Do you ever feel like you are on the verge of utter emotional desolation and insanity as you sit across from your doctor and talk about treating SIBO?
If you answered, “Yes,” then the following tips will be helpful for your success!
When I embarked on my fourth treatment in thirteen months, it was a last push towards a mental finish line of health. I knew I had just enough emotional strength left in my heart and mind to get through one more round. After that, I wasn’t sure. I even couldn’t think about the recovery process until I was in the middle of my treatment. Knowing this treatment was going to be challenging- in fact it was the one treatment (the elemental diet) that scared me so horribly it brought me to tears, I decided to make the most of it by setting myself up for success. I made a plan with the following steps and was able to conquer my fear of “hanger” and get through the treatment well.
Do something amazing!
When you feel emotionally exhausted and are unsure of how to move forward, splurge on yourself! Pick something to do for yourself that you love, have always wanted to do, or something that brings you great joy. Maybe schedule a spa day, purchase a month membership at your favorite gym, get out of town, go camping or backpacking, take a class on something you have always wanted to learn, splurge on that new tool you’ve been eying, or those new hobby items like paints or fabric, or find a field with wild flowers and pick so many that you fill your car completely.
Focus on what you can do
Simply move one foot forward at a time. Focus on what needs to be done right now in this very moment, and only move on when the next moment happens. Maybe that means taking a nap, making a meal, reading a book, cleaning, working, attending that business meeting, washing the car, or having coffee with a friend. But only worry about the next step when it is time to take the next step, then push on through. You can do it!
Pray or meditate
Reflect internally and upwardly. Where do you gain emotional strength? Go to your source of energy and fill yourself. And pray for others! When we think of others we often forget the challenges in our own lives, or our challenges seem surprisingly small.
Learn to exist in the midst of your fear
This is one of the best life gifts you can give yourself. Do not worry about mastering your fear, simply exist with the fear. Be in the moment with yourself, relax, and just breathe.
Surround yourself with things that you love
Change the desktop picture on your computer to something that makes you smile when you see it, add photos you love to your fridge, listen to your happy playlist of music, read your favorite comic each morning, use whiteboard markets to write your favorite or inspiring quotes or scripture on your bathroom mirror, splurge on your favorite tea, purchase a few new songs you love, or make a little shrine on your kitchen table or a desk (somewhere you look often) of things that make you smile.
Ask some friends to send you positive texts or emails each day
Do this! It reminds you that you have a team that loves and supports you. Receiving random messages, pictures, and texts makes you stop and enjoy the presence of your friends through your journey and the pictures and encouraging messages will make you smile and bring you joy.
Tell your loved ones what you need from them
What do you need to hear from the people who love and support you the most? How do you need them to serve you? ASK FOR THESE THINGS! Please remember that people cannot read your mind, but more often than not they want to love you how you feel loved the most. What do you need to hear from someone today?
I hope you take time today to take care of yourself, and do something amazing that brings you life!
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