Having a chronic illness can be very frustrating. When you suffer from an invisible illness like Fibromyalgia you deal with not only the pain but frustration.
Frustration keeps you on the Red Platform. The thing about Fibro is that you are constantly working on what causes your flare ups. One day it could be the weather; the next day it could be something you eat. It is an illness that nobody can tell you what will trigger the flare up.
Frustration can take over so easily because when you live each day not knowing if what you eat or what you do will cause you pain you can easily move to the Red Platform.
Living on the Green Platform means that I have to make sure that I do not get frustrated. Is this easy? No, it is not. Frustration is something that is natural, and we all feel. A feeling is not always something that is easy to control.
When I feel myself getting just a little frustrated, I tell myself to STOP AND TAKE A BREATH. Sounds silly, and you may not think it works, but you won’t know if it works if you don’t try. So stop right now and take a deep breath then exhale. If you have to do this a few times, that is fine. Just taking those small relaxing breaths will immediately relieve that bit of frustration you are starting to feel brewing.
Staying positive, and staying on the Green Platform helps you to stay focused, and taking those relaxing breaths will become second nature to you.
When I stop and take care of myself so that I can stay on the Green Platform, I am helping myself to relax and get my focus back. If I allow myself to get frustrated, then that would trigger several points on my body where Fibro sits to flare up. When you start getting frustrated, you tense up, causing those muscles and joints to stiffen. Your neck begins to feel stiff and hurt; your shoulders tense up, and you feel the tension in your head.
Fibro immediately starts to take over your body when you do this. It becomes the EGO as I had talked about before and steered you to the Red Platform. If you are aware that this frustration will cause your flare ups, then stop and take those breaths. This is your health that you have to take care of, and only you can do that.
Taking the time to take care of you is the most important thing you can do for yourself. These are such small and simple things that do not cost anything but a second of your time. The second you spend to put yourself first and learn how to control the frustration before you move to the Red Platform is the second that has you living a full life on the Green Platform.
Remember STOP AND TAKE THAT BREATH.
Aimee Reese is passionate about administration and understands that behind every successful, high performing executive, there is a motivated, competent, efficient assistant. Aimee has trained and managed many assistants over her career in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about sharing her experience and helping others achieve their potential. Aimee is the founder of The Green Platform Assistant where she believes “In order for you to grow you have to start with knowing who you are.” Aimee lives in Kentucky with her husband Eric and two children.
Contact Aimee: aimee@thegreenplatformassistant.com