How far into the future are you projecting treatment results? From the moment of your diagnosis what’s the time line you’ve been living with and what’s the yard stick you’ve been using to measure your progress? It’s amazing how lost we can become by future tripping. Abraham Lincoln said, “The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.”
How much of a relief is living one day at a time when considering the big picture? It’s difficult to live “in the moment” when we’re waiting for test results or the doctor’s call following up on concerns or uncertainties. Being present for yourself is important because you can go deep within and see who you really are and what you’re made of…the values and priorities that give meaning to your life.
When facing a life-altering illness there is always a time line. Some have a daily regimen of medication, often many times during the day. I used to hear clients wish for a medication holiday, not probable unless changing regimens but a wish. There may be daily therapies to improve quality of life. There are specified times for lab work, scans, or regular doctor visits for assessment and going over results.
If you were to really look at the entire calendar it creates a sense of overwhelm that can be discouraging. I’m find that if I take the day in smaller chunks I don’t get discouraged about the number of pills I have to take. I’m more compliant and that the treatments more successful and the doctor much happier.
I’ll deal with the lab when I have to deal with it and not a day before, well maybe a day before because I often have to fast prior to the test. I can look at the choices I make daily regarding exercise and diet to determine how best to nurture myself and not feel deprived or that my life is being taken over by external forces telling me what and how to do things.
It’s all about today, so how are you going to live your today and remember the future is hours away.
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 