Make A "To Do" List
Make a list of the things that Lupus
is keeping you from doing,
including everything that you
want to be able to do, say and feel
once you get Lupus under control.
Jot down everything you’re thinking,
no matter how crazy it might
sound. Be as open and honest
with yourself as possible. Don’t
be shy or reluctant about listing
things of little consequence or
things that you’ve never admitted
hurt to have lost. Now is your
chance to uncover what it is that
you miss the most about life right
now. It’s your opportunity to
grieve for yourself, while laying
the ground work for a hopeful future.
Just this once, don't hold
back in mourning your old self
and abilities. Reassure yourself
that it's normal to be sad about it
and okay to admit it. In drafting
your list, allow yourself to come
to terms with the resentment and
frustration you’ve been harboring,
mostly against yourself. Only
when you allow the emotionally
protective walls you’ve spent
years constructing fall to the
ground, can you begin to take
steps toward healing. And only
then can the rebuilding begin.
Control the Role
Imagine your life as one big theatrical
performance (not too difficult,
right?) You are, of course,
the star of the show, and those
close to you will be playing the
requisite supporting roles. Now
assign Lupus a role in the production
– that of stagehand. Lupus’
job is to be as inconspicuous as
possible: to stay behind the
scenes, disrupt nothing, and if
movement is necessary, attempt to
blend in with the scenery. You
give this very special, important
role to your disease, not because
you necessarily want it around,
16—iPain Living Magazine