Walking Through the Phases – Becoming an Autoimmune Thriver

Catalysts for Change

There are many opportunities in life to make significant changes. They begin in young adulthood and continue throughout our lives. For most people, those changes involve starting a family, buying a home, moving to a new city or beginning a new career. These changes cause us to change our behaviors due to the newness of our change and in term change our perspectives, they give us an added view because of the new place we are in. But, at times, nothing is as powerful as a sudden loss or an unexpected diagnosis. These changes are so strong because it causes a shattering, we feel broken, in despair or fear. The loss of activities, the fear of the unknown and the thoughts of the worst-case scenarios that are impossible to let go brings us to a state where hope seems lost. But, after this initial break, as we start coming to terms that we must take action to move forward, the building begins, the building of a new person, we begin setting the grounds for better tomorrow, this is where we begin taking steps to behaviors that will nourish your new situation and maximize your potential. When I was diagnosed with lupus, 3 motions define the phases in my journey- lost, hope, build. Follow me into how you thrive after an autoimmune diagnosis.

Facing the Fear of the Unknown

 A diagnosis–be it cancer or a life-altering disease or disorder–evokes fear and despair. If you’re also coping with physical pain, you may feel lost and helpless. This “new normal” can certainly stir up strong, negative emotions, but those same emotions and sensations are the very things that drive us to new heights in our well-being.

If you’re faced with fighting for your very existence or the right to feel great every day, you understand that there’s a battle ahead of you. Something to be gained or lost. And that’s where you find your biggest catalyst for change: your will to exist.

Finding the Silver Lining

Don’t let yourself be overcome by the suffering. While your “new normal” may be difficult at first, your acceptance of it and desire not to be defined by it will be the keys to finding meaning and fulfillment in your life. Together, they can enable you to create a lifestyle designed for optimal well-being.

Of course, you’ll need to make changes, so try thinking of your autoimmune disease as an opportunity to improve your life and that of your family. If your genetic make-up, lifestyle choices, and experiences have brought you to a point where your body is attacking itself, then take a look at what you’ve been feeding your mind and your body. Something is not working anymore, and your body is telling you it wants more out life.

Become a Creature of Habit

Structuring a routine is an essential part of your wellness program. This includes a schedule for exercise, meditation/prayers, cooking, and preparation, and good sleep. Let me add, preparation is key to all parts of your protocol. We live in a time where we are running around all the time, and scheduling time exercise or preparing the food for the week or preparing yourself for bedtime is an essential part. We often tend to underestimate the power of preparing, but know, that the battle is not won at the battlefield, it’s won before it’s fought. Prepare. Once you start implementing new life choices and are empowered by the drive for change and well-being, the pieces will fall in place. Every decision you make will be aligned to your goal of living a healthy wholesome life.

Be grateful. Arouse Happiness

We are all given situations in our journey that are there to cause growth and improve our lives in some way. In the beginning, it’s hard to feel this way, or see how can something like sickness be there as a tool to empower you. We must start knowing that we do not know, being humble, and ask to be shown the way in our prayers. What am I meant to reveal through this? This is a time to be grateful and thank our creator for this opportunity for growth.  You will be amazed how being grateful and knowing you are working towards something will bring happiness and the much-needed strength to move forward. Enjoy the journey because hope and perseverance pay off when you’re liberated from your ailments and enjoying newfound energy and joy.