Together over the first three months of this blog we covered
many of the fundamentals that contribute to building resilience and well-being
while living with ALS (or other similar serious health conditions). These
include the topics of:
Humor Exercise Optimism Mindfulness Perceptions
But, we’re not finished!
Three months is the perfect time to pause; take a look
back at our progress, assess what needs more of our attention and then move forward. It’s a very helpful ritual that I follow and
want to share with you.
Why pause now? I like to time it with the changing of the
seasons; always a good time for reflection, goal setting and a fresh start.
I know we can all drag out our personal calendars and
validate that for the past three months we were very busy; busy with medical appointments, visits from friends and family and
small projects at home. The big question is: have we been paying attention to our own well-being? Have we been
living our lives in a deeply satisfying way? Everyday busy-ness can mask the
underlying feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction - - and that’s not healthy
for our bodies and minds - - and not healthy for those around us.
Here is how the ritual goes:
1. Have paper and pencil ready for notes, use a journal
or create a document on the computer.
2. Copy and list the six
wellness categories:
Intellectual, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Social and
Occupational.
3. Read the questions below and
for each category write down write down two answers:
First, what you've done in the past three
months that qualifies as a “yes,” answer.
Second,
what you will try to do more of during the next three months.
4. If you responded with a “no,”
to any question, then go on to ask yourself:
What do I need, and who can help me to do more in this category?
The Six Dimensions of Wellness*
Intellectual
In what ways do you
stimulate your mind and mental capacity? Do you participate in creative and
interesting mental activities? Are you continually learning and gaining new
knowledge?
Physical
Do you participate
in appropriate physical activity and consume quality nutrition to maintain your
health? Do you have regular medical care, take appropriate medications and
participate in self-care?
Emotional
How well do you express your feelings, manage
your stress and cope with Life's transitions? Do you have high self-esteem,
self-control and a strong sense of self?
Spiritual
Are you living each
day consistent with your beliefs and values? Do you have purpose and value in
your life?
Social
Are you continuing
to connect and interact with others? Do you maintain both close and informal
social ties?
Occupational
Do you use your
skills or abilities to contribute to your family's, or a social group’s or
another person's behalf?
I’ve found this three month ritual helpful and
enlightening. It’s helped me bring balance, meaning and value to my life - - I
know it will do the same for yours as well.
Happy Spring!
*From: (2-15-2015) “Feeling a Little Burned-out
Lately? http://alsandwellness.blogspot.com/2015/02/feeling-little-burned-out-lately.html
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| Dagmar Munn ALS and Wellness Blogger |
“Pay close attention to the patterns in your life. They’re the keys
to doors only you can open.”
Terri Trespicio
Great thing that you are doing; keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDelete