Some mornings, not very often lately, I awaken with a Lupus body that’s not screaming in pain. Some days, it actually responds well to the therapies I’m constantly putting it through. Today was one of those cherished days, when I received a surprise gift of manageable Lupus pain. And I made the most of it…. **
Body
One word to describe my Lupus body today: Cooperative
Which habits and rituals did I practice to soothe my Lupus body?
- Slept well
- Stayed hydrated
- Ate a clean diet
- Moved and stretched
More details about my physical symptoms:
My Lupus body cooperated more today than it has for some time. Yes, there was pain today, but it was manageable—so much so that I actually got on the exercise bike for a whole 10 minutes! It wasn’t easy, but I did it. The last time I was able to do that was in June, just before the hives situation started. I think yesterday’s physical therapy and Chinese cupping therapy session must have really helped. This cupping therapy has been added to my acupuncture regimen to help with the Lupus arthritis pain in my back, hips, and shoulder. I hope this feeling of manageable pain lasts…. What a gift!
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Mind
One word to describe my Lupus mind today: Strong
Which habits and rituals did I practice to strengthen my Lupus mind?
- Managed expectations
- Focused on the positive
- Protected alone time
More details and thoughts about how I’m feeling emotionally today:
Having a day of manageable pain gave me a sense of emotional strength that I haven’t felt for a while. It didn’t feel like work to practice the “Focus on the Positive” habit—it came naturally today. I also got a jolt of joy when I received the first 20 printed copies of my new book, Live a Beautiful Life with Lupus, in the mail. I feel an enormous sense of accomplishment for having finished it, especially during one of the most difficult summers of my life.
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Spirit
One word to describe my spirit today: Uplifted
Which habits and rituals did I practice to nurture my Lupus spirit?
- Enjoyed sacred space
- Meditated, prayed, visualized
- Worked on finding and living my purpose
Thoughts about my spiritual connection and spiritual lessons learned today:
My spiritual cup runneth over today. I had the rare opportunity to be creative! Yes, I spent some time writing, and working on a few paintings, and editing a few old photographs—just for the fun of it. The sense of joy that I’m feeling has wrapped itself around me like a warm blanket on a snowy day. Did I mention that it snowed today? So beautiful!
Meals
Today my meals were:
- Breakfast: Paleo banana muffin, Gala apple
- Lunch: Homemade potato leek soup
- Dinner: Homemade pork tenderloin (crock pot style), carrots, mushrooms, rice, broccoli (I was hungry tonight!)
- Snacks: Homemade cornbread
- Water: 68 ounces
Thanks
At least one thing that I’m grateful for today:
- Manageable pain days
- Warn home on a snowy day
- My son
**(This post is based on the format of the Lupus Diary that I developed for keeping track of how Lupus affects my body, mind, and spirit, I check-in here once a week to let you know about the more interesting days of my Lupus journey. To learn more about the Lupus Diary, how I developed it, and why I use it, click here.)
