Recently, I relocated from a place I loved. I was completely comfortable there. I had amazing friends, a wonderful support group, and knew who I was there. It was small enough place but big enough. It was so perfect for me. Leaving was something that I really did not want to do.
I moved with a little but of a sour attitude. I didn't want to live where I had accepted a job, so I chose to commute and live in a smaller place. However, I did not want to be there. I did want to make the changes that I knew were going to be made and I did not want to leave behind or lose the memories of the place I loved so much.
A few weeks after moving here, reality sunk in. I realized that if I was going to be truly happy and content with life, I have to make the decision to be happy and put forth efforts. I had to try to ingratiate myself into my workplace setting, my home setting and my community. This was difficult for me. It made me anxious. I had no clue what to do, and sometimes still feel like I don't. I wasn't sure how I could ever adapt.
Now, I would be lying if I told you that I am completely comfortable and adapted to life in a new place, my workplace setting and all. However, I am becoming more so. I have learned that this requires adjustments and that it truly is a process. I know what you're thinking, "What does this have to do with Gastroparesis or other chronic conditions?" Allow me to explain.
Shortly after getting sick with GP, I had no clue what was going on, how to cope, or if this would be my life for the rest of forever. I made due, but it was exhausting. After my diagnosis, which happened around 8 months after getting sick, it was time to make adjustments. I had to adjust from living the life of a completely healthy and active young adult to one who had some serious issues that would be there long term. It wasn't easy at all.
I tried to maintain a positive attitude, and maybe on the outside it worked. However, I was not to thrilled about some of the changes. The first little bit after my diagnosis, I was asked not to exercise anymore. I was put on an all liquid diet. I was put on new medicines. I knew that this was not the life I wanted. Yet, these adjustments were necessary so I went and did.
When I did not see things in life going the way I wanted, I re-evaluated things and realized it was time for another adjustment. This one was major. It was time to adjust my attitude. I had to stop looking at myself as a sick, energy-less girl. I had to stop thinking that my life was pathetic and would never be full. I had to stop feeling sorry for myself. In turn, I had to start seeing the good in myself, finding positive experience, and discovering that I could make my life as full as possible.
With time, I have adjusted my diet to include soft foods. I am no longer an all-liquids girl. Some days I may choose all liquids, but that is because through my adjustment process, I learned that on rough days, liquids are what work the best and are what will keep me healthy. I have learned, which is what adjusting is all about. Finding out what works for you and making that your new normal. Then you must embrace the new normal you have.
Sounds simple right? Nope! It's not easy. It took so much time and so much effort. There were days of tears. I fell back into old habits of self-pity. However, over time and with so much effort, I have become a more positive person. I don't look at myself as sick or needy, though some days are still that way. I learned that my condition does not define me or how I have to act. I can beat my condition in some ways, though I know that it is a chronic problem.
We don't always want to make changes to our lives or allow our conditions to control life. They don't have to. These adjustments are because we are choosing to make things better. However, this requires us to actually make an effort to see things in this light.
When you are dealing with conditions that are chronic, it is easy to lose hope. It sometimes seems easier to go through the trial of the condition rather than make adjustments to make life better. Adjustments are difficult. Sometimes those adjustments can be painful. I'd imagine, and I've read a little bit to back this up though I have never experienced it myself), that after being adjusted by a Chiropractor, there is a level of pain and discomfort that goes away with time. After that, things usually are better than they were before.
When dealing with chronic conditions, the adjustments are necessary and take time. They are not easy, whether it be a change in eating habits or a change in lifestyle. But after the adjustment has been made and in time, you see the benefits. Earlier this year, after some physical issues, I decided to cut back on one of the foods that I love. It was really hard in the beginning. However, it has become much less of a necessity now, and I feel better about my health. The adjustment wasn't easy, but it was worth it in the end.
Whatever the change may be, I encourage you make it. You can start with a little adjustment here or there. When it becomes difficult, remind yourself of the result you are going for and that life will be better. I am currently going through this process again, with a new issue that has come up and it has not been easy for me to accept the issue or have patience when it seems like the adjustments just aren't working.
For the next month, I am going to make the adjustment that I am working on and stick to it, though it may be difficult. I will report back after a month. I invite you all to do the same. Let's be a support system for each other so we can make it through these difficult challenges that we face.
Good Luck!
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