Life provides us with many opportunities to fail and fall down, whether you have a chronic illness or not.
What makes one person persistent while another gives up? There are days when people see me around town and will say something to me like, "Wow, you look really good today. You must be feeling good." How I look on the outside does not always reflect how I am feeling on the inside. That is the beauty of an invisible illness. However, I try to be persistent in how and what I show the world.
I know that I can make myself feel better than my body is telling me simply by trying to look good.
Can persistence be strengthened like any other muscle? Science says yes. Persistence, often referred to as “perseverance” is what makes science out of hunches and finished artwork out of imperfect attempts.
This past few weeks I have given myself a challenge to create 101 pieces of art or sketches or drawings over 101 days, which end on April 15th. I have been able to live up to the challenge,
and look forward to the end. After that I have some serious plans for the artwork....more goals.
You can some of the completed work here:
"In a society that holds productivity as unequivocally good, to do less feels like a moral failing."
People who persist are much more likely to achieve their goals, which increases self-esteem and personal pride, making it easier to overcome more difficult future obstacles and set new goals.
The last week has been really difficult. First there was a serious bout of bronchitis, discovered after being rushed to the hospital. Two days later I discover that my dear friend is on the verge of losing the love of her life after a routine stress test that took a turn for the worst. Now he is brain dead and she is facing a life without her best friend.
Emotionally it has been a rollercoaster. There were days when I did not want to get out of bed, but I had to persevere. As I am writing this, the temperature outside this morning is below 60, Central Florida. My joints ache, and I was very tempted to not do anything creative. I have been looking at some plants in my yard that I think will look great in a hanging basket, so I will go out later when it's warmer. After that I will take a long shower and wash my hair. That is probably all I will be able to do today, but it will be a lot.
What makes one person persistent while another gives up? There are days when people see me around town and will say something to me like, "Wow, you look really good today. You must be feeling good." How I look on the outside does not always reflect how I am feeling on the inside. That is the beauty of an invisible illness. However, I try to be persistent in how and what I show the world.
I know that I can make myself feel better than my body is telling me simply by trying to look good.
Can persistence be strengthened like any other muscle? Science says yes. Persistence, often referred to as “perseverance” is what makes science out of hunches and finished artwork out of imperfect attempts.
This past few weeks I have given myself a challenge to create 101 pieces of art or sketches or drawings over 101 days, which end on April 15th. I have been able to live up to the challenge,
and look forward to the end. After that I have some serious plans for the artwork....more goals.
You can some of the completed work here:
Days 1-25
Days 26-50
Days 51-75
"In a society that holds productivity as unequivocally good, to do less feels like a moral failing."
People who persist are much more likely to achieve their goals, which increases self-esteem and personal pride, making it easier to overcome more difficult future obstacles and set new goals.
The last week has been really difficult. First there was a serious bout of bronchitis, discovered after being rushed to the hospital. Two days later I discover that my dear friend is on the verge of losing the love of her life after a routine stress test that took a turn for the worst. Now he is brain dead and she is facing a life without her best friend.
Emotionally it has been a rollercoaster. There were days when I did not want to get out of bed, but I had to persevere. As I am writing this, the temperature outside this morning is below 60, Central Florida. My joints ache, and I was very tempted to not do anything creative. I have been looking at some plants in my yard that I think will look great in a hanging basket, so I will go out later when it's warmer. After that I will take a long shower and wash my hair. That is probably all I will be able to do today, but it will be a lot.
Living with a chronic condition is like carrying around a giant weight on your shoulders on daily basis. Furthermore, regardless of the type of condition you have, you will have to slow down and make lifestyle changes in order to carry that weight around. The problem with living with a chronic condition is that you find yourself traveling through a complicated maze where there are more questions than answers and finding your way requires patience, dedication and endurance.
If you have certain goals that you want to accomplish, you may need to write down your goals and put them somewhere that you’ll see them every day. The research also suggests that if you take your big goal – to write a book, to lose weight, or to get a college degree – and break it down into smaller bites or steps, such as: “write once a day, run one mile every other day, and look for local colleges” your chances of achieving the goal increase. However, humans are known to seek pleasure and connection. If your goal doesn’t promise to fulfill you, your chances of achieving it are slimmer.
If you have certain goals that you want to accomplish, you may need to write down your goals and put them somewhere that you’ll see them every day. The research also suggests that if you take your big goal – to write a book, to lose weight, or to get a college degree – and break it down into smaller bites or steps, such as: “write once a day, run one mile every other day, and look for local colleges” your chances of achieving the goal increase. However, humans are known to seek pleasure and connection. If your goal doesn’t promise to fulfill you, your chances of achieving it are slimmer.
I know a thing or two about persistence, and I add an element from my own personal experience: always build a support network of champions and hand-holders.
Choose people who will remind you that your goals are worthwhile, and talk you down off your emotional ledge when they don’t go your way.
I set goals for myself everyday, even if it is just something as simple as taking a bath soak. Self care is important, after all. When I am struggling even to just take a bath, I have friends that I can call to vent to, and to just get some encouragement.
When I can't finish writing that article in one sitting, I write a chunk here and there throughout the day until it's done. My initial goal was to write an article a week, but I realized that that was too much, especially when I also wanted to create some new paintings throughout the month. Sometimes, I do have to scale back, as long as you do not give up.
Choose people who will remind you that your goals are worthwhile, and talk you down off your emotional ledge when they don’t go your way.
I set goals for myself everyday, even if it is just something as simple as taking a bath soak. Self care is important, after all. When I am struggling even to just take a bath, I have friends that I can call to vent to, and to just get some encouragement.
When I can't finish writing that article in one sitting, I write a chunk here and there throughout the day until it's done. My initial goal was to write an article a week, but I realized that that was too much, especially when I also wanted to create some new paintings throughout the month. Sometimes, I do have to scale back, as long as you do not give up.
To put yourself on the road to persistence, pick goals that tickle your passions, break them down into their most manageable pieces, and be flexible in your pursuit of them. Success may be just one more attempt away.
Also, here are a few other tips for being persistent:
• Stop being overly-critical of yourself. You cannot control what has happened nor can you turn back time.
• Trying to control things you cannot control. Control what you can: your feelings and your emotions, your lifestyle, and your healthcare options.
• Stop being emotionless. Humor and gratitude go a long way. These things play an important role in the healing process and not having them will only pull you down.
• Take time for yourself. Self care is critical, essential. You come first and not putting yourself first will only make you miserable.
• Take responsibility for your healthcare. Be your own advocate because no one else is going to do this for you. Find out all you can about your condition including treatments and the latest research.
• Stop isolating yourself. Find support and form a support system.
• Keep looking to the future no matter what. Think about the things and the people that matter to you and keep looking up.
Also, here are a few other tips for being persistent:
• Stop being overly-critical of yourself. You cannot control what has happened nor can you turn back time.
• Trying to control things you cannot control. Control what you can: your feelings and your emotions, your lifestyle, and your healthcare options.
• Stop being emotionless. Humor and gratitude go a long way. These things play an important role in the healing process and not having them will only pull you down.
• Take time for yourself. Self care is critical, essential. You come first and not putting yourself first will only make you miserable.
• Take responsibility for your healthcare. Be your own advocate because no one else is going to do this for you. Find out all you can about your condition including treatments and the latest research.
• Stop isolating yourself. Find support and form a support system.
You are not alone!
Original art by Gina Welds Hulse
• Keep looking to the future no matter what. Think about the things and the people that matter to you and keep looking up.
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