I Will Stop Envy, Anger and Jealously
I am embarrassed to admit that this is a big one for me. Even though I know it is wrong, it still sneaks up on me. Many people in my life are so happy and healthy… which is great, but it all plays out in front of me while I fight for normalcy.
I am actually fine with my position until someone attributes having an illness to “karma” or to my “manifesting” it with negative thoughts. They politely assign blame to me for having developed lupus. I feel hurt, angry, and jealous of their good fortune. I hate that about myself, but it happens. It can eat me alive and is definitely not good for me physically, mentally or spiritually.
No more. If I am confronted by these hurtful accusations, I will brush it off as the insensitive rubbish it is. I will not point out that hurting me in this way should actually impact someone “karma” in a very bad way for being so cruel.
I Will Remember to Take My Medications
My memory is horrible and in the past I have missed doses of medications several days in a row. I will organize my meds so I cannot help but remember to take them. I will set an alarm on my phone as backup.
I Will Get Regular Gentle Exercise
I have been better about this lately, probably because I have felt better so exercising is possible. I will keep up this momentum and get at least a little each day (walking, with a goal of one mile), expanding on it when I can.
I Will Avoid the Sun
I once loved sitting in the sunshine so much, but with lupus it will trigger either a rash or a flare where I feel physically ill, weak, dizzy and lost in a fog of unclear thinking. As tempted as I am to cheat a bit and sit in the sun, get a tan and absorb some natural vitamin D, I will listen to my body and avoid too much exposure to UV rays.
I Will Eat My Veggies
During periods in my life where the wolf was calm, I was eating a ton of vegetables each day. I promise to eat more this summer and visit the local farmers’ market for the freshest produce I can find. My plate will be 75 percent veggies and 25 percent protein.
I Will Rest
I am horrible at resting. I struggle to sleep each night and because of work and kids, I never nap. I promise myself I will listen to my fatigue, say no to some activities when I am feeling exhausted, and maybe even nap once per week.
I think deep down we all know what we could be doing better, what we could be letting go of and what we could be putting into our bodies that we are not, to improve how we feel and maybe calm the wolf. I hope you find ways to commit to yourself to choose wisely this summer and show lupus how strong you can be.
