“When faced with illness of any sort, uncertainty can become overbearing and nearly crippling,” said the folks at JenCare Senior Medical Center. “With so many unanswered questions, it’s normal to begin feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed. However, building resilience and managing stress can help you face your illness with grace and positivity.”
JenCare is a medical center focused on senior healthcare.
They suggest two approaches to living that build resilience.
appreciate the small pleasures. Sipping fresh roasted coffee or sitting in the sunshine may seem minor, but such simple joys add up to a good life.
Focus on things within your control. I call this “applied serenity.” You probably have heard the serenity prayer “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and me wisdom to know the difference.” Changing what you can brings you feelings of strength, ease, and efficacy.
Faced with ailments, we often feel powerless and weary. You cannot control physical symptoms and sensations but you can choose your attitude. Finding the small beauties and blessings in your life and making the changes you can, you can craft a life of meaning and beauty.
In your journal:
- set a timer for five minutes. Rant about how you feel about being ill. When you hear timer, take three deep breaths and list 10 things for which you are grateful.
- Describe a small pleasure in your life. Use as many your senses as you can.
- Make a serenity chart: what’s behind your control? What can you change? What small step will you take next? When?