The Power of Perspective

Perspective is how one views things and is one of many tools I utilize in managing life with the multiple challenges that accompany chronic illness.  When one is in chronic pain, or dealing with chronic fatigue, or depression, or some other symptom, it can be easy to get trapped into focusing on the unpleasant issue at hand.  "I am hurting."  "I am weary." "I am sad." These are easy to say in these situations.  However, "I am" are defining words.  It is possible when sad, to acknowledge the emotion--"I feel sad," but then choose to focus on something that brings joy, or choose to be cheerful in spite of the feelings of sadness. I cannot control what is happening, but I can control my response. This in turn can alleviate some of the otherwise natural feelings of helplessness that usually occur with circumstances one cannot control.

An example of this would be a not uncommon situation that most would view as negative: a car accident.  Accidents can be a pain--literally.  They cause damage to cars, people, property, etc. There is not much positive to find.  Or, is that really true?  What about looking at what happened, and realizing it could have been worse, but was not. There is nearly always a positive aspect; one just has to find it.

If running late, it can be easy to stress over how long one is stuck in traffic, or on an elevator, or a bus running behind schedule.  However, those are things one cannot control.  Worrying about them will increase stress and anxiety. Instead, do not look at the clock. Stay calm and focused if driving, an accident from being distracted will only take more time, plus endanger others.  If a passenger, reading or relaxation practice are good options. 

In the same way, on a bad pain day, or facing a new illness, it is possible to pause, take a deep breath, and look for what is good, or positive in the situation.

Key thought: learning to use perspective to alter one's sense of power versus helplessness in unchangeable circumstances. 

Copyright © 2017 by Chronic Wholeness. All rights reserved.

An Introduction to Chronic Wholeness

I will be writing about chronic illness in the context of wholeness or wellness.  I chose this to be my theme or purpose: pursuing wholeness in brokenness, strength in weakness, health in illness. 

Definitions
Chronic:

adjective

1.

constant; habitual; inveterate:

a chronic liar.

2.

continuing a long time or recurring frequently:

a chronic state of civil war.

3.

having long had a disease, habit, weakness, or the like:

a chronic invalid.

Source: Dictionary.com

Wholeness:

adjective

1.

comprising the full quantity, amount, extent, number, etc., without diminution or exception;
entire, full, or total:

He ate the whole pie. They ran the whole distance.

2.

containing all the elements properly belonging; complete:

We have a whole set of antique china.

3.

undivided; in one piece:

to swallow a thing whole.

Source: Dictionary.com

Chronic illness is sickness that lasts constantly.  Wholeness is being full, complete.  One could say that wholeness regarding chronic illness is completely, fully sick.  However, my perspective is seeing wholeness as the choice to be complete, to live fully even with chronic illness.

Copyright © 2017 by Chronic Wholeness. All rights reserved.