Disability is a State of Mind

B'SD

1 Tevet, 5778

I'm delighted to share the almost-last day of Chanuka and a heartwarming video with you.

I've had a painful recovery process regarding the shingles, and chose to rely on some guided imagery, anticipated fun and excellent nutrition to support my psyche plus to heal from the trauma to my neurological system. That let me enjoy a party last night.

I'm almost pain-free, too, far ahead of the medical curve anticipated by my doctors.

The EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge book and my life coaching for ill people are all about personal empowerment.

This video captures the essence of my message: USE the skills you have, reach for your potential and thrill to the accomplishments you make.

Disability is only a state of mind, in many respects. 

Buy the E-book or print edition of EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. 

Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity. Face Your Future with Optimism.

Fill your heart with determination and happiness!

On the Mend

B'SD

23 Kislev, 5778

As noted in the EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge book, getting better can be boring!

I've livened things up with beautiful classical music recordings and by listening to interesting TEDTalk presentations and lectures elsewhere (e.g., Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/). I read and reread favored books. And I enjoy conversations with visitors and phone callers.

I joke with friends that I imagine being in a spa, with lots of time to relax with some of my favorite things.

I also offset boredom and disappointment, including inner and outer pain, by counting my blessings.

Loving friends have done me several favors, easing my efforts to cope with the pain. It is abating daily. 

The highly nutritious, organic food in my kitchen is a huge help, too. Any shock to the system drains a person's reserves, so restoring optimal levels of vitamins and minerals with appealing meals is a pleasant way to recover from setbacks. 

You can do this, too: Let your eyes enjoy the colorful sight, let your nose savor the aromas, allow your mouth to absorb wonderful flavors. Luxuriate with the overall impact of having cared for yourself in fine fashion, even if it's "just" a piece of cake or as bowl of soup! 

Strengthen yourself with delightful treats that build inner and outer strength.

I spent Shabbat being quite functional, taking a rest here and there, even enjoying lunch at the home of friends. Most days I don't even need a painkiller during daylight hours.

Some days I feel sucker-punched, though. Shingles are a weird phenom. Shabbat was the first time I could bend forward at the waist. The affected nerves and muscles are in such severe spasm that I couldn't do that before the weekend. 

Buy the E-book or print edition of EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. 

Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity. Face Your Future with Optimism.

Fill your future with as much happiness as possible.

Shingles Hurt!

B'SD

4 Kislev, 5778

Sorry for my lingering silence. I was affected by a prolonged case of shingles that was initially misdiagnosed (the rash did not appear for 10 days after the first visit to doctors!). 

It left me in astonishing pain, with a week-long hospitalization to rid me of the virus that can harm anyone who's never had chickenpox, and a temporarily limited ability to sit upright,to walk, or to use my hands.

If you know anyone going through a case of shingles aka herpes zoster, please accord them full sympathy, hands-on help to accomplish the simplest of tasks, and heaps of patience. 

The pain is indescribable. The first doctors to examine me had suspected that I was in the middle of a heart attack. Tests proved that this was not the case.

At times I have struggled even to speak 

loudly enough to be heard
while I recover.

I'm newly back home from a week's hospitalization, resting to recover my stamina.

Here's an informative video. 

What it doesn't indicate is that I find organic pomegranate syrup, organic vegetable soups and other wholesome foods to be effective painkillers. 

Resting is essential for recovery. I've enjoyed listening to music and reading interesting books as I heal.

Learn about other foods that prevent or end pain when you read the E-book or print edition of EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge. 




Face Your Medical Problems with Dignity. Face Your Future with Optimism.

Fill your time and efforts with productive thoughts and behavior.