It's been a while but getting back on track....

[LesE62]

Hi folks, hope everyone is doing OK and keeping safe.

I haven't posted for a while and thought it was time to catch up.

For a while now I have been really struggling in a few ways as I am sure most of us have been in our current situation. I am sure however that better times are on the way.

However....last week I got my PMP notes out again!!! I have to say though that I've never quite felt like I am a "work in progress" as much as I have lately. Quite quickly I realised that I had lost my way a bit and in addition to the increase in pain etc, a very large part of my problem was in my "negative thoughts and thinking". I had been so wrapped up in my misery I hadn't quite realised.

Well onto the positive bit, I upped my use of my PMP tools in manner of breathing exercises, relaxation, mindfulness. I even treated myself to a couple of new imagery relaxation CDs. This all did help me and yesterday I got my baking trays out...and dug out a new colour by numbers book which I have now started.

So the upshot is that I am now feeling like myself and although physically struggling, I am now aiming to getting back on an even keel.

I have been inspired by other members painting, colouring, artwork and have started my new colouring book. I have attached my first completed colouring and all set to start my next pic....Oh and there's not many cakes left either so I must have a good job of them! (Mostly eaten by hubby and son btw lol)

Hope everyone is coping well. Be mindful, stay safe and keep well x

[Fibroska]

Hi LesE62 So sorry to hear that you have been finding it tough and your symptoms have been so bad, I totally sympathise. It is so easy to get lost in one's own narrative, perhaps make yourself a poster; "Stop Chatting Mince to Yourself!". You could maybe add it into one of your colourings. I love your picture, I love that it's a Chinese scene, very apt. You should sign and date it.

Well done referring back to the PMP notes and I am glad it sounds as if your practising is working for you.

I found that going back to it all really helped me, but having my Painting by Numbers, something to focus on; was the crucial thing. I have found it more difficult since completing my painting, even although I am practising mindfulness and meditation. But then the pain worsening doesn't help at all(so distracting).

It sounds as if you have veered back onto the right road, "stick to the road, don't wander onto the moors" (What film is that from?), so keep up the positivity and using the tools equipped with, stop being hard on yourself(easier said than done I know), do something completely enjoyable every day and remember and be kind to yourself.

Hi to all the family.

Stay safe, keep well and be strong.

[LesE62 in reply to Fibroska]

Hi Fibroska, thank you for your reply and hope you're keeping your chin and the good work up!

It is difficult isn't it? However....as we have said the PMP tools are certainly getting some use just now lol and so grateful to be able to refer back to them.

I really am enjoying my colouring by numbers and new relaxation cds so once again...onwards and upwards as they say.

Hope all's well with your family - keep positive, well and stay safe.

Hugs x

[Db74 Moderator]

I enjoyed your post and it's great to see you're feeling positive and have been using the PMP toolkit. I've been using it again recently too and have found it very helpful.

I think 1 of the best things I took from the program is that I now definitely do think of myself as a work in progress and it has helped me get rid of the negative thoughts and be more philosophical about the bad days or my physical limitations caused by pain.

[LesE62 in reply to Db74]

Hi and thanks for your reply.

I'm glad you are finding support in what we learned from PMP and it is good to hear that others are feeling the benefit too.

It is such a difficult time but genuinely enlightening to be able to "suss out" what is causing or contributing to a deterioration and to be able to concentrate on these to help yourself get back on track or at least start that process again.

Hope you are keeping well and safe and thanks again for the reply.