Yesterday I had a setback health wise. Probably the first one in a couple of months to speak of and it was disheartening to say the least. For those of you with health challenges, which I know some of you do, you know it can be emotionally and physically challenging. For me the emotional part is the hardest to deal with and yesterday almost threw me for a loop.
Luckily, I have a good plan in place to cope with such things now. One of the first things I did was just go take a darn nap and rest. Then the next thing was to start writing this post. Blogging about my journey as I have come to call it has helped me a great deal. The other thing I did was take some time to myself to reflect on what I had accomplished before the setback. Then I reflected on what I still wish to accomplish.
All thoughts of the actual negative aspects of the setback I worked on washing from my thoughts with my reflection. I am doing the same with my writing of this post. You see, it is a journey, and all journeys will have their delays. Occasionally even a layover, but one cannot get stuck in place, but must continue looking toward that final destination that was set out for.
That said, doing it by oneself is possible, but having a support system in place is preferable. I have a wonderful wife, two loving sons, a close brother and cousin who are very supportive, and a great counselor. With their support I am able to follow my prescribed treatment plans, conduct my self-therapy, stay on my medications and stay on the path to complete my journey.
A key though is to be patient as it can be disheartening, just like yesterday was for me. You have to be resilient and use the support system you have. Don’t be too proud to do this. I talk to my counselor today and I am sure he will provide some guidance about the situation and maybe recommend something new, or most likely tell me to continue what I am doing. It is obvious that my medical advice is on the money because the setbacks are taking longer to take place between instances. So I doubt any medication adjustments are necessary, no further therapy sessions are required, and my lifestyle changes will still be needed.
My wife, sons, brother, and cousin provide some amazing emotional support. They understand my situation and provide encouragement and listen when I need an ear to vent. However, the greatest breakthrough I get is with my self-therapy. Rest, silent reflection, blogging, and some time in nature all help me to relax and balance myself.
One thing I have learned above all is to set some realistic expectations. I know it will take time for things to work out. I also know it may never come to fruition. That is okay, I have a destination in mind and will work to get there until I can no longer go anymore. I reward myself when I have small victories like spending a long day out and about or I work out in the yard.
It is all about the experience. Setbacks are a part of that experience. Without the setbacks you don’t have the experience of the journey.
Thanks for reading,
Joe
Note: Image source Canva.com
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