February marked not only 2 years of having GP, but also 1 year of having this blog. It has brought me a lot of happiness to write all 42 posts knowing I am helping people from all over the world deal with hard things in a more positive way. I hope you've enjoyed them, and as always feel free to comment and let me know what you think!
Gastroparesis hasn't been easy, but here is what it's taught me...
Your health is the most important thing. I have spoke about this topic in other blog posts so I won't ramble for too long but I really can't stress this enough. Your health is absolutely the most important thing. Without it, what do you have? You don't help yourself or anyone else in the long wrong if you keep ignoring your symptoms and feelings. If having gp the past two years has taught me anything, it is this. I don't ignore my symptoms anymore. A headache isn't just a regular headache to me now, instead it's: have I drank enough today? Ate enough? Am I overly stressed? How is the rest of my body feeling? Instead of "hey does anyone have some ibuprofen?" This change alone can really help you get in the habit of listening to your body.
Self care isn't selfish. Going along with #1, making and taking time for yourself is not selfish. Taking time each day to do something you enjoy and makes you happy, is important. Try to set aside some time each day, even 10 minutes to actually do something that puts you in a better mood. If that is getting up 10 minutes earlier, making yourself some tea and sitting in a quiet room relaxing, then do that. A few other ideas are mediating, taking a bath, foot soak, yoga, drawing/painting, listening to or playing music, exercising, etc. Taking time to care for and focus on yourself is incredibly important and something I have implemented into my daily life.
Having a lunch break can make such a difference. I have had jobs where we ate at our desks, as well as jobs where there isn't a quiet moment to actually eat in peace. This many seem odd or like a "no brainer" but actually sitting down in peace and eating your lunch mindfully can really make a difference especially in your digestion, as well as helping your overall relationship with food.
Chronic stress helps nothing. Does your job give you chronic stress? Time to find a new one. Family? Set boundaries. Friends? Distance yourself. Something I have learned is that chronic stress does absolutely NOTHING for you that is even slightly good. We do need stress in our lives, it keeps our bodies going and motivated but stress in a chronic form does absolutely nothing good. It can present and lead to many things and many symptoms (for me, it's stomach pain and headaches). Being mindful of your stress throughout each day and realizing when enough is enough, can really benefit you. Shut the chronic stress down before it affects you both mentally and physically.
You can do anything you set your mind to. The past two years has not been easy but it has definitely opened my eyes on knowing how much I can handle. I have also gotten to know myself a lot better. I know my limits, I have set boundaries, I have routines and I have experienced so much because of it.
Your body can do so much. Other than the obvious walking and talking, your body can do so much that we completely take advantage of every day. Something I've learned the past couple years is how cool your body is, how much it can do, how it affects your life entirely and most importantly, how much it can heal.
Listening to your body is one of the most valuable things you can learn and teach to others. This one again, could be an entire post on its own and for anyone who follows me on Instagram knows how much I have already talked about this. You do not truly know yourself until you start listening to your body. It has so much to say each day and once you start listening, you'll be shocked at how differently you'll feel.
To try and help others even when they don't understand or listen. Since starting my Instagram page and this blog I have met some of the most incredible and strong people. With that, I have also met people who just do not listen or care. They will ask me and others for help but do nothing to actually help their situation. At first it really bothered me, but now especially going into the medical profession very soon, I have realized that with time they will one day realize that they should have listened. My job right now is to give helpful tips, answer questions I am able to, and share my experiences. I now judge less and have realized that you can't make someone change, you can only "encourage good behavior", or encourage and motivate them to become healthier and essentially, care about their health.
Having a morning routine is a game changer. I didn't have a morning routine until about a year ago and I have no idea how I lived before then. It has changed so much in my life. The way I feel during the day has drastically improved and I have been able to wake up easier. You can check out my post from Oct. 2020 on the benefits of having a routine for more information.
That I love health. Who knew I loved health so much?! I am just as shocked as anyone else who knows me. I am graduating with a bachelor's degree in international business this May, and I'm going to medical school this September. It's surreal for me but I am beyond grateful for my experiences these past 2 years. I am not "happy" I got a digestive and autoimmune disorder, but I also am. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and thinking back to the pain I have gone through (and still do from time to time), having it help find what I am truly passionate about and the incredible people from all over the world I have met because of it... has been completely worth it.
Stay healthy and grateful... your body can do so much,
Loreal
Comments