Really paying attention to the positive – regardless of how large
or small – takes practice. Some days are easier than others, but if I can’t do
it one day, that doesn’t mean I throw in the towel. It means keep trying.
I have limitations, disabilities, challenges – I really don’t know
which word/meaning makes the most sense. I don’t think it matters. What I DO
know is that if I focus on all of that, it’s overwhelming. Immobilizing. Really
bad for me.
It’s incredibly easy to think of something I miss, or would like to
be able to do still/again, and end up feeling really sad, even angry. I know it’s
important to let myself feel the difficulties, but it’s also incredibly
important to make myself notice the positive.
And yes, sometimes – more frequently than I’d like – I DO have to
push myself to pay attention to, appreciate what’s good.
So, here’s a few examples (and I’ll be posting more examples on my Visible
Person, Invisible Problem Facebook page):
Being functional at home – this is an easy one for me to overlook, but
it’s really important. Taking care of myself, and running our household matters
a great deal. A huge accomplishment.
Playing my flute – this is a really good example of needing to
focus on the playing I’m currently able to do, rather than what I’ve lost.
Taking walks – I can actually take walks by myself now, if I have
to. This is actually a really major accomplishment for me.
Well, this is a good start for me. I’m going to practice this, so I
can get my brain into a different groove, as much as possible. Hopefully, with
practice, I’ll achieve this goal.
