66 Congratulate yourself for doing difficult things; How I survived my son's brain surgery recovery.
Congratulate yourself for doing difficult things, even if they might not seem difficult to others. Depending on the individual, plenty of everyday things can be difficult, like riding the bus, standing in line, filing paperwork, going to the doctor, making food, doing chores, etc.
What did you do today that took an effort?
What did you do for your health even though you would have rather done something else?
What did you do because it was needed – even though you would have rather put it off for another day?
What household chores did you do even though they are not your favorite?
What grown-up thing like paying bills or changing the oil in your car did you do while there were lots of more exciting ways you could have spent your time?
Acknowledge these accomplishments. Your life is better when you do the difficult things today that help preserve your health, financial stability, and relationships.
How can you acknowledge the little accomplishments you made today or throughout this last week?
Can you think of a way to put a plan into place in your daily life to recognize and acknowledge these accomplishments in the future?
This is just one of a hundred tools that helped me including:
A: BEFORE DIAGNOSIS
B: Diagnosis and PRE-SURGERY HOSPITAL STAY
C: SURGERY D: RECOVERY in patient E: At home recovery
56 “best day ever”? Feelings of gratitude can be so uplifting.
57 It is so easy to take family for granted.
58 A nice hot bubble bath can be soothing.
59 IT IS OK TO NOT BE OK.
60 Imagine your very favorite place in the world.
61 Helping kids come to terms with a difficult diagnosis.
62 Checklist to get yourself back on track with self-care.
63 Go for a short walk
64 Yoga can be relaxing and soothing.
65 Making your first thought a positive one.
66 Congratulate yourself for doing difficult things.
67 Pop bubble wrap.
68 DANCE to peppy positive song.
69 Plan a fun activity for yourself
F. CHEMO G. FAILING CHEMO H. WATCH AND WAIT
I. NEEDING NEW TREATMENT
J. END OF NEW TREATMENT / watch and wait
** Living life one day at a time.
Topics I have thought and talked a lot about over the last few years include:
#momguilt #PediatricBrainTumor #Neurofibramatosis
#Glioma #Astrocytoma #PilocyticAstrocytoma
#BrainTumor #OpticNerveGlioma #PediatricBrainSurgery
#NF1 #ParentingChronicIllness #Mekinist
#watchandwait #trametinib #copingskills
#Carboplatin #Vincrystine #ChildhoodCancer
#nevergiveup #thereishope #PediatricBrainCancer