SIMPLE WISDOM: ARE YOU SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED?

By Penelope Andrade

June 2009 (San Diego)--Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? If you’ve got some chronic ‘itis’ like sinusitis, dermatitis, cystitis, gastritis, colitis, arthritis, thyroiditis or other ongoing physical aggravation, chances are something you are doing is making things worse. This could be something as simple as not taking medications/ herbs /remedies properly or as complex as poor self care – too much sugar, fat, alcohol, processed food, TV, Internet or too little sleep, sex, exercise and real leisure. No joy in love or work may also be a factor. While figuring out how you’re making yourself sicker is the first step, changing your life is the real challenge.

Here’s the tip. Check if you’re ready to honestly assess your lifestyle. If no, you won’t even see the solution. If yes, consider that you already know the answer. Sit in silence. Listen for guidance. Watch your dreams. If still stymied, ask a spouse or friend for an honest opinion. Once you know what you need to do, tell someone you trust. Be gentle and patient with yourself and ask them to do likewise. Bad habits usually develop from misguided attempts to regulate stress or manage uncomfortable feelings. Find support for emotional healing. Don’t attempt giving up old ways until you’ve found nourishing replacements. Start small. Try one tiny change that really makes you feel good. Take your time and watch as slowly, surely you take back your life. Penelope Young Andrade LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist with over 35 years experience integrating the best of traditional and alternative approaches for bodymind transformation. www.penelopetalk.com 858-481-5752 penart@abac.com