Chronic health issues and family systems

My ear has bothered me all day. Normally on days like this, I just hide somewhere quiet or tell my kids to be quiet. I feel bad because I feel like I'm pushing them away.

So, tonight, I called a family meeting and did my best to explain to my kids as concretely as possible what my disease means and why it is unpredictable. I emphasized that we need to figure out how to be a family WITH my disease, instead of me hiding from the noise. We agreed that it was my responsibility to communicate when I am having a bad day and what my needs are and to model the voice decibel that I needed. That way we could all still be together. I didn't have to be outcast, and they don't have to feel like I'm pushing them away.

So often I feel like they're just kids, I shouldn't expect them to be quiet, but I guess it's better for them to be quiet and be able to do things as a family than to be loud and have me hide.

We are learning as a family how to handle the chronic health issues and still be a family.

Fasting

Carrie Rocha, from www.pocketyourdollars.com gave an inspirational few minute message on KTIS this morning. She advised to do a one month fast on any areas of overspending.

While we have worked very hard to curb any financial overspending (not that there isn't room for improvement), what struck me was the ares where I overspend my time and energy. How would my life be different if I took a fast from those areas?

Hmm, t.v., computer, even sometimes financial planning. What if I were to lay those things at the feet of the cross and surrender them wholly? What if I were to take a break from them, a fast? Although, I'm not entirely sure how my husband would feel about my taking a break from financial planning :).

For me, this has really been a year of getting more disciplined and more intentional about some healthy choices in my life and then sticking with those choices consistently. That is hard for me, but I do wonder, if I put less energy into the distractions in my life, and focused more on the healthy choices, how would life be different?

Alfred Adler always said, "Life can always be different". That does not mean we can make it what we want it to be, but it does mean that there are natural consequences for the choices we make and we have the power to change those choices.

I always perceived of discipline or routine as the choice to consistently say yes to good things. Perhaps it is also the choice to consistently say no to distractions.

Hope

Well, since the Pastor and elders prayed over me, I forgot to mention that I have gone gluten-free and have since been able to get off of the only prescription I was taking. I still take benadryl for my ears and have the prn's if I need them, but my other health issues are significantly under control without meds! Yay!! Jesus heals.

I am happy to see progress for all the hard work I have put in. I know though that God does not always choose to heal. My heart breaks for friends and family who are suffering chronic debilitating health issues. It is a reminder to me to be thankful for the health I currently have and to lift others up in my prayers.

I refuse to live life in the fear of what if tomorrow brings___________________. I will deal with that if and when tomorrow brings something worse. For now I am thankful my symptoms are controlled.

I'm even finding more energy as I exercise. I wish I would have tried that a long time ago.

So, whether you are completely healthy or very debilitated or anywhere else on the continuum, share with me what you are doing to honor your health. It is not something to be taken for granted, and every baby step we take is significant.

Inspiration

What does it take to inspire us? Everyone is different. For me, recently, it was a neighbor who inspired me to start doing the "Couch Potato to 5 K". This is exactly what I needed, a plan for people like me who have never stayed consistent with exercise.

So, I'm on week 4. It is not easy, but I am working hard and sticking to it. My husband has joined me. Between the accountability of my husband and my neighbor friend I am sticking with it.

This has been a year of committing to God and to myself that I will make my health a priority and take responsibility for it to the best of my ability. I am getting there. I'm rather presently surprised with my progress as I am not by nature a person of discipline. God has put the right people in my path, and when I get antsy for new things in my life, a job, etc, He speaks to my spirit, reminding me that my health is something of great value and worth taking some time to make a priority.

So, what or who inspires you? What or who reminds you that you are worth taking care of and making your health, whether physical or spiritual, a priority? Who are the accountability people in your life for whom you are thankful?