COPING MECHANISM NUMBER ONE

Sometimes, when I am feeling low, lost, or like things aren’t going well, I take a step back and focus on the little things. I remind myself that six years ago, I would have given anything for the life I have today. I have a man who loves me, a home with a family, and a dog that I adore. Right now, she's curled up next to me, sleeping as I write this. Her presence made me pause and reflect on my current life.

If you ever find yourself having a tough time, a bad day, or feeling like the world is crashing down around you, I recommend trying this method: write out positive affirmations. At first, it might feel a bit humorous or even silly to sit and write them out, but that’s the point. This exercise forces you to stop and think positively about yourself and the life you lead. By doing so, you actively counteract the negativity that can so easily take over.

1. I am strong and resilient, capable of overcoming any challenge.

2. I am worthy of love and respect.

3. My past does not define me; I create my own future.

4. I am a source of inspiration and support for others.

5. I am proud of my journey and the progress I have made.

6. I embrace my emotions and allow myself to feel and heal.

7. I am dedicated to my personal growth and development.

8. I am a powerful force for positive change in the world.

9. I am deserving of happiness and success.

10. I trust myself and my ability to make the right decisions.

Writing positive affirmations makes you pause and acknowledge the good things in your life, no matter how small they may seem. It’s a powerful tool to shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. Think of it as a mental reset button. When you take the time to write down and then repeat these affirmations, you are reprogramming your mind to see the positive aspects of your life.

Tomorrow, I am sure I will feel a little bit better than today. And if I don't, that's okay too. My health does not define who I am; it is merely a small part of my physical being. I am still lucky to be alive, and I am lucky to experience this pain because there was a time in my life when I was very near death, and there was a strong chance I might not have made it to today. Every day is a blessing for me—the good, the bad, and the ugly. I forge the path that I walk, and I am being led somewhere beautiful.

I have several serious health conditions that sometimes limit my ability to do things. There are days when I cannot work, leave the house, or even get out of bed. At the moment, I'm experiencing one of those episodes. During these times, it’s extremely challenging to stay positive and remember that I am still blessed with a wonderful life. I feel pain and frustration because I can't do simple tasks like driving to work or taking a shower. I get angry at myself for feeling weak and unable to do the things I want to do.

During my lowest points, when my health conditions make even the simplest tasks seem insurmountable, I remind myself of how far I've come. Six years ago, I would have given anything for the life I have now. I have a loving partner, a cozy home, a family, and a dog that brings me joy. These are the little things that make my life rich and fulfilling. My dog's warmth as she curls up next to me reminds me to appreciate these moments of peace and contentment.

So, here I sit, making my list of positive affirmations for the day. I will repeat these affirmations out loud and believe them. This is one of the most important tools in my arsenal of coping mechanisms. Once I got over the feeling that it was silly and laughable to write down and repeat positive things about myself, I realized just how effective it truly is. You are what you preach. If you hear something enough, whether good or bad, you begin to believe it as truth.

Writing and repeating positive affirmations helps me focus on the aspects of my life that are going well. It’s a reminder that despite the pain and the setbacks, I have much to be grateful for. This practice grounds me, offering a sense of stability and hope even on the darkest days. It helps me to see that every day is a gift, an opportunity to grow and move forward.

Remember, you are not defined by your struggles but by how you rise above them. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Embrace your journey, with all its highs and lows, and know that you are capable of creating a beautiful path ahead.