Last year, around this time, I was in complete
misery. My long list of symptoms was overwhelming; leaving me broken and
defeated. Even though I tried to embrace positivity,
my hope diminished—I never thought I’d be well again. The constant
sickness combined with pain made it hard for me to function. Negative comments
about my health affected me, and I started believing the worst.
Even in the depths of my misery, God encouraged me.
As with every part of my life, He gave me a choice: 1) Fight for my life or 2)
Give up
The road to recovery was not easy. I had to give up
things I loved, but at the end of the day my love for my life and my family was
greater. So I stopped drinking diet soda. It just so happens that I’m allergic
to the aspartame used to sweeten it. Gluten was next on my list. The products
containing gluten are astounding. As if that weren’t enough, I had to limit my
dairy consumption.
At first I lost weight and it seemed so
overwhelming. I was always hungry and unsatisfied with my food. Eating became a
chore and I was sad about all the foods I couldn’t eat. But a different mindset
helped me to overcome the negativity. It stopped being about limitations and
more about the foods rich in antioxidants that would heal my body. With every
bite I asked myself, “Is this harmful or helpful to you?”
Once I got over the initial shock of never eating
another Krispy Kreme doughnut, I found alternatives to my favorite foods. After
all, it’s only food! Once I established a good attitude, I started
contradicting all my self-limiting thoughts.
My thoughts soon began to make a difference in how I
felt. If I embraced any smidgen of sympathy my hardships multiplied, but if I
stopped them immediately they didn’t affect me. Paying attention to when my
symptoms occurred also helped me. I soon discovered that certain exercises made
my numbness worse, while others helped. Tears mixed with sweat are a powerful
combination.
Still I couldn’t get to the place of total wellness
that I desired. Therefore I started reading books about healing, and using
programs for total relaxation of the body and mind. My favorite is the Healing
App from Andrew Johnson on the iPhone. It helped me to visualize and focus on
healing. We will never be well as long as our mind believes we are sick.
Once I started making improvements, I began pushing myself harder physically. I began running, doing yoga and PiYo, and
embraced the feeling of overcoming my limitations. Repeating positive
affirmations really made a difference in my recovery. We can always do more
than our minds believe. One moment of success can triumph a thousand moments of
failure.
Examples:
Negative voice: My body is broken and weak. I can’t
do this. All of my muscles ache. Every time I exercise some part of my body
dislocates. The pain is not worth it.
Positive voice: You’re strong! You can do this. Your
body hurts because you are changing it physically. Pain is only weakness
leaving your body. You have to strengthen the weak parts, so they can be strong
as well. You are healthy!
Looking at my situation with a new perspective
helped me tremendously. For the first time in my life, I feel that I am well!!!
I’m no longer afraid of what may happen or my aches and pains. Now I embrace my
aches and pains and know with certainty that the pain means I pushed my body. Giving up is not an option for me.
Instead, every day I tell myself that I’m well,
healthy, and strong. And it works!
Reading my Bible, praying daily and listening for
God’s instructions for my life has made all the difference in the world. Spiritual
strength is more important than physical strength. It has given me courage, increased my faith, revived
my weak and weary spirit, and taught me how to overcome my enemy.
Last month I went to the doctor and they couldn’t
find any arthritis, inflammation, or autoimmune disorders in the tests they
did. Praise the Lord!!!! They still want to order more tests, but I’m healed.
My long lists of symptoms are gone. I still have issues with overusing my hands
and alignment issues from Amniotic Band Syndrome, but I’m learning to overcome
them as well.
Now I know with complete certainty that a healthy
diet, the right exercise program, God’s word, and a positive attitude make a
HUGE difference. Every day I am so
incredibly thankful for my health, and I praise God with my workouts. I know
what it feels like to lie in the bed, unable to move my legs without pain—trying
to walk with my legs shaking uncontrollably. I’ve lay in the floor after a fall
and cried, but I’ve also wiped my eyes and forced myself to stand again. I’ve
cried many days during my workouts, but I have finished them. And now I know
what it feels like to be well. I’ve had some pain free days and I’m so incredibly
thankful for them. God wants us to do everything in our power to help our
bodies, and trust Him to do the rest.
Here is a copy of my wellness plan. http://underneaththescars.blogspot.com/2013/12/fighting-back.html
Would you like to know more about the diet, exercise
program, or healing programs I used? Comment below or send me a message at candidasullivan@yahoo.com.
God bless,
Candida
