” More on I manage the discipline of taking prescription drugs.
I receive the support of caregivers and tap into support groups and organizations that can help me.
When a person is healthy, it is easy to think, “I can do everything on my own.” But when facing a chronic or critical illness, survival often depends on accepting the help of others while maintaining good boundaries and healthy relationship dynamics with those who step up to support you. More on I receive the support of caregivers and tap into support groups.
I acknowledge that the relationships in my life are shifting.
Chronic and critical illness not only brings about deep changes within, but also changes in relationships. Friendships may shift. Family members may not be able to handle what you are going through. New people come into your life who become part of your journey. Others may leave. Allow yourself to be open to change and know that you can adjust your attitude and incorporate helpful tools to handle these shifts. More on I acknowledge that the relationships in my life are shifting.
Awareness of my Spirit & soul keeps growing.
In these first three stages, your entire life has gone through a dramatic and possibly rapid change. Your body is going through unexpected and painful changes and it may feel like your body is betraying you. Your mind is evaluating everything, trying to understand “Why me?” “What happened?” The structure of your life transforms. While adjusting to these changes and developing new skills to ride the waves, it is important to pause and remember your breath. Take time to stop, reflect and integrate whatever insights and wisdom the journey has brought to tour awareness. More on Awareness of my Spirit & soul keeps growing.
Copyright Guruatma K. Khalsa 2012