So, there you have it ! These are ten things that have helped me on my journey. I still use all of these things often; they’ve helped me and they can help you too! Let me leave you with two things to ponder. Two things to consider when you are trying to improve your health and feel better.

The first is to do what is right not what is easy. When we have to make choices about our physical and mental health, the easier option is almost never the most helpful option. I used to think – “Why would I stick my head in icy water (TIPP skill) when I can just swallow a Valium?” Now I know that the icy water works better as well as being the healthier option.

The next thing I want to say is STOP MAKING EXCUSES. This may sound like tough love AND if you really want to feel better you need to stop making excuses. Sure, some of the above tips aren’t too hard. Listening to an audiobook – that’s not hard right? Then again, if it’s a choice between listening to an audiobook and taking an illegal substance, then it may start to get hard.

I must admit, I did find some of the above tips hard when I started using them. When you’re feeling like crap, and someone tells you to list three things you are grateful for – that hard!

I’m a member of some chronic pain groups on social media. These days I hardly ever go on them. Its full of people blaming doctors for their pain. I do get it – I’ve been there, remember!

There was a time when I was always making excuses. I too would blame the doctors for my pain. I would say they weren’t giving me enough pain meds. Deep down inside I knew that my pain wasn’t the doctor’s fault. I knew enough about science and medicine to know that no amount of medication would rid me of all of my pain (regardless of if it was physical or emotional pain) AND I wouldn’t admit that to myself. Why? Because if I could blame someone else for my pain, my unhappiness, then I didn’t have to take any responsibility for my own health.

These days I’m in a really good place, a very happy person. Why? Because I finally realised that if I wanted to get better, I had to stop blaming the world for my pain. I started working hard, bloody hard. It’s been a long road AND its beautiful.

We all face hard moments, but we don’t have to face them alone.

What’s one tip that’s helped you through hardship?

Thank you for reading.

Love, Luna.