Ways to a positive Wellbeing

Its been just over a year that I have been home since breaking my leg and then diagnosed with Essential Tremors;
It has been just over a year that I have had to make sense of a lot of emotional, physical and spiritual issues in my life;
It has been just over a year now that I have had to reflect and learn that,  in order to survive within myself, daily, I would have to focus on my well being. 

  

What is important to realise, when we give from within, enjoy doing, embrace new or exciting experiences, motivate and encourage others and importantly appreciate the smallest things in life...like hearing the birds tweeting as dawn breaks (and yes you still awake and haven't slept a wink)...that life is great.

Daily we need to realise that,  even though God directs the path we travel, we as humans are also the masters and mistresses of our lives...in other words, we can huddle in a corner and play the pity party game or we can wake up each day and enjoy the beauty and wonder that each day brings.

Grasp each moment with the wonder that only life can bring.

Be blessed....

Focusing on your well being

So,...... I thought I would share some ideas that make caring for yourself a manageable reality.

While there is no magic cure to relieve some of the realities of what we face with our various disabilities, taking time for ourself helps. A good place to start is for couples to talk with each other about their self care needs and then co-create nourishing and re-energizing opportunities for them as individuals and as a couple, or to chat to a friend or family member.   Its not a pity party by no means, and its also important for the person listening to know that.
For both, self care, whether spiritually, physically or emotionally can seem elusive or inconceivable and for some, even unacceptable, however, its very important to focus on our well being....this is what drives one, it sure drives me even when I feel I am in an emotional doldrum or if its a bad day health wise.

It is so important that we are reminded that in any type of relationship, i.e. with yourself, your partner, friend, family member(s), we find the "us" in maintaining any form of relationship.

• Let go of the notion you have to do it all by yourself.
• Identify what is extraneous and depletes your energy.
• Practice saying "no" on occasion.
• Practice saying "i need your help".
• Learn to share responsibilities with your spouse/family/friend, if you can, know matter how small.
• Overcome being intimidated by others who seem to do this effortlessly.
• Find a Life Coach who work respectfully with you.
• Broaden your skills to better handle stressful behaviors or circumstances.
• Find environments that fit your needs (e.g. don't go to supermarkets when its busy, avoid peak hour traffic if it creates tension).
• Network with people who have similar situation/disabilities you are in or are just starting to face, to learn what lies ahead and discover their coping strategies and techniques.

Meeting your own needs can come in a variety of forms, depending on what would be fulfilling at a given time. Perhaps your internal batteries can be recharged with quiet reflection and other times rejuvenated by having contact with people whom you feel close and understood.  I know, that just enjoying the view of the sea or being in a scenic nature environment helps me to focus on my well being 

Ideas to consider for revitalization are:
Develop a relationship with someone you can trust; 
Block out non-negotiable time for you and your spouse on your calendar.
Go out on dates with your spouse, friend, family — something interesting, novel and fun.
Find a form of exercise you like to do; designate time, even if for short periods — it will be invigorating.
Meditate, learn relaxation techniques.
Listen to uplifting music.
Get involved in something you thought you would never do and things you like to do. It builds up your reserves.
Start or join a book club, support or discussion group.
Attend the theatre, lectures, movies, music and/or sporting events.
Get good rest, including power naps.
Keep a private journal to pour out your dark thoughts and negative feelings.
Create a space for a safe haven in your home; make it your special retreat.

Its important to realise that challenging your attitude about self care and not abandoning your needs, will allow you to gain new perspectives about renewal and energy. 
Often, by making yourself do some of these things, you'll discover you cope more effectively, minimizing the risk of burnout (physically or emotionally). You deserve to claim time and space for yourself. In being creative, your possibilities are endless.

I want to end off by saying, all the above is good and very important, but the most important aspect when focusing on your well being, is LAUGHTER, a jolly good dosage of this and to be added as part of your Chronic Medication.

“Laughter is wine for the soul - laughter soft, or loud and deep, tinged through with seriousness - the hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living.”
― Seán O'Casey

Time for my cuppa ...greetings to you

Chatting to my son some 3979ft above sea level, flying at 800kph and 7143km away from Berlin this evening, gave me a new (although known) perspective to how remarkable life and technology is, high in the air chatting to me and watching the soccer world cup match on tv....amazing!

This got me looking at myself with refreshed eyes.

What could I claim as my identity now that my "shakes" (essential  tremors) has toppled me from my self-assured  perch?

I have let go of expectations. I no longer judge "success"--for myself or others--by what people do, but rather by who they are. I am more accepting of their flaws and of my own. My focus is on being rather than doing, on surrendering rather than controlling, on treasuring sweet moments here and now, rather than striving to scale the top of table mountain in record time.

Now, when people ask me what I do, I say, "I am JOY champion!" 

My "shake" has opened my eyes to the true meaning of life.

I just pray and ask the Lord to "give me oil in my Lamp" daily, and keep me filled with joy, hope, peace, understanding, wisdom .....  and lots of faith.

 Greetings to you....

Makeover Madness

I dont know about you, but usually at the start of each new year people dream up these fancy resolutions that they wish to do or change in there lives, maybe they did take stock of last years errors or feel they need a change within themselves.....well, I am not the type of person to start with these fanciful resolutions, but I definitely do stock taking and am most grateful for all the blessings in my life and ask God to help me to bless others in my journey for the new year.

So, 2014 has not been any different, yet it has been different too.  As I am now officially on a disability pension I decreed 2014 to be "my year" a year where I would like to do things for me myself and I, (not in a selfish way) but putting me first instead of second, needing to fill my emotional, spiritual and physical tank.  Doing a total makeover.

So, taking the bull by the horns, the first "physical" action is doing a makeover of my bathroom and kitchen, making it user friendly for later in my life...a walk in shower, no more bath, a kitchen to last a life time. I am soooo excited I can burst by the seems.

But in reflecting on all this, I can not help but also look at the spiritual aspects, this being my "spiritual" action.  There is a time in our life when God says fine lads...time for a makeover.  Sometimes He brings us to a point in our life where we need to sit back, look and listen and then we need to rest a bit in His presence and truth, to gather the energy we need to enjoy the makeover.  While all this takes place I will enjoy having my emotional cup filled and may it over flow joyfully.

Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Psalm 127:1-2
Father, build our house. Father, watch over our city. Father, give us sweet sleep, true rest and surpassing peace as we seek you, find you, and trust in you alone. Amen.

May you be blessed...and in being blessed share your blessing with another

http://vivhamman.wix.com/vivienne-hamman

Tuesday, December 3, 2013, the IETF ( International Essential Tremor Foundation ) will be part of a call to action that will change the calendar and help make history! We are celebrating a day dedicated to giving -- when charities, families, businesses, retailers and more will all come together for ‪#‎GivingTuesday‬ - a movement to celebrate giving and encourage more, better and smarter giving during the Holiday Season. 

Consider giving something back today and this festive season. Together we will show how the world can do much more with our wallets than just consume. We invite you to be part of this global or national giving celebration particularly to a health foundation such asThe International Essential Tremor Foundation or associations such as  The Parkinsons Association, Disability Associations, Breast Cancer, Cerebral Palsy etc thats dear to your heart.

Thank you and be blessed