7 Ways To Stop Being Frustrated Over Your Limitations

I remember my first ever flare up. Weakness on the left side of my body made it difficult to stand, never mind perform simple functions such as showering and putting cloths on. Boy I was frustrated.

You never really understand what it feels like to have a flare up until it happens. One moment you feel absolutely fine, and the next moment you can’t even wiggle your toes no matter how much you concentrate. It becomes a moment of desperation, where you just want to have a feeling of normal again. When the flare up happens you are shocked, sad, angry, and just aggravated at the entire situation. When I had my flare up, I felt like Pinocchio. “I just wanted to be a real boy”. Instead I was stuck in a body that I could not control.

Then I turned the corner of recovery. A few days of being frustrated and I knew that it was time to get used to a new “normal”. It was time to live my life again.

It all started with my fiancé playing catch with me. Before my flare up, I was an avid juggler. I thought that playing catch would be fun. It turned into a comedy show. Every throw, I would try to catch the ball with my un-coordinated left hand, and every time I would miss the ball and it would fall to the floor. Some people would have thought this was sad, for me this was just a fun game to try and get my coordination back. Ohhhhh we laughed. Every time I missed a catch, my girlfriend and I would laugh so hard we would almost peed our pants (not related to the flare up thank God). It was like I was controlling someone else’s arm. For me it was a game.

I did not always think of re-learning my coordination as a game. There were times where I would get so frustrated that I would punch my bed, only to hurt my already weak hand. It just took time to realize that I could not change the past, and only concentrate on the future.

Below are 8 tips that we can all use next time we are frustrated on our limitations:

1) Put Life Into Perspective

This is one of the hardest tips to follow for someone with chronic illness since we often consider ourselves “not lucky”. The truth of the matter is that if you are reading this article, and you know you have a chronic illness, you are lucky. There are so many people in the world who have a chronic illness and never get diagnosed. Never mind the number of people who are starving, in poverty, have no electricity, and live with no medical support. Next time you feel defeated by your limitations just remember that you are luckier than you know.

2) Laughter Heals The Soul

There may not be a cure to your chronic illness (yet) but there is a cure to feeling down, it is called laughter. I may not be a doctor but this is the only prescription I will ever give you: laugh as much as possible. Laugh, like I did about things you cannot control. Laugh at silly jokes. Laugh at yourself. Just laugh. Looking for your first laugh of the day? Here is my favorite childish joke: “What did the ghost say to the bees?” BOOBIES (boo-bees) 🙂

3) Don’t Give Up

Never, and I mean NEVER, give up. When you fail, try again. When you fail again, keep trying. Always keep hope that you will have a breakthrough. Listen to your doctor’s advice about how much you can push yourself, and just keep pushing.

4) Find Someone Who Has Been Where You Are And Succeeded

I wish I had this tip a long time ago. The amazing thing about having the internet is that no matter what you are trying to achieve you will find someone who you can follow. Always remember that if someone else has broken through similar limitations than you can break through your limitations. Research how someone else has done it and follow their recommendations.

5) Take Small Steps Towards Your Goal

Have you ever heard the saying that “you can’t eat the whole elephant in one bite”? I never really understood who eats elephants, but the main point is that you have to take it one small step at a time. The only way you can achieve a goal is to be action oriented and make small achievable goals. Soon these small goals will build up into achieving something great.

6) Find Support From Others

I always say it: you cannot do this alone. If you are struggling to break through limitations, or just struggling with your chronic illness, do not feel ashamed of looking for support. Friends, family and support groups are all here to help. If you want a private group where you can feel open to share experiences with people who will not judge, join the Cant Stop Me Community on Facebook. The best part is that when you join a private group on Facebook, none of your friends can see it!

7) Stressed is Desserts Spelled Backwards

Did I give you your second laugh of the day? I hope? I love that saying. The main point I am trying to make here is that you should always reward yourself for a job well done. Even the smallest accomplishments should be rewarded. Too often we wait to celebrate our achievements. Go celebrate today!

What are your tips for overcoming your limitations? I would love to hear from you!

Dave