Coping Tactics

 Through all of my experiences along with trial and error, I've learned what works for me when it comes to coping or knowing what to do to keep successfully riding the waves. Before we get into coping tactics, there are some important things I need to share first that will help you figure out what works for you. S*** will hit the fan at some point in your life and probably several times. There are those few people who seem to have an easy, problem free life, then there's the rest of us. We're all equipped and built differently so what works for you may not work for someone else. NEVER fall into what I like to call, comparisonitis. Comparing is pointless and a waste of time because like I said, we are all different.  It's critical that you truly know yourself, what makes you tick, what brings you comfort, if you're someone who needs to be on a schedule, what keeps you built up spiritually, emotionally, mentally, etc. It's also critical that you keep yourself built up as much as possible, and don't turn it into a job, because it's not! It's called self care. If you have a hobby, something you love to do and end up not being able to do those things because of physical limitations, pick something else! There are a plethora of options. You can't just sit and sulk. Do your grieving over that loss, and move on. 

I've had to have a plan b and pick a new hobby plenty of times. I was a runner, it was my passion, and I miss it terribly. I found alternate forms of cardio I like such as, walking, the stairmaster, rowing machine, etc. I also love ballroom dancing which isn't just cardio, but its therapeutic as well as fun and great exercise. I loved being a body builder and competing as a Figure Competitor. I can't do what I used to anymore so I still do some body building but within my limitations and because I have been a trainer for so long, finding modifications that are safe is easy for me. I love helping others find what they enjoy in the gym and what will safely work for them. There are several different exercises that will sculpt you the same as say doing squats. I love scuba diving, but I may have to give that up after I have my bladder removed and have a bag. It would suck, but I'll work through it and find something new I love. You have to keep an open mind! Nothing is black and white, so don't put yourself in a box, broaden your horizons.

I am one who thrives best on having a structured life with a schedule. I love doing my nails [ self-taught ], writing, watching movies, helping people, writing lists of fun things I want to do with my husband after I am well, etc. A normal morning for me looks like this: I get up, turn on all my wax warmers, get my coffee and have God time [ i.e. devotions ]. As the rest of the day goes on, I usually have Doctor's appointments or something medically related to do. I can't be out long, so the one luxury I have right now is taking 30 minutes to go down the road to get in the tanning bed then of course get back home. It gets me out of the house and allows me a small escape. It helps a lot mentally and emotionally. I usually need a 2-3 hour nap during the day. If I am going to be able to get to an AA meeting, Tuesday is the day as it's an earlier one and easier for me. I love getting to church Sundays when able, but if I can't, I watch online. Better than nothing!! Sometimes I feel too yucky to get out of bed so I watch a teaching or something online later. In the evenings, I just chill with my husby and watch movies or Triple D. :) Speaking of my husband, we usually visit in the morning, go out for breakfast when we can, and as previously mentioned, AA meetings and church. I know what works for me mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I can't do cardio to get my frustrations out, but what I can do is drive and it gives me a relief. I stay active in AA and working my program from home reading my books, staying in touch with my AA family, doing a gratitude list with two of my great friends in the program, journaling, etc. 

What keeps me motivated to keep starting over again and again with my fitness is keeping in the forefront of my mind the end result. I keep this mentality with everything. Do the work and it will pay dividends. It's not always easy, but pick your hard! If you aren't sure what things you'd need if you were ill and stuck at home, if you're injured, can no longer participate in your favorite activities, etc., make a list. There's also power in writing out your goals and it's a proven fact the people who do this are far more likely to achieve them. If you don't meet your goal or deadline you've picked, who cares, pick a new date of completion. Learn to roll with whatever comes your way and I can tell you that takes an open mind and willingness as well as acceptance. Like I said before, acceptance doesn't mean you have to like it. You might as well get to accepting instead of wasting the energy fighting whatever is holding you back and being mad about it because those are both energy drainers. Affirmations are another big one. When I said I like to read, I don't enjoy reading for fun, I like to read to grow and really enjoy self help books. 

I hope this is helpful in getting you through tough situations, limitations, and more.