kinasty:

urbanthropologie:

• sit in the sun without anything to do, feel the heat of the rays hit your skin, realize that this sunlight has travelled a very long way to reach you
• walk around barefoot and try to feel as much of the ground under your feet as you can, notice every rock and blade of grass
• sit quietly for a while and notice the touch of breath in your nostrils, feel how the air gets cooler as you inhale and warmer as you exhale
• drive around aimlessly and blast some of your favorite songs, scream/sing along to them and feel the vibrations of your favorite lyrics as they change the air in your throat and around you, feel that the music is healing you from the inside out
• stay away from alcohol or drugs for a few days, try to be as aware and present as you can in every moment, stop trying to numb or dull your senses
• eat a few meals without any distractions, notice every bite and taste every flavor that covers your tongue, be grateful for it all
• look up at the stars and the moon, understand how small we all are and how immense the universe is, realize what a miracle everything is, let your heart swell with amazement and admiration for life itself

ok this is actually cool bc doing all of this is a technique called “mindful thinking” that is extremely useful for people with anxiety disorders and dissociation disorders and stuff!

whatcanieat:

esprit-soleil:

Anyone with Crohn’s who’s chosen to go the Remicade infusion route: how is it? Is it worth the risks? Or do you think it’d be wiser to choose a more holistic route and risk needing surgery later? This is a huge decision and I feel really overwhelmed and confused so any and all opinions are welcome!

I’m just starting my infusions today. It’s a little daunting but if it helps, I’m willing to give it a go.

whatcanieat:

It’s early but I’m on my way to the hospital to have my second infliximab infusion. I hope it all goes well.

When I get home, I’ll try and make a few more bracelets but otherwise, my plans are to relax this afternoon. The weather has turned cold and damp so I’ll be staying in.

I think I slept quite well last night; no coughing fits or stomach cramps, so the cold may be on its way out (fingers crossed ).

whatcanieat:

chronic-confessions:

I have a chronic illness that will probably never get much better, and, even if it improves for a little while, it will never go away. But still, everyone keeps asking me if I’m doing better, only to get upset when I tell them the truth. They respond with the whole “you’re not thinking positive enough, you’re never gonna get better until you believe you will” and the dreaded “don’t feel sorry for yourself, other people have it much worse.” We all know how hurtful and frustrating these responses are. I get so upset when everyone invalidates my suffering like that or acts like I’m responsible for my own problems because I don’t have enough faith. I’d fight them and fight them trying to make them respect my feelings about my illness and to make them accept the fact that this is my life and just come to terms with it like I have. But you know how tedious and unsuccessful this struggle is.

Then today I noticed something I’m not proud of. That now, when people ask how my health is doing, my automatic answer is a heartless “Oh I’m okay. I’m still having problems, but I’m sure it’s gonna get better soon!” I don’t know when it happened, but at some point I just started telling them what they wanted to hear because that was easier. At some point, through all the pain and exhaustion and hopelessness, I gave up and didn’t even realize it.

Don’t give up! Your pain is valid and people need to respect that and not judge you for it.