Blog

Spend time with an inspirational book.  Choose an author who speaks to you in some way.  Keep planting those seeds of positive intention by reading a little bit every day, even if only a few paragraphs.  Inspirational authors often make available video clips that you can watch online.  Exposing yourself to inspirational thought can be […]

So, out with the old year and in with the new one.  I am looking forward to 2014 and hope you are too.  How about adding something new to your life this year?  Check out my latest article to get some ideas.  http://justgotdiagnosed.com/resources/new-year-time-get-bigger-life/

A new diagnosis means change.  New symptoms, maybe limitations.  Treatment regimens.  Adjusting your routine to accommodate additional medications.  Concerns about interactions and side effects.  Lifestyle changes.   Annoying, if not downright disruptive.  And what does all of this mean for the future?  Here’s how to cope: A new diagnosis means change.  New symptoms, maybe limitations.  Here’s […]

Uncomfortable about how your PCP will react if you consult with a specialist?  Consulting a specialist is not the same as criticizing your primary care physician’s approach, nor does it or imply that he/she is incompetent in any way.  So approach the conversation by emphasizing that your decision is based on a desire for the […]

If you are living with a chronic condition, lots of different issues can come up at your job.  Disclosing your diagnosis to your co-workers, dealing with the aftermath of symptoms at work, and of course the need to call in sick from time to time, or often.  I am writing a series of articles,, “Chronic […]

I am at Family Inhibitor Camp this weekend at Victory Junction in North Carolina.  It is a camping experience for children living with hemophilia and inhibitors from all over the country.  It’s a weekend of fun, support, and education.  I am doing workshops for parents on “chronic communication” and self-care, and a workshop for teens […]

Everybody appreciates it when someone goes out of his/her way to do something nice for them.  What helps to keep your loved one on an even keel?  Consider doing something that you know they will appreciate, just a simple act of kindness, like making something special for lunch or taking an extra turn with a […]

Remember Compassion 101.  Sure, you’re the one who’s living with a chronic condition.  But your partner is also affected.  And sometimes what feels like unkind or inconsiderate behavior can be an expression of frustration, or fear, or helplessness.  Everybody is struggling in their own way.  Before you jump to the usual conclusion, assume that everybody […]

Isolation can lead to loneliness and despair.  Spend time with people you care about, who can listen, who care share the hard times and celebrate the good times.  When we spend time with others, we are reminded of the bigger picture of life, that other people are also living with challenges.  You are not alone.

You may have a general idea of what you would like to have more of in your life, such as “to take better care of myself” or “to be happier.”  That’s a start, but it doesn’t give you a lot to work with when it comes to creating a vision.  And one that you can […]