Managing Pain in the Moment- Free Printable!

Pain sucks. Having tools on hand, and a list to remind me of them, helps. 

As I was sketching this post out I mentioned it to a friend. She mentioned how helpful it is to have a list of tools you know so you can just grab it and take action when you can't think straight. I have one! On my phone. Not very helpful. So, I made up the simple printable at the bottom, added some tools I know and taped it inside my kitchen counter. I invite you to do the same. 

Here are just a few tools I use in the moment. I'll share more on preventative tools later.

Using mantras

Essentially, saying the same word or phrase over and over in a rhythm. 

• I say to myself, "I am not in pain, I am not in pain" over and over.Teresa Spafford, an incredible body worker in many forms of massage and Gyrotonics taught me that one.

• Sometimes, I say to myself "This is not pain, it's information". I follow that with trying to listen to what my body is trying to tell me. What may have led to this, and what different choices I can make. Changes I might need to make in my treatment, paying attention to what isn't working for me right now, old tools/new tools I can add...This helps me feel in control when the pain can make me feel like I don't have any. 

Find your own word, statement, or sound and give it a try.

Visualization

This is what people mean when they say "Find your happy place.". Picture yourself where you want to be and how you want to be.

• I picture a strong, gentle ocean wave washing through my body. I visualize the micro swirls of water within each wave clearing out every tiny space in my joints or the area I'm feeling the strongest. Incredibly powerful for me.

• You may see yourself simply pain free, walking down the street. Standing on a mountain top you just climbed. Sitting peacefully on a cloud. Running that marathon...find your happy place.

Combined with controlled breathing, slow movement, or just getting up and going outside, with a little practice, this can be a powerful tool to get through the moment.

Distraction

• When possible, go outside. Breathe deeply. Focus on the shape of the trees, the buildings, listen to and separate all the sounds around you.

• Rest when you need to. Move when you can.

•  Do one thing in the slowest motion you can focusing on movement and breath. Try Yoga Journal's modified sun salutation video here just to get a peek.

• Stand up and walk backwards. Another trick from Teresa Spafford. You brain has to focus on this odd task, literally interrupting the brains pain messages.

Now, please print this simple printable and put it somewhere handy, like the inside of your kitchen cupboard. As tools come to mind, jot them down. Next time, you'll have a handy list to get you through.

A few links you might find useful:

• EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique or Tapping: An article by Dr. Mercola. An excellent pain management tool for many.

• Coffee Enemas. Yep, I just said that. I haven't found a groove with using this tool, but friends swear by it. Often used for detox, they are also used for pain relief. Here's a not too weird (I promise) video with the why and how from The Wellness Warrior, Jess Ainscough

There are as many ways to manage pain as there are people trying. I share a few that are currently working for me. 

I'd love to add more tools to my bucket. What is working for you lately?

Get Rich, Lucky Bitch: Book Review & What I Learned

When I first came across this book in my online meandering readings, I was not drawn in. The opposite for me. Too strong a title and I want peace and abundance, I told myself, not a shiny new car or giant beach house. Then I saw this chat with the author, Denise Duffield-Thomas and Leonie Dawson (love her!). Randomly it seems, but I really don't believe in random. Wow, I like that girl, I thought, and went back to check the book out for real.

Turns out, it's not really a get rich quick book at all. It's totally about creating an abundance mind set, letting go of old tools and blocks, letting yourself be open to all the possibilities. Which are, of course, unlimited.

It's about getting out of your own way.

My goals with money are different than Denise's and at first that distracted me from the bigger point. It doesn't really matter what your goals are. It's about getting out of your own way so you can reach them.

You're totally smart enough. You're totally capable. I know I am, too. Denise helped me see some of the blocks, excuses, and fears I have been stuck in while also sharing a few practical tools to get over it and get on with it. Thank you, please!

This is my big giant take away:

1. De-clutter every area of your life that isn't conducive to your goal. Every. Area.

2. Decide *exactly* what you want.

3. Surround yourself with +positive+ energy, people, and things.

4. Take inspired action.

5. Receive. Fine tune.

6. Keep digging deeper.

Have you read Denise's book? Or maybe another book is currently rockin' your world. Leave a note and tell me all about it!

Places to visit:

Denise Duffield Thomas: Money Mindset Mentor website

Follow my Good Books board on Pinterest

Leonie Dawson's Create Your Amazing Year Calendar and Workbook



 This post does contain affiliate links.

Hello, Lyme Disease

Well, my friends, I have so much to tell you. Just weeks after my last post, now over 6 months ago, I finally got in to see yet another doctor. Not something I think I really ever mentioned here. But this time was different. He had answers. At least a few of them. And it's been a crazy ride since then.

Lyme Disease. A few co-infections, a smattering of other little blips, and another "chronic illness" showed in my extensive  blood work, other lab work, exam, and history.

Bam. Did. Not. Expect. That.

Treatment started and things got pretty gnarly. Then they got better. It's a mixed bag of good days and harder days. 6 months have seemed like a life time. I have wanted to disappear. I have wanted to say hi. What I want now is to come back and keep sharing with you.

I do have lot's of amazingness to share with you, with or without Lyme, and for right now, Lyme is a part of it. How about if I keep doing what I started out doing here? I'll keep sharing books I love, recipes I think you'd love to, and things I'm learning along the way. I can't just push through to get it done anymore. Learning to work smarter, not harder is helping me create a new normal that is abundantly full. I'd like to share what I'm learning with you, killer recipes included.  Deal?