Joy-cation!

The new catch-phrase heard often in Summer is “stay-cation”. Many people are changing their ideas of vacations due to finances. People are having fun doing simple activities all from their home. People are returning to the simple things in life. This got me thinking, if those people enjoying “stay-cations” can change their vacation plans—I can too! I’m calling mine a “joy-cation”.

What’s a “joy-cation”?

This Summer, I was able to take my first vacation since my back injury. As I was packing for the trip, there was one thing which I didn’t want to pack—my pain. If only I could turn off my pain for a week. That would be refreshing. However, rather than shutting off my pain for the week, I had to prepare for more pain. Every movement I make increases my pain. So, I knew that during my vacation my pain would increase.

Living with an invisible illness or chronic pain makes one change their lifestyle. There are activities which illness and/or pain prevent one from doing. I have worked hard making sure that my pain doesn’t prevent me from enjoying life on a daily basis.

So what if a vacation doesn’t include body surfing in the ocean, or attending sporting events, or concerts—that’s okay! I can enjoy a wonderful vacation with friends doing simple things, such as enjoying a lemon sorbet on a hot summer day. Or spending the evening watching a DVD enjoying popcorn and laughing with friends.

When living with an illness or pain, one must learn to rethink how to enjoy life and have fun. Don’t waste time grieving the past activities that can’t be done anymore. Rather, look for new activities which can be done!

My “joy-cation”

has been just that—a JOY!

Just because I live with chronic pain and headaches, doesn’t mean that I can’t have a wonderful time and break in my normal routine. I’d highly recommend that you begin planning your “joy-cation” ASAP!

Whether I'm on a "joy-cation" or just going through the normal routine at home—I'm learning that God provides joy and blessings each and every day. Noticing those blessings and relishing the joy, sure helps create a positive day!

For more on living with invisible illness and/or chronic pain visit www.invisibleillnessweek.com/.

Excuse or Legitimate Reason?

Yesterday was the start of Invisible Illness Week. The panel discussion was very good. If you missed it you can still listen to it at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/invisibleillnessconf

During the discussion, the topic turned  to house cleaning. To most people, vacuuming, doing the dishes, laundry, dusting, etc. isn't the most enjoyable job; however, it's not a big deal. Yet, to those of us who live with chronic pain and or illness,  house cleaning is a VERY BIG deal.

Have you tried to vacuum while using crutches or a cane? Have you tried to empty the dish washer when you can't bend the waist? Or tried dusting when you can't lift your arm above shoulder level? Or tried to clean the tub/shower when you can't stretch to reach the wall? Or tried to do any chores when your body is screaming out in pain? 

One thing which I am learning is the difference between an "EXCUSE" and a "LEGITIMATE REASON". Am I putting off cleaning the kitchen, because my pain is just too high to accomplish that task at this moment? Or would I rather simply put off the chore because I'd rather watch TV or be on FaceBook? If I really CANNOT do that task at this moment, than I need to give myself permission to rest. However, if I simply don't want to do the task, then I need to change my thinking. 

I guess I look at it this way. If I am having a "better moment" and I'm able to clean the kitchen, but am avoiding it because I don't want to do it... then I'm not being responsible. If I really can't do the chore at this moment, I need to give myself permission to rest and "reschedule" the chore for a later time.

One thing I've learned about living with chronic pain, is that I can't clean the entire apartment in one day. Oh, I used to be able to do that, before my injury. But now, I have to break down the house work into sections and I try to do a little each day. I am also leaning to give myself permission to change the schedule, if my pain level is just too high.

Excuse or legitimate reason?

It all depends on the moment. 

When the apartment is clean and in order, I feel so much better. There is nothing like enjoying a clean home. If I overdo the cleaning, than my pain level becomes too high to enjoy the end result. Being responsible includes taking into account what my body can do, and what needs to be done. 

The only way to create a positive day

is to be honest with myself

as to whether I'm making excuses,

or have legitimate reasons.

Invisible Illness Week Conf Workshops

My last few posts have been about Invisible Illness Week. Here is a list of the workshops. If you can't listen live, don't worry, the sessions will be archived. So you can listen when it fits your schedule. 

I'd recommend listening to all the topics, even if you don't think they apply to you directly. Often ideas and information is shared that fits many situations. 

If you want to CREATE A POSITIVE WEEK... be sure to listen to Invisible Illness Week Conference Workshops!

Invisible Illness Week Conf Workshops

ABOUT THE WEEK

• Programs will occur M-F, September 13-17, 10:30 – 12 PACIFIC time; 12:30-2 PM CENTRAL TIME; 1:30 PM – 3 PM EASTERN TIME USA.
• You listen to them live on your computer or can listen later. They will automatically go to itunes too if you wish to download them your ipod of MP3 player.
• To listen, click here InvisibleIllnessConference.com and turn up your speakers. If it is the right time, the program will start playing immediately.

YOUR HOST

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries, the largest Christian organization that specifically serves the chronically ill. She has authored nine books, including resources for over 300 HopeKeepers groups, a small group program of Rest Ministries. Through various sources including National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, which she started in 2002, she seeks to encourage churches to increase an outreach to the chronically ill nearly 1 in 2 people in the U.S. Lisa’s works have been published in a variety of periodicals and books and she has been a guest of radio programs Decision Today, Family Life and Joni and Friends. She is a sought-after speaker who brings joy and humor, as well as hope, to those who are suffering or live with chronic illness.

Lisa resides in San Diego with her husband and 7-year-old son, and has lived with degenerative rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 1993. She will be hosting the programs for Invisible Illness Week out of her home office.

MONDAY – SEPTEMBER 13, 2010

LIVING WITH INVISIBLE ILLNESS, WHY IT HURTS, HOW TO COPE

Georgia Shaffer is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and a certified life coach. For over 15 years, she has enhanced people’s lives by teaching how to identify: “What needs to grow? What needs to go?” She is also is on the teaching staff of the Christian Leaders, Authors & Speakers Seminar (CLASS) and Personality Plus. She has great insight into why we do what we do, which she has shared in her books and will be sharing with us!

Author and speaker Maureen Pratt lives with multiple illnesses, including organ-involved lupus, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, and chronic back pain. Through her books, including “Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness,” articles, and talks, she encourages others to deepen their faith and Christian walk in spite of and with living with chronic illness.

Mary Yerkes is a professional life coach who specializes in working with the chronically ill. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases in 1997, Mary combines years of practical experience with her professional training to help the chronically ill build meaningful and significant lives, of which illness is only a part. She is also an author and speaker. To learn more about Coach Mary and the services she offers, visit www.newlifechristiancoaching.com .

TUESDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

RELATIONSHIPS

Allison Bottke is the woman behind God Allows U-Turns and now Setting Boundaries. Do you have an adult child who is breaking your heart? An aging parent taking up your whole life? A problem with food? Allison’s resources can help you discover SANITY and take back your life. Between books and support groups around the country, Allison is one who has “been there” and knows it’s hard to set boundaries, but necessary for your own sanity!

Pam Farrel is a relationship specialist, international speaker, and author of over 30 books including best-selling Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti which she wrote with her husband, Bill. Bill and Pam are frequent guests on radio and television including Focus on the Family, where their interviews with Dr. Dobson were ranked Top 10.  She is the founder and President of Seasoned Sisters, a ministry to women 40-65.

Cheryl Ricker is the author of the new book, Friend in the Storm, which is a collection of poems she wrote to a friend who was coping with cancer. She shares about her childhood, “I thought everybody was staring at me through big critical eyes. My self-consciousness affected my confidence which affected my relationships. Insecurity was my gift that kept on giving. So what did I do? I wrote poetry to process the pain of childhood rejection. It was as if some part of my restless brain knew the power of poetry to reach the broken places.”

WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

EXPLAINING INVISIBLE ILLNESSES

Wayne Connell is the president of the Invisible Disabilities Association which he founded with his wife Sherri. Wayne’s desire to help others who struggle with disabilities has become a passion for him. He obtained a BA in Television and radio broadcasting in 1990. We will be talking with him about invisible illnesses and also the role he fills as husband and caregiver.

PARENTING

Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms and the author of co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-At-Home Mom. She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development/Family Studies and Bible. Jill has worked from home since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life. Jill and her husband, Allen of CWAHD.com (Christian Work at Home Dads) reside in Nebraska with their two children. Jill also lives with a chronic illness.

Kelly Young is the founder of the blog RA Warrior for people who live with rheumatoid arthritis and she’s rather qualified to speak on parenting since she is also the mom of 5 children (yes, 5) that range in all ages.
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Christine Miserandino is a writer, speaker, patient advocate, wife and mother living in Massapequa Park, NY. Christine is the founder of www.butyoudontlooksick.com, a website that provides resources and useful tips for living life to the fullest with a chronic illness. Her writing which has won various awards has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and television media. She has been living with lupus for over 15 years, and has been volunteering for the Lupus Alliance, Long Island/ Queens Affiliate for 12 years.

THURSDAY – SEPTEMBER 16, 2010

GETTING ORGANIZED AND TIME MANAGEMENT

Karen Whiting, a freelance writer and author of ten Secrets of Success for Women: Time. Her more than 400 articles and devotions have been published in over four-dozen magazines including Brio magazine, Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Women, Reminisce, and Devo-Zine.

Marcia Ramsland, entertaining media guest expert, speaker, and professional organizer, is well known as “The Organizing Pro” for her practical tips and clever solutions in homes and offices. She appears non national radio and TV, and her tips in national magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Woman’s Day, and Real Simple magazines. Marcia is the author of the popular “Simplify for Success” book series, Simplify Your Life, Simplify Your Time, Simplify Your Space, Simplify Your Holidays Ages and Stages of Getting Children Organized and booklet. Marcia has a daughter that got Fibromyalgia at age 17 and knows well what it’s like to have an invisible illness in the home.

GIRL TALK – HOW CONNECTING WITH OTHERS HELPS US ALL

Jenni Prokopy is founder and editrix of ChronicBabe.com , an online resource for young women with chronic illness. An award-winning writer, speaker, and expert on healthy living, she shares her personal experience – and rallies the expertise of hundreds of others – to help women live beyond their illness and be total Babes.
Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, and she has worked with dozens of organizations large and small, local and multinational, to create compelling messages that empower people to work better, play harder. . .and be their best.

Kerri Sparling is the founder of 6 Until Me, one of the largest patient blogs for those with diabetes. She is married to a “frantically funny, sharp-witted, and brilliant man who is both handsome and caring.” And  on April 15th, 2010, her daughter joined the Sparling family. She is also a freelance writer and patient advocate.

Christine Miserandino is a writer, speaker, patient advocate, wife and mother living in Massapequa Park, NY. Christine is the founder of www.butyoudontlooksick.com, a website that provides resources and useful tips for living life to the fullest with a chronic illness. Her writing which has won various awards has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and television media. She has been living with lupus for over 15 years.

FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

CAREER, WORKING, STARTING OWN BIZ

Rosalind Joffe built on her own experience of living with chronic illnesses for 30 years, including multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis, when she founded cicoach.com. This career coaching firm is dedicated to helping professionals with chronic illness develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers. Rosalind Joffe is a recognized national expert on chronic illness and its impact on career. She is the co-author of Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend!

Jennie Krogulski is the founder of Hilton Head Nannies. Despite living with a chronic illness, she has started a successful business and will share some of her best tips.

Trish Robichaud is a Maximum Life & Healthy Relationship Coach who lives with multiple sclerosis & major depression. She teaches women living with chronic illness or disability how to build the confidence necessary to establish effective communication, set comfortable boundaries and nurture trust in their loving relationships. Download her free motivational audio at ChangingPaces.com.

IN CLOSING

LISA AND TWILA FOR THE LAST HALF HOUR – CALL WITH YOUR COMMENTS!

Twila Belk is the “Gotta Tell Somebody Gal” and her family has experienced its share of invisible illnesses. Her energetic, passionate joy in life is sure to encourage you as we sign off for the week.

Invisible Illness Week Starts MONDAY!

Invisible Illness Week Starts Monday, Sept 14th!

Join us for a free virtual conference. Just go to www.invisibleillnessconference.com and listen on your speakers. All programs will be archvived to listen to later and also available on iTunes. This event is the annual outreach of Rest Ministries.

All times are pacific time, USA
Listen here http://www.invisibleillnessconference.com

SEPT 14
MONDAY - 9 AM
Understanding How we Uniquely Deal with Difficulties in Life
Georgia Shaffer

MONDAY - 12 PM
Finding Health Insurance Coverage with a Pre-existing Condition
Jennifer Jaff

MONDAY - 3 PM
Super Foods for Super-Natural Health
Joanna Faillace

MONDAY - 5:30 PM
Hearts of Gratitude and Joy
Maureen Pratt

SEPT 15
TUESDAY 9 AM
Coping with Chronic Illness in Your Marriage
Bill & Pam Farrell

TUESDAY 12 PM
Coping with Crises on Top of Chronic
Jennifer Saake & Lisa Copen

TUESDAY 3 PM
How to Start a Business When You are Chronically Ill
Kirsten Borrink

TUESDAY 5:30 PM
To to Be Announced
Kelly Rouba

SEPT 16
WEDNESDAY 9 AM
It's OK to say NO: Building Healthy Boundaries
Jenni Prokopy

WEDNESDAY 12 PM
Parenting When You are Chronically Ill - Chaos and Confessions
Dena Dyer, talking with Lisa Copen

WEDNESDAY 3 PM
Simplifying Your Home and Housework
Marcia Ramsland

WEDNESDAY 5:30 PM
Real Talk About Men and Chronic Illness
Jeff Kenyon

SEPT 17
THURSDAY 9 AM
Find the Job You Desire and Can Do
Rosalind Joffe

THURSDAY 12 PM
When Your Child is Chronically Ill
Jolene Philo

THURSDAY 3 PM
Managing College with a Chronic Illness
Lynn Royster

THURSDAY 5:30 PM
Helping Others Understand Your Pain
Karen Richards

SEPT 18
FRIDAY 9 AM
Applying and Winning Disability Assistance When You Are Chronically Ill
Scott Davis

FRIDAY 12 PM
Being a Teenager with a Chronic Illness
Naomi Kingery

FRIDAY 3 PM
Surgery Preparation
Curtis Dean Hall

FRIDAY 5:30 PM
Closing workshop
Lisa Copen and guests