I was catching up with my blog reading and I ran across a post at A Journey. It was about owning our wellness and creating a state of mind of wellness rather than one of illness. At the end of the post, the author asks:
How have you learned to OWN your own wellness and create that mind-shift from “illness” to one of living in “wellness”?
I like this question. I like the line of thinking it represents. I like how it implies that we can take a proactive role in our wellness.
I have learned to own my mental wellness. I have learned to make that mind-shift from “illness” to one of living in “wellness”. It has been a long and difficult process and there are some days when I am not as successful with this state of mind as I would like to be, but that is okay. At least I am trying.
How did I accomplish this? The answer will sound easy. I simply replaced my negative illness thinking and actions with positive wellness thinking and actions.
My core being was one of negativity and illness. Everything I looked at, experienced, thought about, and even talked about came from that place that was negative and ill. Everything in my life was tainted by this illness to some extent. Eventually, when that illness consumed my entire being I shut down and no longer wanted to live. Even after I tried to make myself die, I wanted no part of being well. For me to get to a point of being able to want to take any part in being well required medication, a psychiatric hospitalization, and months of counseling.
At some point in all this treatment for my illness, I began to see the world and myself differently. I began replacing my negative thoughts and reactions with more positive ones. It was a slow process for sure. On some days, replacing those thoughts and reactions was simply impossible. I had been thinking this way for most of my life, there was no way I was going to instantly be able to change it. However, the more I attempted it, the easier it became.
I also had to learn to be proactive in my actions towards being well. For me, that means taking my medications, seeing my counselor and psychiatrist, and sticking to my treatment plan.
I own my mental wellness. I do what I can to take care of myself. I understand that some days will be better wellness days than others. As long as I am doing the best that I can to own my own mental wellness, then I am doing a wonderful job.
How have you learned to OWN your own wellness and create that mind-shift from “illness” to one of living in “wellness”
I love what you are pointing out here Melissa – that this is something that can be learned and we can make a consious choice to take some concrete steps to create wellness in our own lives!
You said it all here: I simply replaced my negative illness thinking and actions with positive wellness thinking and actions.
To find wellness truly is not "rocket science":) It is as simple as checking our thought patterns and making some lifestyle changes that will support our goal of healthy living.
Great post, Melissa! Thanks for sharing it with me!
Susan:)
My recent post Intellect and Insight
I love what you are pointing out here Melissa – that this is something that can be learned and we can make a consious choice to take some concrete steps to create wellness in our own lives!
You said it all here: I simply replaced my negative illness thinking and actions with positive wellness thinking and actions.
To find wellness truly is not "rocket science":) It is as simple as checking our thought patterns and making some lifestyle changes that will support our goal of healthy living.
Great post, Melissa! Thanks for sharing it with me!
Susan:)
My recent post Intellect and Insight
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The more I listen, the more I learn everyone has a story to tell. People may not have experienced a severe mental breakdown, like you or I have, but so many people are hiding behind masks that cover up serious emotional wounds. I like your point here. I think we should all take responsibility for our mental wellness as much as we can. We are not only helping ourselves but those around us. When we are filled with negativity, our emotions are "contagious." However, severe depression, like you also mentioned, can interfere with that desire. When this happens, it's wonderful to have a support group who refuses to let you give up. 🙂
The more I listen, the more I learn everyone has a story to tell. People may not have experienced a severe mental breakdown, like you or I have, but so many people are hiding behind masks that cover up serious emotional wounds. I like your point here. I think we should all take responsibility for our mental wellness as much as we can. We are not only helping ourselves but those around us. When we are filled with negativity, our emotions are "contagious." However, severe depression, like you also mentioned, can interfere with that desire. When this happens, it's wonderful to have a support group who refuses to let you give up. 🙂