Creating My Own Plan
I want to thank Lissa for today's post. I have been thinking alot about this and my own journey in self-care program. My program started 5 months ago after being diagnosed with MS. I decided that I wasn't going to completely rely on pharmaceutical medicine since no one knows my body better than I do. Of course, that meant that I had to listen. After studying and seeking counsel from my spiritual and health advisers and friends, I came up with my plan for self-care which remarkably close to that laid about my Lissa.

Why Is Self-Care So Difficult?
I almost immediately began to feel better when I started. I lost weight even though that was not my intent (27 pounds and counting). I had more energy. I was happier. I wrote in the community a while ago about why we all don't do these things even when we are not sick? It is unfortunate that we often don't take care of our self until we have to.

Giving Ourselves Permission to be Happy
Why is it so hard to take care of yourself when you are healthy? I think I have only recently come upon the answer. In large part, we don't give our self permission to be happy. I was at dinner Monday night with another Pinkie and she asked how do you eat right if you don't have to (a paraphrase)? I didn't have the answer. But it came to me this morning. It's because we don't realize that we can choose to feel better.

The key is to give yourself permission to feel good.

Warning: You will have less to complain about because you are feeling better.

But don't worry, at least for a while you can complain about how there is nothing fun you can eat. :) And then you will begin to feel better. Really better. To the point that you can walk past the dessert tray with out even a twinge of longing. Why? Because you are choosing to feel good and that feels great.

Listen to Signs from the Universe
I also want to thank the universe for sending me so many signs in the last few days. First, was realizing that I did have the answer to these questions. Second, my SIL emailed me last night saying she had to go gluten and dairy free and asking for advice. I wrote her a small book this morning. Third, Lissa's post showed up on my facebook, summarizing all the things I have been doing to feel better and heal myself.

I have been struggling with whether or not to start a blog about my own journey in radical self-care. A place where those who are feeling bad (or whom have given them selves permission to feel better) can find practical information and inspiration from my journey. All these signs seem to be pointing to yes, start it. Put it out there. So now I have put that intent out there in response to the universe. Thanks everyone. I will keep you posted about my launch.

Loving Myself Radically,
Laurie

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