An oldie but a goodie, brought to you from the old archives. Something I need to be reminded of again this Fall!
Chronic Pain
The following articles cover the topics of health, chronic pain, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, and physical recovery.
How you can prepare for emotional disasters
Last week my cousin spent the day chasing plywood and supplies all over town in preparation for Hurricane Matthew. Store shelves were sparse, gas stations drained, and Home Depot was like Black Friday with the amount of frantic pushing and shoving.
My cousin spent nearly 24 hours securing windows and battening down the hatches. He was just praying his home wouldn’t blow away.
When faced with a natural disaster like the one we saw last week, one thing is for sure. People spring into action. Survival mode kicks in. Some evacuate. Others brace for a fight. But one thing we all have in common? Continue reading
The 1 Thing Your To-Do List Won’t Accomplish
When you retreat to a quiet place, it’s amazing how loud everything becomes upon re-entry.
We spent last week in the mountains, nestled in a cabin just above the treetops. Every morning the sun would peek through the blinds, gently nudging me awake. With a cup of coffee in hand, I would snuggle myself into a sweatshirt and pull up a chair to the edge of the pine deck. The sun would rise over smokey ridges and rows of mountain peaks as I stared out into a silent world. The chirping of crickets and rustling of bears in the woods were the only sounds vying for my attention. Crisp, cool air filled my lungs with every breath.
Peace and quiet. Solitude at its finest. Continue reading
Don’t Let Your Past Define You
How many thoughts do you have about yourself? And of those, how many are negative?
It wasn’t until I was suffering from soul-crushing anxiety and felt depleted of all motivation that I started giving my thought-life some…well…thought.
Who says my creative efforts are not good enough?
Who says I’m a major disappointment?
Who tells me that I can never change?
Or says I will certainly fail if I try?
Who believes that I am broken?
I do.
It’s me. My thoughts are to blame. Continue reading
2 Ways to Overcome Your Fear This Week
Don’t worry. Easier said than done.
Especially for me. I come from a long generational line of worriers. Anxiety and fear have been constant companions for most of my life. Fretting has become a common pastime around here.
How about you this week?
Because every time I turn on the news fear is being magnified. We fear terror. We fear race. We fear other religions. We fear diseases (Zika? Anyone?). We even fear the upcoming election.
I even find myself worrying ABOUT WORRYING.
Seriously? Continue reading
3 Critical Reminders About Pain & Suffering
At some point in our lives we will all experience a tragedy, a physical illness, the death of a loved one or the loss of a dream.
In these moments, doubts and questions will arise. How could this happen? Why me? What did I do to deserve this? How am I ever going to survive this? Where is God in all of this?
I have been there. Three times, in fact. Continue reading
Being an Introvert was My Excuse to Disengage
If snuggling with your computer or a good book sounds like your idea of a fun evening, chances are you may be an introvert.
But that doesn’t mean you are shy. Or a party hater. Or that you prefer to live in a closet.
Contrary to popular opinion, many introverts are actually outgoing, creative, and possess a high-functioning inner world. This inner world is an introvert’s best kept secret; a treasure trove just waiting to be discovered.
But seldom will it be shared.
Too many encounters with humiliation, failure, or rejection over time will cause introverts to shut down and close up shop. Out of insecurity, we will draw the shades and remain indoors.
Over time, we will become content to disengage with our world.
I know because I’ve been there. Continue reading
Why You Must Uproot Your Weeds
I love gardening. Creating our own patio retreat has provided a personal oasis of beauty and sunshine while the birds gather above in magical chorus.
This week I sank into the cushions, iced coffee in hand. As I breathed in nature, my eye caught a glimpse of a disturbing sight.
Weeds.
My ultimate arch enemy.
The one thing I hate even more than dirty dishes.
Sticking out like a sore thumb, those gnarly little rascals were ruining my view. Gleefully basking in the sunlight, they made themselves right at home as if to spite me. I’m pretty sure they were smirking as they burrowed their roots even deeper. Continue reading
Rachel Boulos 