Greg,
this is wonderful. thank you so much for forwarding it.
Take care of yourself, my friend.
Love, Suzanne
>>
>Daily Survival for Those with Chronic Illness
>
>
>1. Today I am going to try to live through this day only, and not
>dwell on or attempt to solve all my problems at once; just focus
>on the piece that is today. I can do something for several hours
>that would be difficult to even think about continuing
>for several months.
>
>
>2. Just for today, I am willing to accept the possibility that
>there is a purpose to this suffering; that it can be a source
>of meaning and growth for myself and others, though I may not
>always recognize the ways. And it seems possible that this
>suffering will not be in vain, because of what may be some kind
>of existence beyond.
>
>
>3. Just for today, let me remind myself that I am basically a
>worthwhile person, worth loving, despite my faults and limits.
>I deserve the efforts of others to help me through my illness.
>
>
>4. Just for today, I want to be aware that it is all right to want
>too much from others at times. Illness brings out and intensifies
>the small child in all of us. And if I feel hurt when those who
>care for me cannot be there, it may help to remember that they have
>needs, frailties, and limitations of their own. A lack of response
>does not mean that they are personally rejecting me.
>
>
>5. Today I may feel the need to complain a great deal; I may have
>little tolerance; I may cry; I may scream. That does not mean that I
>am less courageous or strong. All are ways of expressing anger over
>this mess, of rightly mourning my losses. Endurance itself is courage.
>
>
>6. It ismy life at stake now. So maybe today I can allow myself to be
>a little less concerned about the reactions or impressions of others.
>Maybe I can allow myself to feel a little less guilty or bad about what
>I did not accomplish or give. Perhaps today I can be a little more
>gently toward myself.
>
>
>7. Surviving this is all so difficult. At times it seems impossible
>- that I have had enough. Down the line I will know if and when I
>have had enough, when I cannot push the limits any further. I will
>have the right to choose to stop, without feeling that I am "giving up."
>But today I think I can deal with this illness. Sorrow runs very deep, but I
>think I can rise again.
>
>
>8. Just for today, maybe I can give healing "the benefit of the doubt."
>The drugs are powerful; the natural healing capacity of my body is
>powerful. And who knows, perhaps there is healing power in my will
>to struggle, and in the collective love and will of others.
>
>
>9. Just for today, perhaps I can take heart that we are all connected.
>And I may still have some things left to contribute to the family of man;
>some light to add to the light. Even now my endurance (however
>imperfect) is a gift, an inspiration for others in their struggles.
>
>
>10. It seem reasonable that there is a season for everything and a
>time for every purpose. Pain, weakness and exhaustion may distort my
>senses and spirit. Today, however, I can at least find some hope in
>nature's way, if not some master plan. The chance are fairly good,
>and it seems worthwhile to hope that I will have some cycle of
>wellness yet.
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