Lesson 01 - Thoughts and beliefs.
This week, we’re going to be exploring how what you think and feel about yourself, relates to what you do and how you live.
Whether you’re consciously aware of it or not, during your time with chronic illness, you’ll likely have developed some stories and beliefs around what you can and can’t do, ideas about your worth as a human, and life might be playing out in a way that makes you feel like a passenger in car being driven by your chronic illness.
When we play this game of tug of war with chronic illness and fight it for control, we remain on the rollercoaster; life becomes consumed by energy highs and lows, flaring vs. not-flaring, living vs. existing… and there’s never a chance to settle and build momentum.
When life has that level of instability and unpredictability, is it a wonder that you question your worth, you feel out of control, and carry stories and beliefs that don’t serve you?
P.S. If I haven’t said it enough already… this is SO not your fault. Please know that.
Also know that bit by bit, you get to change this narrative. When you stop fighting your chronic illness for control and start to work with it as your ally, your guide and your superpower, you’re able to get off that roller coaster. You get to rewrite those stories and beliefs, tune into your inherent worth and brilliance, and live your life with flow and peace.
So today is about tuning into your chronic illness superpowers. Take a minute to tune into the compassion and acceptance you worked on earlier in the programme. Place a hand on your heart and feel it wash over your body.
I’d like you to set a timer for 5 minutes. You can either let this meditation play out (there’ll be a 5 minute gap in me talking!), or pop on some of your favourite tunes!
Now I’d like you to list 20 ways in which your chronic illness is your superpower, ally and guide. Here are a some nice and simple ones to get you going (that don’t count towards your 20!)
It signals to me when I need to rest, when I’ve otherwise pushed through the more typical signs.
It’s guided me towards building a deep level of self-compassion, understanding and acceptance.
It’s given me permission to live life in alignment and on my terms.