Episode 432: What to do When Chronic Illness Takes a Turn for the Worse

When chronic illness takes a turn for the worse how do we not borrow trouble? Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theannetteleonard or my website https://www.annetteleonard.com It's already February of 2025 and this is my first broadcast of the year! I had a death in my family at the end of last year and then I got very sick. My life has ground to a halt over the last 6 weeks. When things get worse, it's so tough to stay connected and not go down the rabbit holes of, "what if it stays this bad?" "What if I don't get better?" Managing my fears and frustrations about new symptoms is real. Here is another place where a contemplative practice has served me. Usually, if I've been totally down for 6 weeks, I'm emotionally desperate. This time was different, I maintained a small bubble of possibility in my heart which kept it from sinking. The thing that I know has made the difference is my contemplative practice -- years and years of meditation. This allowed me to stay connected to WHAT IS not WHAT IF. I worked on not focusing on my fears but focusing on what was true at the moment. It wasn't easy but it was different. Your contemplative practice could be different: music, prayer, nature, whatever allows you to focus on yourself in the present moment, is the way forward. By exercising this way when things are not at their worst allows you to develop the muscle so you can continue the practice when things are falling apart. How do you stay present when things are worse in your illnesses? What would you like to have me focus on in 2025? Who are the experts or thought leaders you like to have me interview in Chronic Wellness Conversations? This is the Chronic Wellness Podcast. I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.