Living A Happy Life!

@DawnMGibson hosts the Original #SpoonieChat most Wednesdays from 8-10PM ET, on Twitter.

The new year brings a predictable parade of things to start or stop doing, do more or less of, or things to buy. New Year’s resolutions, crash diets, or other quick fixes aren’t designed with disability in mind and are bound to disappoint even the most able bodied. There are ways to take advantage of the metaphorical clean slate January brings. The extreme nature of 2016 leaves us all in need of TLC. The turning of the year is a natural time to check in with our self care routine and life in general.

Please click HERE to do some quick self-care homework and HERE to review the self-care chat questions. You could print or write them out as a DIY worksheet. 

#ChronicLife is a daily grind of fighting back against symptoms, side effects, social stigma, and many personal and financial concerns. This can narrow life to the immediate and dread of the future, making it difficult to see the path toward the best possible life. A thoughtful self care lifestyle can help melt some of those frozen grinding feelings.

My first health intentions post was inspired by Peter Bregman’s article Consider Not Setting Goals in 2013. It explains that adopting areas of focus might be more helpful to change than goals or resolutions. To Bregman, goals are too focused on preset outcomes. Areas of focus are about deeper motivations and how to spend time and energy. This thinking fits well with the self care mindset!

Relationships 

Chronic illness places a heavy weight on our relationships as patients struggle to function socially and abled people may not know how to respond. January is a great time to check in with our inner circle or to reconnect with those we’re missing. 

1. Take a few moments to think about who makes you feel your best or brings out your best qualities. 

2. Make a list of a few people to reconnect with and drop them a line. 

3. Consider making a tentative schedule to remain in contact. This is a big help maintaining relationships that began in one setting like work or school after one or both parties have moved on. 

4. Consider spending less time on those who add less happiness or stability to your life. 

Practices that feed & foster happiness

As a gardener I know to build up good soil with compost, egg shells, and other food to give my plants the best chance to thrive. Vigilance for weeds, pests, and poor drainage is equally important to prevent my precious greens, strawberries, and tomatoes being eaten up by slugs, snails, and cabbage worms. Wellness and happiness need the same careful attention. 

1. What makes you feel your best or worst? 

2. How can you add something beautiful to your day?

3. What types of music, movies, or shows make you feel happy? 

4. What colors or textures make you feel your best?