Sick at Christmas not only is the manifestation of the life motive "I want you to take care of me" or the life motive "I don't want to take care of me". In yesterday's blog I wrote about eliminating her physical symptoms at Christmas time by changing her life motive or by applying The Big Choice.
With The North Star Mental Fitness Program there are 15 strategies for reducing, replacing or turning her physical symptoms into happiness and good health.
Today, I want you to consider her physical symptoms and illness as a signal rather than a problem.
I am not trying to minimize this woman's numerous physical symptoms. In fact, she has had a history of experiencing physical symptoms on weekends and when there have been special occasions.
There is no doubt that both she and her husband have concluded that her physical illnesses and symptoms are significant problems. Unfortunately, their marriage and activities have been limited and controlled by her illnesses.
Identifying her physical symptoms and illnesses as medical problems has resulted in her attempt to find medications and treatments to reduce her symptoms.
Today we are going to apply The Wake Up Choice. Her physical symptoms and illnesses are conceptualized as signals. Her medical symptoms and illnesses are not signaling her need for medicine or medical treatment.
Her symptoms and illnesses are signaling her to Wake Up! She is getting desperately and dangerously close to living an empty life centered around illness. She has lost awareness of her wants, needs and the necessity to take care of herself.
She has a Wake Up signal: to focus, act and make choices to find satisfaction of her wants and needs as well as the wants and needs of her husband.
After we had talked about her symptoms and illnesses as signals, I asked her what was missing in her life? I asked her what she wants and needs in her life to make her happy? I asked her how she wanted to spend her time during Christmas, on weekends and special occasions?
She thought for a few moments and suddenly identified the absence of "fun, laughter and play in her life". We identified what will make her life feel full and satisfying for her!
Mike Brescia wrote about the choice to laugh in Promise to Laugh Everyday. Mike believes "Develop the sense of humor that is so critical in making your moods supportive of your big life goals".
Before we stopped talking, I asked her to make plans during Christmas to have fun, laughter and play. She left my office feeling happier and more focused. Do you need a coach to help you turn your symptoms and illnesses into happiness and good health?
Remember, You Live within the Environment Created by Your Choices!
Dr. Hal
Life and Mental Fitness Coach
Well, I did it. And because I made a concious choice to do it I feel empowered, but most I don't feel physically, mentaly, or emotionallly sick. Just the oppposite has happened. Tonight I had my siblings over for a game night. We laughed, we ate snacks we talked a little, but I felt it was a safe way for us to get together and just have fun!!!It turned out great. My husband was a great team player...people who know me know how much effort I put into the decision to even have this little get together. I am happy I did, I was the hostess, a grown up role:) Anyway, I noted the "signals". and I did something about it.
As always, Thanks Dr. Hal, very much
Posted by: sherry a. | December 30, 2006 at 12:08 AM