tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67019248646111125272024-03-13T12:00:36.068-04:00Dystonia LivingEducation, Inspiration, and HopeTom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-75283317315091200082017-11-11T13:01:00.001-05:002019-03-05T20:16:43.401-05:00Invigorate pain relieving lotion - A product review<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>I have been given this product as part of a product review through the <a href="http://chronicillnessbloggers.com/chronic-illness-bloggers/" target="_blank">Chronic Illness Bloggers</a> network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I have shared in many of my </span><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">blogs</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, articles, and </span><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">book</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, I am always looking for ways to combat chronic pain. Not only for myself, but for others as well because I know firsthand how brutal it is to suffer with pain. In my case, pain is caused by a neurological movement disorder called </span><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/resources/about-dystonia/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">dystonia</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every day I have pain that ranks on a scale of 1-10 (I am not a fan of this subjective pain scale. I am just using it to describe my daily pain variation). It can be localized or widespread, and I never know from day to day, hour to hour, where that pain might be, how bad it will be, or how long it will last. Therefore, I use a variety of different things to alleviate my pain, which you can learn more about in my </span><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">blog</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">book</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. All things considered, I think I do a good job at managing my pain, but I can have some rough days so I can always do better. This is why I am always on the lookout for anything to add to my toolbox. Enter </span><a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Invigorate</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> pain relieving lotion, which I have been using for the past 2 months.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #151414; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrcPTIwBnVHn7kNAsno82rvEjDXjXkcfykIJ51sBBNVl7ygH91nKLU9e0e7i6pDYN8kBHkyDzw16SvecRURJK9gpKH-ne38eZh7va3CXb0T5IYJOTzpuO-8Fg7hjr9UKAwe9963kkx4Q/s320/Invigorate+2.jpg" width="176" /><span id="goog_754493763"></span><span id="goog_754493764"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" target="_blank">Invigorate</a>, made by <a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" target="_blank">Resonant Botanicals</a>, is an all-natural pain relieving lotion made with the herbs turmeric, valerian, devil’s claw, manjistha and arjuna, steeped in organic grape seed oil. This infused herb oil is added to organic hemp oil, hemp oil extract, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, clove oil extract, and borage oil, and essential oils such as sandalwood and rose otto. It also contains magnesium and MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane).</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of us are familiar with magnesium and probably take it. I have been taking it for years for a variety of different reasons. For me it is one of my essential supplements for overall health and some specific pain issues. According to their website, <a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" target="_blank">Resonant Botanicals</a> says the following about magnesium: “less than 60% of Americans obtain enough magnesium in their diet. Magnesium deficiency can be detected by several symptoms: fatigue, cramps, muscle pain, inflammation, insomnia, stress and hypertension, among others.”</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane) is something we don’t hear much about. MSM is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory with many benefits, especially pain. A great book to learn more about MSM is called, <a href="http://amzn.to/2xcUC5F" target="_blank">The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain</a>. Research suggests that MSM can act like a natural analgesic, helping prevent and treat muscle aches and pains, throbbing, and swelling, while improving range of motion and mobility. Clearly an important ingredient to have in <a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" target="_blank">Invigorate</a>.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of the science behind, personal experience is what matters most, which of course varies from person to person. I think it smells great with a light citrus fragrance, is easy to apply (not greasy and easily absorbs into the skin), and most importantly, it helps with my pain and stiffness. I use it every night before bed and as needed during the day. The difference I notice using it before bed is less pain and stiffness in my shoulders and neck in the morning. When I use it during the day, my muscles stay more relaxed. Not perfect of course, but it takes the edge off. It gives me a soothing feeling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://resonantbotanicals.com/?wpam_id=7" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://resonantbotanicals.com/?wpam_id=7"><img alt="http://resonantbotanicals.com/?wpam_id=7" border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="245" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFZTXr5tKHrSCCrDxSTMZevTxc3dkX6q_S2naww9kF_PXCkByjgYzkS8D5MGG9Wcx3LvqTeQE6ZpwFMiSZ2OIWt_MmtJJQwmnQELmI8TLpBUG5hYnL9UZtXSKiJqp8beaKz-LYCC1sDg/s320/Resonant+Botanicals.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not only do I use it for the pain in my neck and shoulders from </span><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/resources/about-dystonia/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">dystonia</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, I have use it on my elbow where I have tendonitis. It cuts the pain in half most of the time. A few times in the past month I had a stomach ache and within 15 minutes, the discomfort was 75-100% gone. I have since shared this with my mother who has stomach issues that sometimes keep her on the couch or in bed with a heat pack for hours at time. She began using </span><a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Invigorate</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> every morning and night, and has noticed some relief. She still has some issues, but she claims to have been feeling better than usual.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" target="_blank">Invigorate</a> is available in two sizes: 8 oz. and 2 oz. The 2 oz. container is TSA-approved so it is safe for travel by plane. The price ranges from $20 – $55, which is quite good considering the competition and all of the natural ingredients and formulation process. It also lasts a while. I have had my 8 oz. container for 2 months and still have plenty left, and this is with daily use. Use Coupon Code <a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" target="_blank">RELIEF</a> for 10% off and free shipping.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another feature is their packaging. Instead of plastic, they use brushed aluminum containers. This is because plastic contains phthlates, molecules that make plastic pliable. Phthlates leach out at temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. For most people, phthlates are excreted through the urine, but for those with autoimmune compromised conditions (and women during pregnancy) phthlates can become troublesome. There is more about why they use these containers on their <a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" target="_blank">website</a>.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you decide to give it a try. I have been very impressed with the product and company. They are very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. When you read on their <a href="http://resonant-botanicals.myshopify.com/?aff=2" target="_blank">website</a> about how they came to be, you will know why they are more than just a run of the mill company. They put their hearts into their brand, which is the kind of company I am proud to support!</span><br />
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #151414;"><br /></span></span></em>
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #151414;">Tom Seaman is a </span><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a><span style="color: #151414;"> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, </span><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a><span style="color: #151414;">, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, </span><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" target="_blank">health blogger</a><span style="color: #151414;">, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert p</span>anelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span><span style="color: #151414;">. To learn more about Tom, his coaching practice, and get a copy of his book, visit </span><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a><span style="color: #151414;">. Follow him on Twitter </span><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span><span style="color: #151414;"> and </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></em></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj-Cm2oZjJEVBD04uwzgPtp7nn42sf3eYnDqnBW_ZF72XwZku8OxYorIozcER3GU9ahJGSR9EY3v7SB7tPU5jXCqzUs2hgeUYP8vDXOP3I0B8KUXD7Q9X7ymyVGXlRgA87HR79rAUy28/s320/3D+Book+cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-12829927833783442442017-10-11T19:00:00.001-04:002017-11-11T13:07:15.566-05:00"You have dystonia"... Now what?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">“You have dystonia” are three words that can be very confusing and frightening. Receiving the news that you have any chronic condition can bring out a lot of emotions. People may react with fear, anxiety, anger, disbelief, a sense of loss and injustice, and depression. Some become very inquisitive and feel vindicated that what they have wrong has been acknowledged. I would guess that most people experience a combination of all these things and more.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I experienced all of these things at one time or another. However, it was not when the doctor said, “You have cervical dystonia.” It was in the weeks, months, and years that followed that I rode the emotional roller coaster. I was actually relieved at first because I finally knew what was wrong so I could move in positive directions regarding treatments and lifestyle changes, rather than all the useless rabbit trails so many doctors had taken me on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, I was not equipped with the tools I have now to properly cope, so I lived in pure misery for many years. The suffering was brutal. That is why I wrote my <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" target="_blank">book</a>. To help people end their suffering by providing tons of strategies for how to combat the brutality of life with dystonia. I lived it so I know. Please take advantage of this resource and many others available to you. <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to get it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If the diagnosis isn’t enough, even more deflating to hear is, “there is no cure.” However, it is important to put this into perspective. How many diseases/disorders that people live with today, and live very well with, have a cure? I don’t have the answer to this, but it is pretty low. Most health conditions are managed, not cured, and dystonia is one of them.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just like people with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, celiac disease, AIDS, etc., all of which have no cure, people with dystonia can live a fulfilling life with proper treatments and lifestyle changes. Please don’t allow yourself to believe that you won’t have a happy, functional life simply because dystonia has no cure. Many people have transformed their lives by finding successful ways to manage their symptoms. Be patient with yourself and never give up trying anything and everything.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKU268vzn7SiTO27EOThUYnGai4R2aMLUBhL96g7U5i388kvDG8hwIBeHCl94bpGHyoK662om6RpHzTEkxQtBJMnq2rBqo9TeGg5YwWNBWxBr-ibPbpBMP_FZhoNojOGH0LEgwSxTQwg/s1600/Diagnosis+5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKU268vzn7SiTO27EOThUYnGai4R2aMLUBhL96g7U5i388kvDG8hwIBeHCl94bpGHyoK662om6RpHzTEkxQtBJMnq2rBqo9TeGg5YwWNBWxBr-ibPbpBMP_FZhoNojOGH0LEgwSxTQwg/s400/Diagnosis+5a.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Keep in mind these important tips for coping:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The dystonia diagnosis is not the definition of your life. It is not the book of your life. It need not be how you define yourself. It is not what happens to us in life that defines us. It is what we do with it that defines us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Work hard every day to think about your life right now and not the life you had. Take each day one at a time.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Don’t predict where you might be in six months or a year. As with all of life, dystonia is unpredictable so it is best to roll with the punches versus anticipating “what might happen.” Being consumed with worry can prevent you from helping yourself right now.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I struggle in this area I say the following affirmation: “I relax into the flow of life and life flows through me with ease.” I read this in a book by Louise Hay called, <i><a href="http://amzn.to/2yh0rhS" target="_blank">You Can Heal Your Life</a></i>, which I highly recommend.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBScjOGUqzL1oCdY0P2MgW6fmj6aVN3Iuv7gShkHhb0n-9us3gd_UsVnLdsfnOL3TLGFrVWFVxR7rH4gH_NNH2JKvYmzgkZVaNRICyf9NhyNsEyQY3JdEsz_qEKOsPMBWMAKPzRDbcjM/s1600/Worring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBScjOGUqzL1oCdY0P2MgW6fmj6aVN3Iuv7gShkHhb0n-9us3gd_UsVnLdsfnOL3TLGFrVWFVxR7rH4gH_NNH2JKvYmzgkZVaNRICyf9NhyNsEyQY3JdEsz_qEKOsPMBWMAKPzRDbcjM/s320/Worring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Saying how much we hate dystonia won’t make it go away. As crazy as it sounds, find a way to cohabitate with your dystonia because no amount of anger will take it away. Learn to work with it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Focus on things just as they are; not the way you think they should be. Do so with this in mind: “Acceptance doesn't mean resignation. It means understanding that something is what it is and there's got to be a way through it." ~ </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael J Fox</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> ~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Reach out to the many online forums, support groups in your area, and dystonia organizations to talk to others who can relate. Share what you are thinking and feeling. Learn about treatment options and coping mechanisms. Find the best doctor(s) and treatments for you. There is no cookie cutter approach.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last but not least, please do not feel any shame. You have done nothing wrong to be in this situation and even if your family, friends, and doctors blame you or tell you it is all in your head, you know the truth. Don't allow their judgments affect your state of mind. Take control and do what is best for you in order to live as high a quality of life as possible.</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe;">
<em style="border: 0px; color: #151414; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThAGPyQJgAf2YrL8kU4nW7lqgft2kECZuT90wHzh6TuaZTvUVlv4k_ile2DL683PKiC2-1mfs9kWkTCUIlv0AootBSbnX4rHXa3TH813ZQ9W7dPtXIsggvlVRz5-MPqXh3F9kqeaLU4s/s320/3D+Book+cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafdfe;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-5655942922831287372017-10-07T03:14:00.001-04:002017-10-07T13:32:10.140-04:00Check out my new website!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After many months of work, my new interactive <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" target="_blank">website</a> is live! Please check it out. I would love to hear what you think. It replaces my two other websites, with information about my books, articles, blog, life coaching services, videos, media appearances, speaking schedule, self-care tools, and more, all in one place. Please also sign up for my free health newsletter. There is also an online scheduler for coaching calls and consults.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The website is <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. You can also click on the image below to go to the site. Thanks and please feel free to share!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.tomseamancoaching.com" border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1050" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsFgYe4gE5UqJ4reVlIgqI9U8zENJdkjzFoIdczXdSSx7MTAQj4h3DDEe1iiTCrh2Z4ZAeFOFzw0VgfdV4lbo3wHxi_aKrLlgOicBx0HNnyNUOuHvmRmTJmMhCpv9ObUEXQBKnC0K9pk/s400/Website+Screenshot.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, health blogger, motivational speaker, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone living with any life challenge. He is also a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness. Tom volunteers for the <a href="https://www.dystonia-foundation.org/" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF)</a> as a support group leader, for <a href="https://www.wegohealth.com/" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">WEGO Health</a> as a patient expert panelist, <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 19.26px;">and is a member and writer for </span><a href="http://chronicillnessbloggers.com/chronic-illness-bloggers/" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</a>. To learn more about Tom and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.t</span>omseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: blue; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-28862437180183814452017-09-16T19:38:00.000-04:002017-11-11T13:09:38.812-05:00What is dystonia and what does it feel like?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">September is Dystonia Awareness Month so I wanted to provide some information about what dystonia is and how it feels. Please share this with your family, friends, doctors, and anyone you think might find this helpful. I am going to give the general definition of dystonia first, and then provide information about how it feels and the impact it has on our lives, which is the hardest part to understand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">Dystonia</a> is a neurological movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable, involuntary muscle spasms and contractions, causing repetitive movements, twitching, twisting, and/or abnormal postures. Muscle contractions can be sustained or intermittent and sometimes include a tremor. <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">Dystonia</a> can affect any part of the body, causing varying degrees of disability and pain from mild to severe. In some cases, dystonia exists without visual symptoms. Some people have muscles that involuntarily contract, but they have no change in physical appearance. Pain is almost always present regardless of physical presentation. People often describe their muscles as feeling like tightropes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unless you live with dystonia, it is very hard to understand what all of these symptoms mean or what it feels like, let alone the psychological, social, and emotional challenges that come with it. For some people, dystonia permeates every single part of their lives, demanding so much of their attention that it can be the only thing they think about. Their symptoms never stop long enough for them to get a break. The pain for many is excruciating.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This chronic lifestyle is very hard to comprehend for a lot of people. It certainly was for me until I developed dystonia nearly 20 years ago. It has challenged me unlike anything ever before. You can see in my photos below how dystonia can affect my body. It turned my world upside down and has taken me many years to find my bearings and treatments that make me more functional. Not wanting others to suffer this same torture, I made it my mission to educate people about it, so I became an active patient advocate. I also wrote a book about it that was recognized by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. It is called, <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><i>Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</i></a>. I encourage you to get it for yourself, your loved ones, and your doctors. You can learn more about it if you <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>. Use the coupon code AWARE for a 20% discount this month.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXDEtFWdZ9Dia-D45VsrM9y8F7fWv3UJzo9AJ5cun6okFP_ChSF4vMTmgdaMinKNBHHRmnvWx7giIFkeUWZskuwhHM5V2ih8gIP6Bj41E42ykebsSVW4E3QJMNu8qvSNm5Bs1QmOnjyo/s1600/Tom+Twisted+2+pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXDEtFWdZ9Dia-D45VsrM9y8F7fWv3UJzo9AJ5cun6okFP_ChSF4vMTmgdaMinKNBHHRmnvWx7giIFkeUWZskuwhHM5V2ih8gIP6Bj41E42ykebsSVW4E3QJMNu8qvSNm5Bs1QmOnjyo/s400/Tom+Twisted+2+pics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I find that the best way to describe dystonia is to share an example of something similar to what other people have experienced. At my worst, I used to say it felt like someone constantly had a power drill in my skull, neck, shoulders, and back, and a rope tied around my head yanking it towards my right shoulder. Of course I don't know anyone who has experienced this, so it is not relatable and thus, probably not the best explanation. I would get empathy, but it was accompanied by blank stares.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Similarly, I often hear people say it feels like the affected body part(s) is in a vice, they are being squeezed by a snake, their head feels like it is being pulled off or is the weight of a bowling ball, and/or their muscles pull, turn, and twist uncontrollably. While most of us with dystonia understand what all of this is like because we experience it, it makes little sense to someone without dystonia. In order for them to better understand, we must use specific, tangible things they have also experienced so they can relate. Or, be creative and have them do things that mimic what you feel. Please see my video for some ideas.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rqhhYnYoOZo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rqhhYnYoOZo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While this video does not describe all the many different ways dystonia feels, I hope it is a good representation of what the vast majority experiences. Clearly, dystonia is not a fun disorder to live with by any stretch of the imagination. Take one of the examples I give about a charley horse. Imagine what your life would be like if you had a charley horse that never went away. It is almost unfathomable, but this is what dystonia feels like for so many of us. Is it any wonder some of us may not be the same person we were before dystonia entered our lives? Chronic pain can change everything, which has forced us to adopt coping mechanisms that don’t necessarily reflect our real level of discomfort.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we say we are in pain, it is often worse than usual; much of the time we are just coping and trying to sound happy and look normal. The gal in the picture below is evidence of this. She was in major pain in this picture, but her smile tells a different story. Also take note of how she is holding her head; a gesture that is very familiar to those of us with cervical dystonia.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWs0XLIOXOmvA_l0KItfEJIjf9nVP1DRrVu12txnDQ-4c32DWw9HdGjZ5Gg_szEjs2NhDMIR7GIbEX5icE_te34jAgiGNwbCrDKAkYQX8zmkvNbagdWMRHZKeptLswWjW7GxvOqRi-fc/s1600/Staci-holding-neck-300x262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWs0XLIOXOmvA_l0KItfEJIjf9nVP1DRrVu12txnDQ-4c32DWw9HdGjZ5Gg_szEjs2NhDMIR7GIbEX5icE_te34jAgiGNwbCrDKAkYQX8zmkvNbagdWMRHZKeptLswWjW7GxvOqRi-fc/s1600/Staci-holding-neck-300x262.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes we hear others say, “You just need to push yourself more.” It may be hard to read how we feel on our face or in our body language, but we push ourselves all the time; sometimes too much and we pay for it later with worse symptoms. Finding balance is one of our greatest challenges. Some days we do nothing but push just to get through the day. Sometimes it took every ounce of will power to get out of bed to just eat breakfast, and that was all I could do all day. A far cry from the life I lived prior to dystonia!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the reality of dystonia for many people, which can be a difficult concept to grasp. It is even difficult for those of us living with dystonia to sometimes understand. This video and article should provide more clarity. Too many people with dystonia do not get the support they need because those close to them simply do not understand the gravity of the situation, including our doctors. I hope this helps in that regard.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; text-align: left;">
<em style="border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></em></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_261444872"><br /></a></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj-Cm2oZjJEVBD04uwzgPtp7nn42sf3eYnDqnBW_ZF72XwZku8OxYorIozcER3GU9ahJGSR9EY3v7SB7tPU5jXCqzUs2hgeUYP8vDXOP3I0B8KUXD7Q9X7ymyVGXlRgA87HR79rAUy28/s320/3D+Book+cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-72426624041091779332017-08-31T12:58:00.001-04:002017-11-11T13:08:35.074-05:00The value of a support group<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know many people who would love to go to a local support group, but there either isn't one in your area or you are not well enough to attend. This is the beauty of online support groups. However, if you are well enough to get out and go to a support group, please consider one. The human interaction can do wonders! Join one even if it is not for the health condition you live with. Before writing off this idea, please read about my experience going to a support group for a condition I do not have and how it has been of benefit.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over a year ago, I was having lunch with a friend who has <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/about-dystonia" target="_blank">dystonia</a> and someone we had both just met who has <a href="http://www.essentialtremor.org/" target="_blank">essential tremor (ET)</a>, a sister movement disorder. That day we learned about a local essential tremor group that meets monthly. Even though I don't have ET, I went to the meeting to support my friend since this was his maiden voyage and he was nervous.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since I have dystonia without a tremor unless I force my head the way it does not want to turn, I felt like a fish out of water when I first walked into the room. I wasn’t sure I would be welcomed since I had a different condition, even though dystonia and essential tremor are relatives in the movement disorder family.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My concerns went out the window when I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was so friendly and curious to learn more about me, my condition, and how I manage my daily challenges. What we all discovered is that even though we have a different condition, we share so many similarities in our personal lives, primarily those that affect us psychologically, emotionally, and socially. Below is a picture of some of the group regulars.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKWZUjTnCiZS4LytgJFrfMFf_xZyUllMZtcjdTksNLgmy1NNGjXkEu_LFtSpQ9AkNA0dPqLje8svLAKqhHwSMVZyhsDce7Vy9Yn31_Yj_7e10HUyIjn2QEOHGjdUPGSAjVxUyeLJdJe4/s1600/WETAG+Picture+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKWZUjTnCiZS4LytgJFrfMFf_xZyUllMZtcjdTksNLgmy1NNGjXkEu_LFtSpQ9AkNA0dPqLje8svLAKqhHwSMVZyhsDce7Vy9Yn31_Yj_7e10HUyIjn2QEOHGjdUPGSAjVxUyeLJdJe4/s640/WETAG+Picture+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of the members have very pronounced symptoms, while others are only noticeable at certain times. Regardless, everyone lives with one or more of the following: anxiety, fear, social phobia, shame, guilt, anger, frustration about poor medical care, and of course frustration with daily living by not being able to do tasks that were once so simple. They also have incredible empathy, compassion, and kindness… the qualities I admire most!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We meet once a month and the number of attendees run from about 3 to 15 people. It is such a nice time for us to share what we experience on a daily basis, information about medical advancements, personal stories, and sometimes nothing even related to our health issues; just fun conversations in a safe place. Everyone has a different protocol of treatments, all with varying results. Everyone is eager to learn and excited to be among those who understand. These meetings allow us to let go, where all of our “problems” no longer exist.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Communicating online is of course wonderful, but to hear a voice, see an expression, give and receive a real hug, among many other things, is very healing. Please look into various support groups in your area and if you are well enough to attend, please take advantage and get to know the many wonderful people in your area who are just like you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please also consider one of the many support group meetings that the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation holds all over the country. <a href="https://www.dystonia-foundation.org/events/C3/3" target="_blank">Click on this link</a> for upcoming events and meetings. If you are in the Nashville, TN area on September 27th or would like to visit that fun city, I will be speaking at a dystonia meeting along with Dr. David Charles from Vanderbilt University. The details are below. This is a free meeting and anyone can attend. <a href="https://dystoniafoundation.formstack.com/forms/education_symposium_template_copy_1_copy_copy" target="_blank">Registration</a> is online, but walk-ins are also welcome. I would love to meet many of you in person so I hope you are able to attend!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember that September is Dystonia Awareness Month! If you would like to learn what you can do to help, please contact the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation by phone at 800-377-3978 or by email at dystonia@dystonia-foundation.org. Also, in honor of Dystonia Awareness Month, I am offering a 20% discount off my book, <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><i>Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</i></a>. Please use the coupon code <b>AWARE</b> at checkout. Pick up a copy for yourself, or get a few copies for your loved ones and doctors. Thank you for your support in helping make dystonia a household name!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FXYWQfCBqXrcr3VR3Fjs05QrVfFXjsNwSZUOW881yhqSudDMS5j9NXNE_-OV7SRDgzUeEX1oKOJfF3fgcZiLZQh_XtrJjE8Qt50mR-7kktQ5kphIq-YFfsTVK1hNHW0UO8zaqXlD6nc/s1600/Dystonia+Nashville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="660" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FXYWQfCBqXrcr3VR3Fjs05QrVfFXjsNwSZUOW881yhqSudDMS5j9NXNE_-OV7SRDgzUeEX1oKOJfF3fgcZiLZQh_XtrJjE8Qt50mR-7kktQ5kphIq-YFfsTVK1hNHW0UO8zaqXlD6nc/s640/Dystonia+Nashville.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em style="border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></em></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThAGPyQJgAf2YrL8kU4nW7lqgft2kECZuT90wHzh6TuaZTvUVlv4k_ile2DL683PKiC2-1mfs9kWkTCUIlv0AootBSbnX4rHXa3TH813ZQ9W7dPtXIsggvlVRz5-MPqXh3F9kqeaLU4s/s320/3D+Book+cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="height: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #fafdfe;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="height: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #fafdfe;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="height: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #fafdfe;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="height: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: #fafdfe;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><br /></i></span></span></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-56583066316579585642017-08-14T19:19:00.000-04:002019-09-17T03:48:35.502-04:00Water soluble CBD review<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been given this product as part of a product review through the
</span><a href="http://chronicillnessbloggers.com/chronic-illness-bloggers/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chronic
Illness Bloggers</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in
this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced or paid by the company.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As many of you know, I live with chronic pain from a neurological
movement disorder called <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">dystonia</a>. It is a condition where muscles in the body
(in my case, the neck, shoulders, and back) involuntarily contract, causing awkward
movements and postures. For most of us with <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">dystonia</a>, pain is the most common symptom, so </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am always on
the lookout for anything that can give me and others relief. When it comes to things I ingest, m</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">y preference is to go the
natural route before medical, but I use a combination of both. In recent
months, CBD products have been of interest to me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">CBD stands for cannabidiol, the non-addictive compound found in the cannabis (marijuana) plant, often known as hemp. The other well-known compound in cannabis is THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the principal psychoactive, potentially addictive element. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a “high.” Both compounds have been shown to relieve many health problems.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a member of <a href="http://chronicillnessbloggers.com/chronic-illness-bloggers/" target="_blank">Chronic Illness Bloggers</a>, a network of bloggers focused on chronic illness, I was asked to review <a href="https://www.biocbdplus.com/our-products/ref/CoachTom" target="_blank">BioCBD+™ Total Body Care</a>, made by <a href="https://www.biocbdplus.com/our-products/ref/CoachTom" target="_blank">BioCBD+™</a>, and share my experience. <a href="https://www.biocbdplus.com/our-products/ref/CoachTom" target="_blank">BioCBD+™ Total Body Care</a> is an all natural, water soluble source of CBD, plus Ayurvedic herbs. It is</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> vegan</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">, pesticide free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and contains no soy, nuts, added sugar, or artificial coloring or flavoring. <a href="https://www.biocbdplus.com/our-products/ref/CoachTom" target="_blank">BioCBD+™ Total Body Care</a> is also c</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">GMP certified (the highest certification possible in the nutrition supplement industry), which is an added bonus for me as a consumer. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On their <a href="https://www.biocbdplus.com/our-products/ref/CoachTom" target="_blank">website</a>, they provide a certificate of analysis for all of their products so you can see their exact ingredients.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1767319506"><span id="goog_1377253403"></span><span id="goog_1377253407"></span><span id="goog_1767319437"></span><span id="goog_1767319490"></span><span id="goog_1767319498"></span><span id="goog_1767319507"></span><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.biocbdplus.com/our-products/ref/CoachTom" target="_blank"><span id="goog_1767319511"></span><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4-axvvglbJxh_xObH7BbpyKk0TAh0CfVeC2Sg-oRBQyaoXg_7Ay-y46PNlr1cS-DDY3PVePwO-l5_iNqdCOFYVlAOQjph4UIoMdRtcJJx-jRedzivL_HTy85_CrC6rgHEhyMcdgYqXs/s320/BIOcBD.jpg" width="191" /></a></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
style='width:158.25pt;height:264.75pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/toms/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span id="goog_1767319512"></span><span id="goog_1767319508"></span><span id="goog_1767319499"></span><span id="goog_1767319491"></span><span id="goog_1767319438"></span><span id="goog_1377253408"></span><span id="goog_1377253404"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unlike most other CBD formulations on the market </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(oil drops, sprays, and topical lotions)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">, <a href="https://www.biocbdplus.com/our-products/ref/CoachTom" target="_blank">BioCBD+™Total Body Care</a> is a capsule just like a typical supplement. The
company claims that their water soluble CBD makes the cannabinoids,
terpenes, magnesium, and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">turmeric </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(curcumin) </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">5 times more bioavailable (more easily absorbed) than their oil-based competition. According to their <a href="https://www.biocbdplus.com/our-products/ref/CoachTom" target="_blank">website</a>, tests show that 10 mg of <a href="https://www.biocbdplus.com/our-products/ref/CoachTom" target="_blank">BioCBD+™ Total Body Care</a> is the equivalent of taking 50 mg or more of oil-based CBD.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The suggested dose is 1-3 capsules a day, up to 6 capsules. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each capsule has 10 mg of organic European grown hemp CBD, plus Ayurvedic herbs. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I began with 1
capsule once a day and increased to 3 a day over the course of a week (2 in the morning and 1 in the evening). I was
not noticing any changes at one or two capsules a day. A couple days after increasing to 3 capsules a day, I felt more relaxed with a moderate reduction in pain. At times, I found myself feeling drowsy. If I did not keep active, I
felt like taking a nap.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While I noticed a decrease in pain, there was no marked improvement, although I did feel better.
Since I had on a few occasions succumbed to less activity because of the
drowsiness, that further helped reduce my pain. I continued taking
3 capsules per day, but chose to take only 1 in the morning and 2 in the
evening closer to my bedtime so I could be more productive during the day and relax before bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I made this change, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">pain relief remained consistent, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">my mind remained calm, and I was less drowsy. I felt more grounded with greater clarity. It reminds me of how I feel after a good massage or acupuncture treatment where I feel a greater sense of calm wakefulness. It was subtle, but I felt less of an edge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The biggest difference I noticed was with tendonitis in my elbow. It was
not bothering me near as much after taking it. This is a big
positive, because there were days it was so bad that just shaking
someone’s hand would cause screaming pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I encourage you to check out their <a href="https://www.biocbdplus.com/our-products/ref/CoachTom" target="_blank">website</a> to learn more about this product
and the others they have. It is different from other products I have tried in terms
of its formulation, so it may very well be just what you are looking for in a
CBD product. The website is also packed with helpful information about CBD and how it works. The company prides itself on customer satisfaction, so if you are
not completely satisfied, they offer a 30-day, 100% money back guarantee.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<em style="border: 0px; color: #151414; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj-Cm2oZjJEVBD04uwzgPtp7nn42sf3eYnDqnBW_ZF72XwZku8OxYorIozcER3GU9ahJGSR9EY3v7SB7tPU5jXCqzUs2hgeUYP8vDXOP3I0B8KUXD7Q9X7ymyVGXlRgA87HR79rAUy28/s320/3D+Book+cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-85280957161132853472017-08-07T18:56:00.000-04:002017-11-11T13:11:25.792-05:00Post Traumatic Growth<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fafdfe;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We often hear the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event. PTSD is commonly used in context of military personnel returning from active duty, but it applies to anyone who has faced traumatic events such as sexual or physical assault, an acute or chronic health condition, natural disasters, the unexpected death of a loved one, or an accident.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most people who experience a traumatic event will have reactions that may include shock, anger, nervousness, fear, and even guilt. These reactions are normal and for most people go away over time. For a person with PTSD, however, feelings of intense fear, helplessness, or horror continue and may even increase, becoming so strong that they keep the person from living a fulfilling life. Some people with health conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">dystonia</a>, chronic pain, and many others experience PTSD.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A term we hear far less about, if at all, is called Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). PTG refers to people who become stronger and create a more meaningful life in the wake of tragedy or trauma. They don’t just bounce back, which is resilience; they bounce higher than they ever did before.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WTW1fLJsvpRdNEPiqgqv5iegE7NENWrgaXp1b0OiwNwSrlHb3M79RUREYB4l7OnWI9qjOsyymDVhZp8Hvn2omecXCcY6dRUJljjTCV1BFFeS8sG4oKMGfSiMtxd1S4hJ7U_XvycxniI/s1600/Strength+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="300" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WTW1fLJsvpRdNEPiqgqv5iegE7NENWrgaXp1b0OiwNwSrlHb3M79RUREYB4l7OnWI9qjOsyymDVhZp8Hvn2omecXCcY6dRUJljjTCV1BFFeS8sG4oKMGfSiMtxd1S4hJ7U_XvycxniI/s320/Strength+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">PTG is characterized by people changing their views of themselves, such as an increased sense of strength; “If I lived through that, I can face anything.” They tend to show more gratitude and have greater acceptance of their vulnerabilities and limitations, and also develop a sense that new opportunities have emerged from their struggle. Relationships are enhanced; people come to value their friends and family more, feel an increased sense of compassion for others and a longing for more intimate relationships.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They can also experience an increased sense of connection to others who suffer, which is evident in the support groups many of us belong to where we find great empathy and compassion. They gain a greater appreciation for life in general, finding a fresh, positive outlook each day; they re-evaluate what really matters in life, become less materialistic, and are better able to live in the present. Another common feature is a change or deepening in spiritual beliefs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was never diagnosed with PTSD, but I lived through periods of intense fear, anger, desperation, and hopelessness after experiencing a dramatic shift in my life due to chronic pain from <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">dystonia</a>. Having worked through a lot of these emotions over the years, I have seen a significant amount of growth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I appreciate many things I once took for granted. I realize how fragile life is and how it should be honored by treating ourselves and others with love and respect. I have a much deeper appreciation for people who struggle with life challenges. I have come to better understand the meaning of loss which has increased my ability to live in gratitude. I have also found greater meaning to my life and feel a deeper spiritual connection.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">HOWEVER, I had to get past my anger and open myself up to opportunities, which took time. I needed to grieve for the life I lost. Once I did, I saw things very differently and began behaving in more positive ways. The key was not being so stubborn and peeking outside my box of comfort and seeing the life I could create for myself, all the while still living with chronic pain and <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">dystonia</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JT7pFlgZmy6jTCiWgJZEEqgxnAFUB4HgOly4_OTipbhAcf6NU0y442Gaa2NvIQ2tO79tJ4bQWLdXEJjhRHpQ18rNRh10bemz6ljf3BTZeZHoBqdA39a0bdwP6sTzdWb092yRLSDe4rA/s1600/Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JT7pFlgZmy6jTCiWgJZEEqgxnAFUB4HgOly4_OTipbhAcf6NU0y442Gaa2NvIQ2tO79tJ4bQWLdXEJjhRHpQ18rNRh10bemz6ljf3BTZeZHoBqdA39a0bdwP6sTzdWb092yRLSDe4rA/s400/Box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Any life challenge can truly be a source of growth for all of us in ways we probably never imagined, and research has shown that in the face of great challenges, significant human and spiritual growth can occur. In order for it to take place, it is crucial that we are open to the possibilities that lie within our “misfortune.” We must abandon hatred and anger, for it will only worsen the pain we feel, preventing us from any kind of growth. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and reach a higher level of well being.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<em style="border: 0px; color: #151414; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafdfe;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj-Cm2oZjJEVBD04uwzgPtp7nn42sf3eYnDqnBW_ZF72XwZku8OxYorIozcER3GU9ahJGSR9EY3v7SB7tPU5jXCqzUs2hgeUYP8vDXOP3I0B8KUXD7Q9X7ymyVGXlRgA87HR79rAUy28/s320/3D+Book+cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafdfe;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-6108717149520816562017-07-31T03:13:00.000-04:002017-12-06T12:12:55.841-05:00Relax while you work<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For many of us with health issues that involve </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">pain, muscle spasms/contractions, fatigue</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">, etc., sitting at a desk and working at the computer is very difficult. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You may recall a recent blog I wrote called, <i><a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2017/06/tips-to-save-your-neck-and-back-working.html" target="_blank">Tips to save your neck and back working at the computer</a>.</i> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I shared tips for working upright at a desk more easily, but many of us have to lie in bed, on the couch, recliner, or floor at times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To that end, I mentioned a product called <a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank">Laptop Laidback</a> that was designed specifically for working on your laptop, tablet, iPad, Kindle, etc., while lying down. Unable to work like we used to and want to, this can make us feel very unproductive. <a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank">Laptop Laidback</a> helps change all that. Check out the pictures below.</span><br />
<a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank">
</a>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.laptop-laidback.com?wpam_id=3" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxLHMeu2J5FnasPI5-uE0HB4K-MEsUC8C1Ad2Lp8Fcl0xqTm31Lft7lEPHNqokzm6aQRbQykWpMyQXBhxzXVOIZs49F4N7JuzfPy8ZFYqqBIfYzwoIXZ5gZPeJhO45noGqz_W_rvK1yk/s320/Laptop+Laidback.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.laptop-laidback.com?wpam_id=3" border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="286" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrhOzhJQaSmBaGkomdicdtb5XX0XXI2MiuJNUdSvYlFc4rd-eOB-CE3MUdoTkyvqzTAI6HzgH3BH9Wa-0edrsHKS_Z5uFG8F_k83SixpReV8NhUWld__YeuTEVNfaLnN0e0iMc2UT38c/s400/P1050518_male_leg_brace286_x-196.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As many of you know from reading my <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" target="_blank">dystonia book</a>, I do a lot of work writing health articles, copywriting/publishing, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" target="_blank">blogging</a>, and <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" target="_blank">life coaching</a>. While my symptoms from dystonia have improved using a variety of different treatments, I still get worn out from pain, dizziness, and fatigue. When I have a lot of work to do and am too sore or tired to sit at the computer, I will hit the floor and continue working.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used to prop my laptop on my bent knees, but it caused more strain and tension than I would prefer because I had to reach for the keyboard as I balanced the computer. When I began using <a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank">Laptop Laidback</a>, I was able to relax my arms and legs, allowing me to work for longer periods of time in a comfortable position.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are similar products on the market, but I like </span><a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=10" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Laptop Laidback</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> best because it is the only one where I can keep my elbows rested </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">on the surface of the bed, floor, recliner, etc., </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">while typing. It was designed with this in mind and n</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">o other product to my knowledge allows you to do this. It is a critical feature because </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">less arm reaching and lifting equals less pain!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.laptop-laidback.com?wpam_id=3" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="1024" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_mGwI7fVLHUuYTz5aaS4JMROwX7rTI-9qSOaW3x9-G7Cq48lyVC0WMNpCDmevH0YUdtr7VfkI5ucCZiUfU3Yeym5pK5J-Wsqq_FmNdNS83m9ylHqV3TupQvLTwiyrKNlpb5ofybSMBA/s640/laptop-bed-table-advantages-laidback2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have to be honest... when I first received it, I was skeptical. It is made of lightweight material and while very easy to assemble (no tools required), it seemed flimsy</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">. Never did I think it would support my computer with me pounding away at the keys </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(I then found out </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">it is made of a glass fiber formula similar to the sturdy wheels of a wheelchair)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">. It also took some trial and error to get it adjusted to the proper angle and height for my needs. However, once I did, WOW, what a difference!! Not only is it super solid (beautifully designed by a physics teacher), it sits at the perfect height so I can finally relax when I have to lie down to work! I experience so much less disc</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">omfort. You wouldn't think by looking at it or holding it that it would be so solid and user friendly. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I encourage you to look at their <a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank">website</a> to check out its other key features.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was so impressed that I called the designer and owner of the <a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank">company</a>. He is a great guy and very empathetic to those of us in need of a desk like this. He wanted to help so he is offering a $10 discount! Click <a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank">here</a> to go to their <a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank">website</a> and use Coupon Code RELAX when you order. I hope you like it as much as I do!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<em style="border: 0px; color: #151414; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj-Cm2oZjJEVBD04uwzgPtp7nn42sf3eYnDqnBW_ZF72XwZku8OxYorIozcER3GU9ahJGSR9EY3v7SB7tPU5jXCqzUs2hgeUYP8vDXOP3I0B8KUXD7Q9X7ymyVGXlRgA87HR79rAUy28/s320/3D+Book+cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-54503613915916909042017-07-16T18:43:00.000-04:002017-11-11T13:12:21.303-05:00How one looks is not a measure for how one feels<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Human beings are visual creatures, so we often associate how one feels based on how they look and act. Sadly, this is very short sighted. Many people live with life altering conditions such as chronic pain, <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/about-dystonia" target="_blank">dystonia</a>, cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, etc., with no visible symptoms at all to the naked eye. We also can't see </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">anxiety, depression, dementia, PTSD, etc., which can be be crippling, so we should never base any conclusions about how someone feels on their appearance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For many years, I lived with very visible symptoms of </span><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/about-dystonia" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">cervical dystonia</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and intense chronic pain where I could barely function, as well as morbid obesity. I also dealt with debilitating anxiety and depression. After losing </span><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/about-tom" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">150 pounds </a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(see before and after below) and learning to better manage my dystonia and chronic pain symptoms, I look normal so most people wrongfully think I am cured.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW15KHJ-c_TrFZa3mvp7EufeD_CeVXTd9CbaTT-OJQSdOLD55tvgZFI_Ph-0uKX6bew1Cem-bS8IHIQvL6aT_nPZty8jF9x5K7mctToEStpIlkQnxE9qOLN8KE-l5WRUSjYyHSwITIeok/s1600/Tom+Twisted+2+pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW15KHJ-c_TrFZa3mvp7EufeD_CeVXTd9CbaTT-OJQSdOLD55tvgZFI_Ph-0uKX6bew1Cem-bS8IHIQvL6aT_nPZty8jF9x5K7mctToEStpIlkQnxE9qOLN8KE-l5WRUSjYyHSwITIeok/s400/Tom+Twisted+2+pics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1tHWS7D0wxAsUnYyrmd9IvaP-jrBP6Czy9i8PeAktN7lyVP-5-7f6TiwdyQXZLuzgb_zb9ZwXn87fm2Pv_vBd_K62sXNq74eH6H5Jyg1M1CwZNmIqX8ym16tlMEIqiDGR-lnYA58caY/s1600/Tom+Weight+2005-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="878" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1tHWS7D0wxAsUnYyrmd9IvaP-jrBP6Czy9i8PeAktN7lyVP-5-7f6TiwdyQXZLuzgb_zb9ZwXn87fm2Pv_vBd_K62sXNq74eH6H5Jyg1M1CwZNmIqX8ym16tlMEIqiDGR-lnYA58caY/s400/Tom+Weight+2005-2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In actuality, I still live with pain and muscle contractions, awkward postures from muscles involuntarily pulling me off center, fatigue, etc. It is just not as visible as it used to be, but that doesn't mean I don't feel like someone is strangling me most of the time and my muscle contractions make me want to fall on the floor. Unfortunately, people can't see it so people often don't believe it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the case for many people who are living with chronic health conditions. Many symptoms are completely invisible. Granted, dystonia is one that is often visible, but I know countless people with dystonia who have brutal symptoms that do not manifest physically. As a result, it is hard to diagnose and it is hard for people to believe them when they explain how they feel. People think it is all in our head, we are lazy, looking for attention, and so many other thoughtless judgments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sadly though, we all judge and compare. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We do it with relationships, financial status, social life, possessions, and countless other things. Some people even compare their health with others. I used to </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">compare my dystonia (and most of my life for that matter) with people all the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I was experiencing the worst of my dystonia symptoms, in my mind, if someone didn’t look as bad as me then there was no way they could feel as bad as me. How wrong I was and shame on me!! </span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Appearance means nothing</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I know people with very difficult looking symptoms that have little to no pain and are very functional, others with no visible symptoms and in terrible pain, unable to do much of anything, and of course many people in between. <b>H</b></span><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">ow one looks is not a measure for how one feels!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5o_WtnKJLQqkSAYouBbH3QjjU2S3mdgrsDa3LqrHwruoacMnNZzchCSaGNs1HBXoHmUk2GtgYHQeUlHP_mMFs1ktALMGLjKsOo85lu8GvXzpcyVT0a7H6xdJsE1dGO0lZHaTciTv72A/s1600/compare-643305_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="640" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5o_WtnKJLQqkSAYouBbH3QjjU2S3mdgrsDa3LqrHwruoacMnNZzchCSaGNs1HBXoHmUk2GtgYHQeUlHP_mMFs1ktALMGLjKsOo85lu8GvXzpcyVT0a7H6xdJsE1dGO0lZHaTciTv72A/s400/compare-643305_640.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When times were really tough for me, it was hard to reconcile hearing people say things like, “I can’t take it anymore”; “I wish I were never born”; “The pain is more than I can handle.” When I said these things it was usually just a way of describing to others how sick I felt, but there were plenty of times I really felt this way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I heard others use these same words while they were still working, travelling, running, hiking, playing tennis and golf, etc., going to social functions, and living what appeared to be a pretty normal life, while I was literally living on my floor because I was in too much pain to sit or stand, I was infuriated. For years, just walking to the bathroom from bed was a major undertaking. I couldn’t fathom doing all the other things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It took me a long time to realize that I was being unfair because we only know what we know. Our reality is unique to us, so for a person who we perceive as having “mild” symptoms, it might be far worse than we think and/or to them it might be the worst thing they ever experienced.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioavtL5kgF0WLxtN4m8fdKRlj-pcapsIBISUcX68gmVwFDY15QVjwgZ18QAclyAX8l5A1jepZexnzwN6xumVzvz3Zm3HDW2tnFDZsQz2Rfdci082DvOZKtblFnUb7Szlm82S-TwHm1IxI/s1600/450182298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="500" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioavtL5kgF0WLxtN4m8fdKRlj-pcapsIBISUcX68gmVwFDY15QVjwgZ18QAclyAX8l5A1jepZexnzwN6xumVzvz3Zm3HDW2tnFDZsQz2Rfdci082DvOZKtblFnUb7Szlm82S-TwHm1IxI/s320/450182298.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">People also have different pain thresholds, attitudes, and coping skills. Thus, their words ring true for them. They can describe themselves however they want and be involved in whatever activities they choose. We are not in their shoes so we don’t know what they are experiencing. Quite frankly, it is none of our business.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just because someone else, whether they have a limiting health condition or not, might be able to do things you can’t or find uncomfortable does not make you any less of a person. There may be things you can do with ease where others struggle. Either way, it doesn’t matter. You have many great qualities and everyone in your life should focus on the strengths that exist and the accomplishments YOU achieve every day. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our time is better spent doing all we can to feel as well as we can, instead of comparing ourselves with others and trying to understand and figure out someone else’s life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPAB0ZtEw0tldtg6AKuCL3t_FYDIBoMErAZQqxboqx4_2tLVIo3zNEdkRb4-Tx5RawZTYVSZwaJtcziIrOkSTiVskSht3dsD1UtPzqCux9655QXHE38uJ3Wq67D_2XKzhOU5pCwzVbrg/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPAB0ZtEw0tldtg6AKuCL3t_FYDIBoMErAZQqxboqx4_2tLVIo3zNEdkRb4-Tx5RawZTYVSZwaJtcziIrOkSTiVskSht3dsD1UtPzqCux9655QXHE38uJ3Wq67D_2XKzhOU5pCwzVbrg/s320/download.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em style="border: 0px; color: #151414; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDYPD2mfmNjqji7CfGKiKUB6sznKDNP0nPkG0kggnLbr5KDosB3k9M3eOxZOd_MKObtostQBf85wdhDC4jUd74dnCDze1as-rBcS5JS2qsWsJdWVJ-Dc1BTsYBtcQ6iLX7TESIH8LU7o/s320/3D+Book+cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;">
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-57220533810849559252017-06-25T19:44:00.001-04:002017-12-06T12:13:57.504-05:00Tips to save your neck and back working on the computer<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The way we do things throughout the day can sometimes have the greatest impact on our symptoms. Our body learns by repetition, so our daily habits are critical. I find them to be so important that I devoted an entire chapter to them in my <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">dystonia book</a>, sharing different ideas, tips, and tricks for doing different everyday activities with greater ease. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently, I have been hearing from lots of people who are having difficulty working at their computer, so I want to focus on this particular topic. What I have to share is my opinion and not universal, but hopefully you find some ideas helpful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjq6MZGPTr_Q8EdGI13QeH9_s8rk2V7x08QPIxYct3KO2ZHC0u-0tiYqo6M68MgK164XjYKHG_lFOSv818zl5findXr30qqkUp1zn4UFKGkktQ6tPqLDBQRMvQKWQjZKXHVhWFLE4tBwc/s1600/95761a_9cb0a60fce34460ea33d199c0d3375a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="425" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjq6MZGPTr_Q8EdGI13QeH9_s8rk2V7x08QPIxYct3KO2ZHC0u-0tiYqo6M68MgK164XjYKHG_lFOSv818zl5findXr30qqkUp1zn4UFKGkktQ6tPqLDBQRMvQKWQjZKXHVhWFLE4tBwc/s400/95761a_9cb0a60fce34460ea33d199c0d3375a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For a bit of history, when my symptoms were more severe, I had to push my head straight to see the computer screen and was only able to type with one hand, like many of you. I pushed so hard, I had a red welt on the side of my chin. For those of you that need to hold your head for support, by all means do so. Putting a pillow or a book under the arm you use to hold your head might make it easier so you don’t slouch or lean to one side. This is how I started. Over time, I only had to lightly touch my chin using an </span><a href="http://www.dystonia.org.uk/index.php/living-with-dystonia/coping-with-dystonia/sensory-tricks" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">antagonistic gesture (sensory trick)</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to keep my neck muscles from pulling. I then got to where I didn’t need to hold my head or cup my chin in my hand.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Aside from the obvious pain and fatigue that comes with dystonia, one of the main
culprits of neck and back pain when we work on the computer is poor posture and improper use of armrests, or not using them at all. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Resting our arms at certain
angles or holding them up to type puts stress on the neck, shoulders, and back.
Even people without dystonia develop problems in these areas when they don't
use armrests or when they use them improperly, but it is especially important for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many of us have laptops, smart
phones, tablets, iPads, etc., making it so we can sit, stand, or lay down
wherever we want to do our work. However, we tend to get lazy and find the most
comfortable position, which is usually one that promotes poor posture. Some
people will put their gadget on a desk or table where they have to lift their
arms up and/or out to reach the keys to type. Some put them on a coffee table
or bed and then lean forward to type.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of this puts WAY too much strain
on the body if the arms, shoulders, and neck are not evenly supported. Even sitting
with computers on our laps can promote poor posture, typically one that is
slumped or rounded. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It also happens when we type on our phones.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> This posture shortens/tightens our muscles, potentially increasing
symptoms.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is an image showing one of
the ways to not sit at the computer. At first glance it looks like he is in a
good position, and for the most part he is, but notice the amount of space between his arm
and armrest, forcing him to engage much more of his upper body than necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yoNgktroGLhVikuuiTehRs4rJZq6ccX7uwMS6qzOkBXSNFpvkxoPAhMakrAsHFYOca8OQHcAFOR62jNyyaArxPuaOBZbJcSCBYuMY-WuXad23npclBjgi344CXSQkjFDDfgaXesx3nk/s1600/Desk+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yoNgktroGLhVikuuiTehRs4rJZq6ccX7uwMS6qzOkBXSNFpvkxoPAhMakrAsHFYOca8OQHcAFOR62jNyyaArxPuaOBZbJcSCBYuMY-WuXad23npclBjgi344CXSQkjFDDfgaXesx3nk/s640/Desk+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although he is sitting in good
posture and not reaching for the keyboard, holding his arms in the air to type
strains his neck, shoulders, and back. Also notice the upward angle of his arms
to the keyboard, the opposite they should be for a relaxed working position.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This man has dystonia and his primary area of pain, muscle spasms, and tightness is his neck, shoulders, and
base of the skull, and it is at its worst when he works. When he modified his work station that allowed him to rest
his arms at a stress free angle, it reduced his symptoms.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I use a laptop and because</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I can’t find a comfortable position to sit
and work without reaching for the keys and straining my neck and shoulders, I
bought a wireless keyboard and mouse. I also bought a desk that has a slide out
keyboard tray. I put the wireless keyboard and mouse on the slide out tray and
the laptop on the desk. I have a desk chair where the armrests slide right up
to the keyboard tray (see below).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My arms are at a level that when
I am typing my hands sit comfortably on the keys. There is a slight downward
angle from my elbows to my hands to the keyboard, which keeps my shoulders
relaxed. My screen is a little below eye level so I don’t have to strain to
hold up my head or lean it forward or back. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My chin is slightly pulled back and tucked, keeping my head and
neck in a neutral position. I also use an </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2t902fT" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Obusforme back support</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to help with
posture.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="height: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Below is a picture of my work
station. I certainly don’t have the best posture in the world and my core is not as
engaged as well as it could be, but notice how my elbows sit comfortably on
the armrests and my arms angle downward toward the keyboard, taking stress off
my neck and shoulders. This position allows me to work longer hours.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UtCiBQhpoFTlN7YbEzqsscxkv0vWifyGv-WCr_lHw4XpAFlz1gyXySsfixWR4_-cYo0pW_WOU4tkmS_NmwG9ysD61GAl8h7gq1w9k_yzaxm8qY8NNEd0MHuHz3QwpMdqGzITytOA1hw/s1600/Desk+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1600" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UtCiBQhpoFTlN7YbEzqsscxkv0vWifyGv-WCr_lHw4XpAFlz1gyXySsfixWR4_-cYo0pW_WOU4tkmS_NmwG9ysD61GAl8h7gq1w9k_yzaxm8qY8NNEd0MHuHz3QwpMdqGzITytOA1hw/s400/Desk+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will also lay on the floor on my back with my laptop propped up against my knees, especially when I have a lot of writing to do. This might be the best option for those who find sitting to be difficult, and there are many laptop stands you can get that are designed for working while laying down. The one I use is called <a href="https://www.laptop-laidback.com/?wpam_id=3" target="_blank">Laptop Laidback</a> which I highly recommend. "Little" things like this can make a world of difference in our symptoms. For more tips and tricks for daily activities, please see my <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" target="_blank">dystonia book</a>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: #fafdfe;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em style="border: 0px; color: #151414; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe;">
<i><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCj-Cm2oZjJEVBD04uwzgPtp7nn42sf3eYnDqnBW_ZF72XwZku8OxYorIozcER3GU9ahJGSR9EY3v7SB7tPU5jXCqzUs2hgeUYP8vDXOP3I0B8KUXD7Q9X7ymyVGXlRgA87HR79rAUy28/s320/3D+Book+cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-68889961845054363332017-06-19T11:10:00.000-04:002017-11-11T13:13:30.637-05:00Attitude determines altitude<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">People often tell me how positive I am, and that is true most of the time. Having lived over 15 years with a painful, life changing neurological disorder called <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/about-dystonia" target="_blank">dystonia</a>, there is no way on earth I could do it if I didn't have a positive outlook on not only this aspect of my life, but on every other aspect of my life. Before I give the wrong impression, I still struggle with difficult symptoms, so it is not as though I am cured or have all the answers. I continue to be a work in progress, but for those who know me or have read my <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">book</a>, you know that I have come a long way from some very dark places, and you can too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those of you who are deeply suffering, talk of a positive attitude may anger you. I understand. There was a time when it would infuriate me also. What I have learned over time though, is that this is the only way to live well, but we can only embrace this mindset when we are ready. Take your time. Allow the grief process to play out. This is hugely important.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKKQIuHaIjAFc5aa4eD4MQQi3dvojmMylwQPU1B4JKd3imkhrRZ05BQPEX1DvygZv1p4-HcmVZ7PkxsehtMErD9bV1AjcHci_Hbm_2UHzatQRIxXfN0KXYQic6WB38BTf946xHsuXPfg/s1600/positiveattitudepositiveresults.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="582" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKKQIuHaIjAFc5aa4eD4MQQi3dvojmMylwQPU1B4JKd3imkhrRZ05BQPEX1DvygZv1p4-HcmVZ7PkxsehtMErD9bV1AjcHci_Hbm_2UHzatQRIxXfN0KXYQic6WB38BTf946xHsuXPfg/s320/positiveattitudepositiveresults.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't say "be positive" for the sake of saying it and I wouldn't look for life's silver linings unless I truly believed it helped. I know what suffering is like and would never blow smoke up your backside or put a fluffy spin on things. Some people feign happiness and a positive outlook, while others live it. Both work, but if you actually believe it and live it, it will have a greater impact. A genuinely positive attitude helps us cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into our lives, making it easier to avoid worries and negative thinking. It also produces more of the <a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2016/11/our-mind-as-powerful-as-any-drug.html" target="_blank">"feel good" hormones</a> in the brain. Check out <a href="http://amzn.to/2sKCePq" target="_blank">The Power of Positive Thinking</a> by Norman Vincent Peale.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a popular saying, "Attitude determines altitude", and this is the absolute truth in my opinion. I lived in a very pain filled, depressed and anxiety ridden world for a long time, but I chose to not let myself be that person anymore. I realized that there was no way for me to live and battle successfully if I wallowed in misery. Even though I try to find the silver lining in most things, I still struggle and it can sometimes get to where my head wants to explode. This is when I know I have to dig even deeper to keep myself from losing my marbles and going into that dark hole I once lived for way too long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I keep my eyes focused on the positive, or put a positive spin on things, I am better off. However, it's okay to sometimes talk about what is wrong and vent about it. I do. Sometimes focusing on what is wrong with us is the best thing to do because we need to express our emotions. Acknowledgement of our pain is also the first step to healing. However, we can't let ourselves only live in that depressed, anger filled world with no talk, or action steps, about how to get out of it. It just won't work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGCQVMqztW1w2YG2w96L5wh9TC-KIcy-WUvNrtwhSWhm7cED4pvUrEjyMaMRUzTrzuHT-vxvSCM5VpTqU-YrriYTdF5XgOYhEF7VK8LK0vTMz8YpBVDcLppzmy8197bJJ44Foxd2_lBk/s1600/Positve+Thoghts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGCQVMqztW1w2YG2w96L5wh9TC-KIcy-WUvNrtwhSWhm7cED4pvUrEjyMaMRUzTrzuHT-vxvSCM5VpTqU-YrriYTdF5XgOYhEF7VK8LK0vTMz8YpBVDcLppzmy8197bJJ44Foxd2_lBk/s320/Positve+Thoghts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Years ago when Zig Ziglar declared, “It is your attitude, more than your aptitude, that will determine your altitude," a lot of people saw it as a catchy phrase from a motivational speaker. But he was right. Please take these words to heart and even in the depths of despair, never give up hope. If I can turn my life around from pure misery and despair, and to this day still battle with intense symptoms at times, you can too. We all can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you need help, reach out and I or someone else will lend a hand. We can often feel very alone, but I promise if you extend your hand, there will be someone there to grab it and help you get through the day, and that is all that matters. Forget about yesterday. Forget about tomorrow. Just get through this moment right now and tomorrow will take care of itself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWLRbOf8ypvfbDqQDCqYJuXXDMfqes6v_c2rosYgNAydgkfCn81lXNw7Zb9qNSOBXUuYXLER1cTRU9vm9bNggFGDhIkbF9Bqvi4c4Rpq_DLv5GuNlNegzrh1fqx18ANyCOrufpZZxGEQ/s1600/Positive-Attitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="530" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWLRbOf8ypvfbDqQDCqYJuXXDMfqes6v_c2rosYgNAydgkfCn81lXNw7Zb9qNSOBXUuYXLER1cTRU9vm9bNggFGDhIkbF9Bqvi4c4Rpq_DLv5GuNlNegzrh1fqx18ANyCOrufpZZxGEQ/s320/Positive-Attitude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe;">
<em style="border: 0px; color: #151414; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDuBtlMdpwLtrH5zk8oETnbZuYyJmssl7-MErcnAcixAu2AdmHRIEl3nEEL_e9ZO0qJcMp_r9H9r8V8Mah2rPsopMPJIDE8LCYq4uzBPq1M0TW5-SbnfIj6uiP1cGPYYUy_iBkq-4KnM/s320/3D+Book+cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></i></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-88567923260879733782017-05-25T18:53:00.000-04:002017-11-11T13:14:37.074-05:00Strategies for anxiety and panic attacks<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you
ever had a panic attack? If so, you know how terrifying they can be! I have had
plenty and know exactly what they are like...torture! There is good news though. There are many ways to reduce and eliminate them. First off though, what exactly are panic attacks?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Panic
attacks are the sudden onset of intense anxiety characterized by feelings of
great fear and apprehension. They are often accompanied by things like rapid heart beat,
shortness of breath, dizziness, feeling faint, sweating, trembling, and impending doom.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because of their intensity, people who experience them tend to avoid public places and being around other people, typically groups of people. They also have anticipatory
anxiety even in the most comfortable settings (such as their home), and worry about
the consequences of a panic attack. Panic attacks won’t kill is, but they can feel like we are having a heart attack or stroke so people do all they can to
avoid anything that might trigger one, which can leave one feeling completely
imprisoned and very much misunderstood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguY4-7THCOkVKYCTNbp7lidc9dTtWx9O0lOmsEpEaA2vZJpMqv2LsKEkzmUV25SWbv-g-kS75MVPu8eN2pBzlqJ9Hz3tS1ENU7ARySSgzMObwJQiynNZQvFfDlpxgyJcaX4gv3m1csBAM/s1600/Panic-Attacks-Symptoms.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="245" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguY4-7THCOkVKYCTNbp7lidc9dTtWx9O0lOmsEpEaA2vZJpMqv2LsKEkzmUV25SWbv-g-kS75MVPu8eN2pBzlqJ9Hz3tS1ENU7ARySSgzMObwJQiynNZQvFfDlpxgyJcaX4gv3m1csBAM/s320/Panic-Attacks-Symptoms.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 151.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have
worked very hard to overcome my anxiety and subsequent panic attacks, and I
have been doing well, but they were once very intense! Mine would come out of nowhere.
I would get dizzy and weak, have a pounding heart like it was going to explode,
claustrophobia, shallow breathing, full body trembling, and I would lose all
sense of where I was. My mind would go blank and I couldn’t think clearly. I
feared passing out. I was also self-conscious about how I looked, thinking
everyone could see what I was feeling inside. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those who experience anxiety and panic, you know just what I mean.
So, what do we do about it?</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For me it has
been a variety of things, the first of which was understanding that</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> anxiety is actually a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Like pain and the fight/flight stress response, for example, anxiety protects us from danger. Understanding and embracing that some level of anxiety is normal has been very helpful in accepting the uncomfortable feelings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I then began to confront my fears. I
drove as much as I could. I went shopping, frequented crowded places, and talked
to as many people I could. Whatever triggered any form of fear, apprehension,
and worry, I walked towards it. At first it made me worse, but instead of
running, I sat with the feelings and talked myself down.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The more times I
repeated the things that caused high anxiety and realized that I was safe, the less anxious I became and the
panic attacks disappeared! I also took better care of my health by eating and
sleeping well, listened to guided mediation/relaxation programs, and
exercised. I didn't improve overnight. It took many months to years of dedication. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of
the programs that helped me a lot is called </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2riWXJy" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: normal;">Pass Through Panic</span></a></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
by Dr. Claire Weekes (CD program). She also has a great book called </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2rBeL24" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: normal;">Hope and Help for your Nerves</span></a></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2riWXJy" target="_blank"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjreRhZgaJrXLQr9CAcFhi8X9cB1_QjNCEcFbGewILxK3J5oNUtfdc9Kz4cpgNPb2UfoexBM_kbebvq_oBGLPcO6waLi18hhU3QTrsNHR5WkPbjLtGFdlQdaKcNBg_bwyBNr5Pm8vDqos/s1600/Pass+Through+Panix.jpg" /> </span> </a> <span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2rBeL24" target="_blank"><img alt="http://amzn.to/2rBeL24" border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATd4cUm72_Bf2lo-8QEhIAT-f4g3ivtgmMSVnKUgDQw_KtBDIKx3TLhWUGOhz2oG0h7niVY4FgqMXnFXK3_5-N_gsokhXcEK9ZYsN3OasT-QhHpDAaES87p3WV_nOffW1Ie7_ZuKpJw8/s320/Hope+and+help+for+your+nerves.jpg" width="189" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At times I still feel some apprehension, fear, and worry. When it happens, I use the AWARE technique described below. It comes </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">from the book,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2rRRMNx" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Anxiety Disorders and Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective</a>,<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">by Aaron Beck and Gary Emery.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A</b>: Accept the anxiety. Welcome it. Don’t fight it. Replace your rejection, anger, and hatred of it with acceptance. By resisting, you are prolonging the unpleasantness of it. Instead, flow with it. Don’t make it responsible for how you think, feel, and act.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>W</b>: Watch and Wait. Look at your anxiety without judgment. It’s neither good nor bad. Become detached from it. Remind yourself that you are not your anxiety. The more you can separate yourself from the experience, the more you can view it as a third party observer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even though there is a powerful urge to run away to try and escape anxious situations, postpone that decision for a little bit. Stay in the situation. Don’t tell yourself you can’t leave. Keep that option open so you don’t feel trapped, but remember that you don’t need to run away to get relief. Let relief come to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A</b>: Act with the anxiety. Act as if you aren’t anxious. Function with it. Slow down if you have to, but keep going. Breathe normally. If you run from the situation your anxiety will go down, but your fear will go up. If you stay, both your anxiety and your fear will eventually go down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>R</b>: Repeat the steps. Continue to accept your anxiety, watch it, and act with it until it goes down to a comfortable level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>E</b>: Expect the best. What we fear rarely happens. Recognize that a certain amount of anxiety is a normal part of life. Understanding this puts you in a good position to accept it if it comes again. You are familiar with it and know what to do with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After years
of suffering, with more confidence I began doing things I avoided like the
plague. It opened my world and made life interesting and exciting again.
Instead of worrying about all the bad things that might happen before I did an
activity, I started to look forward to them. A huge burden was lifted and I was
living again. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are many different words people use for the FEAR acronym such as, Face Everything And Rise, False Expectations Appearing Real, Forget Everything And Run, among others. My new favorite one is, Forget Everything And Relax.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Edited excerpt from the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<em style="border: 0px; color: #151414; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em><br />
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCPpl8HLK_4_CIbOFDzEoAmimfPRrzPKO7ol46AeC51bBMnnHRvRgJSxOCOsJTuKa1WSjLiOKq_4LkVL4gtVo06SEUL_ivUmDT3BlV_8iGM4CE5pZgz8K68FsQTQAsniYEZC2F-MOLAA/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></i></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-73249568963748459342017-05-12T18:23:00.001-04:002017-11-11T13:15:16.692-05:00Health benefits of gravity/inversion table<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was a recent discussion about a gravity/inversion table in one of my support groups, so I thought I would share some information about how this device works and my experience using it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The theory behind using a gravity/inversion table is that by inverting your body, you are able to unload the bones, joints, and discs in the back and neck. This is thought to create a traction force through the spine. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another name for inversion therapy is gravitational traction.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Proponents of inversion therapy claim that it helps relieve back, shoulder, neck, and joint pain, improves circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, relieves the discomfort of varicose veins, eases stress on the heart, improves posture, revitalizes and tones facial tissue, and enriches the brain and eyes with oxygen rich blood</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdIEW6T0NBIkz_df5eUr5LcUEMMks2qFtMU46g8-Lak7T-LMf70y1grlgwVjbkdaJ8KzaZqO5gG-mqkYZhyAmQTu1oyZfoOGrIgp932T38okcz5B5FmdxROT-dr6iqs0Sq-5KXiJIi8I/s1600/Inversion+Table+Color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdIEW6T0NBIkz_df5eUr5LcUEMMks2qFtMU46g8-Lak7T-LMf70y1grlgwVjbkdaJ8KzaZqO5gG-mqkYZhyAmQTu1oyZfoOGrIgp932T38okcz5B5FmdxROT-dr6iqs0Sq-5KXiJIi8I/s400/Inversion+Table+Color.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the course of the day, gravity compresses the spine and weight-bearing joints, which can cause pain, poor posture, and a host of other problems. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Inversion allows your joints and spine to elongate, creating space between your ligaments and discs. This helps relieve some of the pressure accrued over the course of your daily activity (or inactivity). The image below illustrates</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> the extent to which different postures can strain the body and how inversion therapy for just a few minutes a day might make a big difference in how we feel. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d9bHh4DB0XlULeWyfuSZ5iVgiktMKv2QIgmVShSPjzfaJwnZOvtFIv_Sb-uDxeKjg7TGY4aDSdsfyIe18otaICU1ZorAJwMCrZzYbM8emgRa8JZaB-aSbZV70Q39fvcPbeebM5RHmGM/s1600/Clip+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d9bHh4DB0XlULeWyfuSZ5iVgiktMKv2QIgmVShSPjzfaJwnZOvtFIv_Sb-uDxeKjg7TGY4aDSdsfyIe18otaICU1ZorAJwMCrZzYbM8emgRa8JZaB-aSbZV70Q39fvcPbeebM5RHmGM/s640/Clip+12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The inversion table that I use is called </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2pRgjUr" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Teeter Hang-ups</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I have an older model (purchased around 2008) and it is very solid. Newer versions are just as solid, if not more so, and have some updated modifications/improvements. There are many places to purchase one, but I suggest starting at </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2pRgjUr" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> by clicking </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2pRgjUr" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. There are several options, so do some shopping around to find the best brand and price for you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The reason I began doing
inversion therapy was because I had severe neck spasms in 2008 whenever I would
lay down. This is what my neck always did since 2001 when I developed dystonia, no matter my body position, but over the years I did a lot of things to help better manage my symptoms to where the
involuntary movements decreased and my posture improved when sitting and standing. Laying down is when the severe spasms still reared their ugly head. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is an image of how my neck was laying down.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1ux1G1ds1Qf1LFkRVJDB5Y45XVZGhqtrqN_JdhcvqzN8xiRvilRcbWOc8bvzuKrdiyf10WMC1YO-qyd0qAsMAnSbypqqLC1-oeAUgUrGkneVAX_tcgYN_JH3LCcfb5wOBNmoMXooofc/s1600/Tom+Laying+Down+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1ux1G1ds1Qf1LFkRVJDB5Y45XVZGhqtrqN_JdhcvqzN8xiRvilRcbWOc8bvzuKrdiyf10WMC1YO-qyd0qAsMAnSbypqqLC1-oeAUgUrGkneVAX_tcgYN_JH3LCcfb5wOBNmoMXooofc/s400/Tom+Laying+Down+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After about 3 weeks of using the
inversion table roughly 3-5 minutes twice a day, I was able to lie down on my
back without any twisting, pulling, or spasms. I was amazed at how little it
took to relieve this problem! My posture also improved and I had less pain. I can't promise similar results for you, but this was my experience. While some people invert a full 90 degrees, 45-60 degrees
is sufficient for me. Below is a silly selfie of me hanging upside down. I clearly find inversion therapy to be a lot of fun!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTgyC_TfIPQoau80HGxbALHzjZ5baY1nXELUcksCJgCJuFAAVZLgmVU57MtSO0nxkhcq3eguUoEeltWNwnaN324wKUrNrCb-CATstxQSyATNEHqkBMQloltclcZknjF4XiI6vFfmPMyQ/s1600/Gravity+Table+Upside+Down.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTgyC_TfIPQoau80HGxbALHzjZ5baY1nXELUcksCJgCJuFAAVZLgmVU57MtSO0nxkhcq3eguUoEeltWNwnaN324wKUrNrCb-CATstxQSyATNEHqkBMQloltclcZknjF4XiI6vFfmPMyQ/s400/Gravity+Table+Upside+Down.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Risks using inversion/gravity table</b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are pregnant, have heart disease, acid reflux, glaucoma, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease, check with your doctor before attempting inversion therapy. This is recommended regardless of your health condition. In addition, the first time anyone tries inversion therapy, they should have someone standing by in case assistance is required to get out of the apparatus, or if health problems are experienced. It is a sensation that can take some getting used to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As with any treatment, inversion
therapy is not for everyone. If you choose to do it, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">please slowly build up how often and for how long you use it.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I once made the mistake of doing too much too soon and developed severe pain
in my neck and upper back. It subsided, but </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was unable to turn my head in either direction for a few days. Also, check with your doctor to determine
if it is right for you, as it may not be appropriate for your situation. Best of luck. I hope it helps you like it has me!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCPpl8HLK_4_CIbOFDzEoAmimfPRrzPKO7ol46AeC51bBMnnHRvRgJSxOCOsJTuKa1WSjLiOKq_4LkVL4gtVo06SEUL_ivUmDT3BlV_8iGM4CE5pZgz8K68FsQTQAsniYEZC2F-MOLAA/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></i></div>
</div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-74887485699978230482017-05-01T13:55:00.000-04:002017-11-11T13:15:34.290-05:00My 4 favorite self-help tools for pain<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These products are for education purposes only and contain affiliate links. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The reader accepts full responsibility for the use of these products. Thank you to Abbe Brown at the ST Recovery Clinic for first introducing me to these products <a href="http://www.stclinic.com/">www.stclinic.com</a>.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Ever
since I developed dystonia in 2001, I have tried what seems like every self-help
tool for pain and muscle spasms known to man. Some make my symptoms worse, some don't
help at all, some only help for a short time, and then there are those that have
always helped in a significant way. In this blog, I am going to share my favorite things that have been consistently helpful. This is not to say you will have the same
benefit, so please find what helps you best. It might take some trial and
error. You might recall another </span><a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2016/09/self-care-tools-for-relieving-pain.html" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 107%;">article</span></a><span style="line-height: 107%;">
I wrote that shared a long list of self-help tools. </span><a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2016/09/self-care-tools-for-relieving-pain.html" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Click here</span></a><span style="line-height: 107%;">
to check it out. This particular blog focuses on the 4 things that help me
most that I use every day.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.68px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;">My favorite tool by far is the shepherd's crook. Similar products are called </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2poZjVQ" style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;">Thera Cane</span></a><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;"> and </span><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2pwppGU" style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Back Buddy</a>. </span><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;">The shepherd’s crook is a long, curved, metal, rubber, or heavy plastic hook with rubber on both ends designed for working on hard to reach trigger points. The metal shepherd’s crook can be purchased from </span><a href="http://www.bonnieprudden.com/" style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;">Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy</span></a><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;">. It is very sturdy, which I love. </span><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;">The </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2poZjVQ" style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;">Thera Cane</span></a><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;"> and </span><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2pwppGU" style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Back Buddy</a> </span><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;">can be found at eBay and Amazon and have a little more bend/give, which is also desireable to me. The </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2poZjVQ" style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 25.68px;">Thera Cane</span></a><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;"> I like comes in two pieces (there are some that are in one piece like in the photo below) which I find super convenient for travelling. The shepherd's crook/Thera Cane is my favorite tool because it helps to reduce my tight back and shoulder muscles, and effectively work on painful trigger points. It also helps with my balance. To see more about how it works, please see my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joiBJCh_YSM" target="_blank">video</a>.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 25.68px;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2poZjVQ" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTYsiIBwo_NT2Uap1nOItvmtMsfHCUXIXBxLRuHjmR28E6jSnF6aDC68Na_1ID9CQpiIC2KF_c0gIdWOsOHLobnYljfMg-FSk7JAnFDxo-Ng5bZmzHv04W0i4wSB2T9nv99YRvPza7xM/s1600/Back+Buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTYsiIBwo_NT2Uap1nOItvmtMsfHCUXIXBxLRuHjmR28E6jSnF6aDC68Na_1ID9CQpiIC2KF_c0gIdWOsOHLobnYljfMg-FSk7JAnFDxo-Ng5bZmzHv04W0i4wSB2T9nv99YRvPza7xM/s400/Back+Buddy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">The
first thing I ever purchased after developing dystonia is called a </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2pLzIH6" target="_blank">NeckEase</a>. It is</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> a hot/cold
aromatherapy pack made by </span><span style="background: rgb(250 , 253 , 254); font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.ebodewell.com/" target="_blank">BodySense</a> that sits on your shoulders and around your neck (see below)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">.
Since it doesn’t get cold enough for my taste, I prefer using ice packs for cold and the </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2pLzIH6" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 107%;">NeckEase</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">
strictly for heat. Just throw it in the microwave for a few minutes and you are set for at least an hour. I then began using their </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2pjZssJ" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Trap Pack</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> so I could heat up my entire back (see below). <span style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254);">I like their products because they provide moist,
penetrating heat with the added benefit of </span></span><a href="http://www.aromatherapy.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254); line-height: 107%;">aromatherapy</span></a><span style="background: rgb(250 , 253 , 254); font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">. Check out their entire <a href="http://www.ebodewell.com/productpage.htm" target="_blank">product line</a>. They
make something for practically every part of the body.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254); line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2pLzIH6"><img alt="http://amzn.to/2pLzIH6" border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1W76qgJuj45llOoAvrkyPnsiPd99A9pnl3Ni4epSd3RB0H1QSNFPdwfVG_NuCXOvtnP43kwImQtgwDRBHTZuTETp7_Wk7K_FTTGgTtghDY2DKNsl4q79zeGtyVuv1tX0tBRj7LeZgn4/s200/neckease.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2pjZssJ"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2pjZssJ"><img alt="http://amzn.to/2pjZssJ" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vjgoUULKDCzYui30woPMzLUYWPDGC6GOa9slEolEHeql38d3G5cL0jQ36XhkHymbHwqQjXNSmBeXQOWmw2SZOoDTtmCcIGxQniFK11IgvMJTQs0klMjbEpg8Lw0Gch7_kbCrVtG3n7I/s320/Trap+Pack.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: rgb(250 , 253 , 254); font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254); line-height: 107%;">I use them before I do my stretching, get a
massage, when I am extra tight and/or sore, and when I have spasms due to cold
weather. I am often tight when I first get up in the morning, so I use them to
loosen up. Some people make their own packs filled with rice and/or different
herbs/spices. That is another option if you have sewing skills. Find whatever
works best for you.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> For more heat options, please see my
other </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2016/09/self-care-tools-for-relieving-pain.html" target="_blank">blog</a> on self-help tools</span><span style="line-height: 107%;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">Another product I have
been using for years is a massage machine called </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2oYrN5a" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Kneading Fingers</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">.
It </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">has two rotating balls designed to duplicate
the firm kneading action of a massage therapist. I use it on my neck and back,
either sitting in a firm chair or standing with it between me and the wall.
Check out the link above, but typically you can find the best prices for this
item on </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2oIKgCJ" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">Amazon</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> and </span><a href="http://www.ebay.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">eBay</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">. I usually use it for about 10-15 minutes in the morning and evening, but I
will use it longer and more often if I am especially tight and in pain.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2oYrN5a" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2oYrN5a" target="_blank"><img alt="http://amzn.to/2oYrN5a" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdOXgsDEMGDnc7B3TX4DXi6CtiqcwEUUEals1_e7esDjeNvn1dj7OIVQXXbrMt6ekeuprUauGT2ri5UkQJUqVLaDYMxGaGVJDkVsGMQ9jURRBpbyl2duitPrNgsvHAkP1xgc8mL_i5ZA/s320/Kneading+Fingers+2.jpg" width="214" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWsVFMzb2aa0XaBuuy_ADoZAY2QmZmZGVet4g6EpwHTmUiG3p1WXXmUlGnkQuCZ9_eXsSXjMFgX3zjPSR6vxbjTfK24D2h1RvM2tIhtl4mwhdgp_Y6aMZdY2-BKNA85IRVQrExQvOClE/s1600/Kneading+fingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWsVFMzb2aa0XaBuuy_ADoZAY2QmZmZGVet4g6EpwHTmUiG3p1WXXmUlGnkQuCZ9_eXsSXjMFgX3zjPSR6vxbjTfK24D2h1RvM2tIhtl4mwhdgp_Y6aMZdY2-BKNA85IRVQrExQvOClE/s320/Kneading+fingers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">My final favorite tool I want to share is called
an </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2qsZix2" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Obusforme</a>, which I think everyone should have</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> If you want to sit in good posture, the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://amzn.to/2qsZix2" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">Obusforme</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"> is the way to go in my opinion. It</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> transforms ordinary chairs into ergonomically
correct seating and puts your spine into a more anatomically correct position
to enhance overall posture by supporting proper spinal alignment. There are a
variety of styles from which to choose and it is portable, making it easy to
use it at home, office, car, sporting events, etc. Poor posture is one of
the leading causes of neck and back pain, and for those of us who already have
neck and back pain, posture is CRITICAL. Whether it be the </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2qsZix2" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">Obusforme</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"> or
something else you like, please be very mindful of your posture. It can make a
significant difference in your symptoms.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2qsZix2" target="_blank"><img alt="http://amzn.to/2qsZix2" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMSrrly12ax0GV90MRNK15R_8tQJ70kn6MkrlrfgeeaOZ6a2YLLK-8awkR0fb8p0Un7oW7kPnLEaXTn9hdDRSr8fyQGDqt6HKVdccyvZvqRwlYjHCkRnsFBnmmujJh9K5JSqI7MWFBUQ/s320/Obusforme.jpg" width="164" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">There are many other tools I use to help me manage my symptoms, but
these are my top 4 favorites I use every day. I hope you also find them to be
of help. For more tools to help neck pain, back pain, and muscle spasms, please </span></span><a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2016/09/self-care-tools-for-relieving-pain.html" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">click here</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;"> to see my other article</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 107%;">.</span></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(250, 253, 254); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCPpl8HLK_4_CIbOFDzEoAmimfPRrzPKO7ol46AeC51bBMnnHRvRgJSxOCOsJTuKa1WSjLiOKq_4LkVL4gtVo06SEUL_ivUmDT3BlV_8iGM4CE5pZgz8K68FsQTQAsniYEZC2F-MOLAA/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FAFDFE; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-48876563733490252432017-04-21T18:36:00.000-04:002017-11-11T13:15:53.785-05:00Fight, Flight, or FREEZE Response: Health Implications<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I was researching the topic of stress for my book, <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, I came across something very intriguing. Stress experts have now added the word “freeze” to the fight or flight stress response with respect to the fact that instead of fighting or fleeing, we might sometimes freeze (like a deer in headlights) in painful or traumatic situations. This is very intriguing to me as it relates to <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/about-dystonia" target="_blank">dystonia</a> and other chronic conditions, especially those that involve pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The fight or flight stress response becomes activated when we believe there is a chance we can outfight or outrun real or perceived danger and stressful situations. The freeze response differs in that it gets activated due to an inability to take action (like a mouse trapped in a corner by a cat). One feels helpless to fight or flee the threatening, painful, or stressful experience so it freezes (e.g., the mouse plays dead until the cat loses interest and walks away).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQw56J7zq_LKfbLB2TysuHlmjx01MumsZr-RXq0k4un9oQKGpJnX0xpTcC0LiB5SaLznNgPCk099vYT7zqATcgODRZ7UibURqi-3-9Jy3-giQSzo9qypgijkiCEbLAxf7p-fEtbC6AMY/s1600/fightflight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQw56J7zq_LKfbLB2TysuHlmjx01MumsZr-RXq0k4un9oQKGpJnX0xpTcC0LiB5SaLznNgPCk099vYT7zqATcgODRZ7UibURqi-3-9Jy3-giQSzo9qypgijkiCEbLAxf7p-fEtbC6AMY/s400/fightflight.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">During the freeze response, the body becomes both tense and paralyzed at the same time. The thoughts, sensations, and emotions of the stressful experience become suppressed or internalized, not only in the mind but in the tissues of the body. This is called somatic memory (body memory) and can have damaging effects if the event or trauma experienced is not processed in a healthy way.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hgQH-tZJ_n8Pm50aX8g0MPP8h9CqM-29l2KoznQw5ZQxIlSsoCpbzSQWi_WLv2T3L1RPkBCGogbSrspuDusrH-XyKnnBobgshQ3rNG5Q7uUwl2QB8lT_OEqCkTUF1pO5bbou7skV6Go/s1600/fight-or-flight-uncertainty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hgQH-tZJ_n8Pm50aX8g0MPP8h9CqM-29l2KoznQw5ZQxIlSsoCpbzSQWi_WLv2T3L1RPkBCGogbSrspuDusrH-XyKnnBobgshQ3rNG5Q7uUwl2QB8lT_OEqCkTUF1pO5bbou7skV6Go/s400/fight-or-flight-uncertainty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As illustrated in the photo (which is more unsightly than I would have preferred so please forgive me), uncertainty, paralysis, powerlessness, and avoidance are characteristics used to describe the freeze response, the same words many of us use to describe how we often feel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Think about the common symptoms of dystonia which include contractions, stiffness, and rigidity. Out of fear of worsening our symptoms, many of us live in “protection mode” where we consciously restrict our movements (to the best of our ability) to try and decrease pain and/or involuntary movements. This might be doing more harm than good.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Purposely restricting our movements, avoiding activities that may increase our symptoms, and holding ourselves in postures to prevent further pain and involuntary movements is similar to the freeze response. This adds more stress than already exists. If we don't allow our bodies “be” in pain or move as it wishes, we keep ourselves stuck in crisis. While this sounds counter-intuitive, sometimes it helps to "go into" the pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What would happen if every once in a while we just allowed our symptoms to be what they were without mentally or physically trying to fight them? Easier said than done of course, but think about the possibility of just letting go and embracing the pain and involuntary movements, and letting the body rest and allow it to perhaps do some healing on its own? I don't know for you, but when I just let myself go, I often feel better. When I fight my symptoms, physically or mentally, they get worse.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzepi13x14YtTrCxFbRz7KGAjunPWHLttqlkcWEJBACM8qKppG21oVhyphenhyphen4IEOUVcamJZL_NNZQ3uQVWTankGqA7SS4ue3a-qQLzs0ElB237cqMO5P-aHXFwcoXMBYazYuTf2TWbTG0xiO8/s1600/Breathe.-Relax.-Let-go..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzepi13x14YtTrCxFbRz7KGAjunPWHLttqlkcWEJBACM8qKppG21oVhyphenhyphen4IEOUVcamJZL_NNZQ3uQVWTankGqA7SS4ue3a-qQLzs0ElB237cqMO5P-aHXFwcoXMBYazYuTf2TWbTG0xiO8/s320/Breathe.-Relax.-Let-go..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since relaxation and healing are prevented when the freeze response remains active, if we get our intellectual brains out of way, we might be able to reduce our symptoms. It certainly merits consideration because w</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">hen we are not in constant angst, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">the body is in better balance, making it more susceptible to healing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is why positive thinking, relaxation and breathing exercises, <a href="http://amzn.to/2oEJmau" target="_blank">TRE (Trauma Releasing Exercises)</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/2paijoz" target="_blank">EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)</a>, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tai Chi, Qi Gong,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://amzn.to/2oEeTbx" target="_blank">yoga</a>,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">massage, acupuncture, counseling/therapy, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">aerobic exercise,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> biofeedback</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and many other therapies and practices, are so important because it is only when the body finds relaxation can it reverse the damaging effects of stress.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vapo6XZxuM8XVCmAyiNkm5o4f7QDERe6pd531zY9zqF0gmT_Wa564tiA9CbXa2twed5G4JTqpBjKADVcuFwhkaPevlI3dnACcowdCoDVAksg6LpmDkzSZKoCrAzxa5KIVdM_JAM6mPM/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-1307213610413592252017-04-03T18:13:00.000-04:002017-11-11T13:16:13.164-05:00Turn on the tunes for better health<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you enjoy listening to music,
you already know that turning on the tunes can help calm your nerves, reduce
stress, pump you up during a workout, bring back fond memories, as well as
prompt countless other emotions. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our favorite songs are like best friends. When
I have music playing, I find myself singing with a big smile on my face, and
feel a sense of calmness come over me. My </span><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/about-dystonia" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">dystonia</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> symptoms also decrease, especially the pain.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RJ3GGGsZHNUlIqF43ZHux1lOyfQcEjDASKnQ83zABjzUQFmcyLZcdpaUSwlU5UCP-HT-16leuChUhwaSgj_5DPkkmV-ANxZ3HV3wTRcg3rfrcjPOdDIfSd7L8CQzx0k9FEvS-fPjnII/s1600/happy-girl-listening-music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RJ3GGGsZHNUlIqF43ZHux1lOyfQcEjDASKnQ83zABjzUQFmcyLZcdpaUSwlU5UCP-HT-16leuChUhwaSgj_5DPkkmV-ANxZ3HV3wTRcg3rfrcjPOdDIfSd7L8CQzx0k9FEvS-fPjnII/s400/happy-girl-listening-music.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">According to Oliver Sacks, author
of </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the
Brain</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, “Music occupies more areas of our brain than language…humans are a
musical species.” Music triggers activity in parts of the brain that release the "feel good" chemicals serotonin and dopamine, it activates areas that process
emotions, and it plays a role in abstract thinking. Listening to music may
also lower cortisol levels (stress hormones).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Research has found that music can
be so physically and mentally beneficial that there is now an established health
profession called Music Therapy. Music therapists address a vast number of
issues including anxiety, stress management, movement disorders, chronic pain, respiration, physical rehabilitation, oncology treatment, diabetes, headaches, cardiac
conditions, as well as communication and
emotional expression.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know many people with <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">Dystonia</a>, <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/" target="_blank">Parkinson's</a>, <a href="http://www.essentialtremor.org/" target="_blank">Essential tremor</a>, <a href="https://powerofpain.org/" target="_blank">chronic pain</a>, and
other conditions who listen and/or dance to music to help manage their
symptoms and improve their mood. I am happy to say that I am one of those who has a decrease in symptoms and an emotional lift when I sing and dance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0bh3sfSOlvFV5cGz45UJ5GX5e9a-0Ht81sZ8rnjXTZ8VMQwF-1Xeg-6plUIgFAE1mbenPLYSmxCACe42keUZ1irSFKJoUK04LlL5g0XdvegI6X_sEAMrQFBzKIcRWTHXeLkUgcAaCfs/s1600/Happy_Dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0bh3sfSOlvFV5cGz45UJ5GX5e9a-0Ht81sZ8rnjXTZ8VMQwF-1Xeg-6plUIgFAE1mbenPLYSmxCACe42keUZ1irSFKJoUK04LlL5g0XdvegI6X_sEAMrQFBzKIcRWTHXeLkUgcAaCfs/s400/Happy_Dance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With all the electronic devices that we have available to us today, we can take music anywhere…so turn on the tunes and start singing and dancing, no matter how goofy you look or sound. It does the body good!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our muscles respond to music </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">even when the brain is in neutral.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anger, loneliness, longing, sorrow, </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">frustration, and even confusion </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">respond positively to music and action.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Music is your best ally.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Bonnie Prudden -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe;">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCPpl8HLK_4_CIbOFDzEoAmimfPRrzPKO7ol46AeC51bBMnnHRvRgJSxOCOsJTuKa1WSjLiOKq_4LkVL4gtVo06SEUL_ivUmDT3BlV_8iGM4CE5pZgz8K68FsQTQAsniYEZC2F-MOLAA/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-80126789226621167622017-03-16T03:44:00.002-04:002017-11-11T13:16:35.848-05:00Overcoming fear for a better life<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fear is probably the single most
damaging, debilitating, detrimental energy we have. It interferes with our
well-being in every area of our life. We cannot thrive when we are controlled
by fear because fear stresses our immune system an</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">d clouds our thinking. Facing
fears may feel uncomfortable, but taking action allows the body to release the
tension it has built up. Conquering fear could be the saving grace to our
mental and physical health.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep this in mind.... our thoughts, plus an emotional charge, plus action, equals outcome. If the emotional charge is fear, we will procrastinate and not see opportunities in front of us; and even when we do, fear won't allow us to trust it. It paralyzes us. H</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">ow we feel emotionally determines the action we take or don't take.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my favorite acronyms for
FEAR is, “Face Everything and Rise.” Sadly, for too long I was afraid to face
my dystonia (and significant weight gain) so I followed a different acronym for FEAR; “Forget Everything and
Run.” This approach didn’t help matters at all. I spent many years deeply depressed and anxiety ridden, and drastically isolated from the world. When I began to face my fears and things I felt self-conscious about, my life began to change for the better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the topic of fear comes up, I often think of the movie, <i>We Bought a Zoo</i>, with Matt Damon.
Damon’s character, ‘Benjamin Mee’, is having a conversation with his son about
fear and courage. It was in the context of how he first met his wife, but it
applies to anything in life where we have fear or apprehension. Damon’s
character said, “Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage.
Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery, and I promise you,
something great will come of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He’s right. Feel the fear,
whatever it is, and do it anyway. It will quickly dissipate, allowing us to
move forward with confidence. Bravery is not being without fear. Bravery is
having fear and walking through it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-knyvQfAe98KQ-mMUHfzAhLO8zY4Xw3t9ZPzDkEfwr55CYeH2-Mp1P3wxKg6ohexLoYF1Ue6t-sp6IKWC6iGZjZkW6OjcUkOxr-RqaVM_tOgi2uHyvjaW-_vZvAjOOrFroXUWZ-SeSU/s1600/walking-the-walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-knyvQfAe98KQ-mMUHfzAhLO8zY4Xw3t9ZPzDkEfwr55CYeH2-Mp1P3wxKg6ohexLoYF1Ue6t-sp6IKWC6iGZjZkW6OjcUkOxr-RqaVM_tOgi2uHyvjaW-_vZvAjOOrFroXUWZ-SeSU/s400/walking-the-walk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A student once asked his yogi
master how he maintained such peace of mind and physical well-being. "Oh,
my son”, the yogi smiled, “you only see the outside of my life. Inside my mind
it is as if two powerful dogs are always waging war with each other."
"Wow," said the student. "What do the dogs fight about?"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Yogi answered, "One is
always leading me to a better life; good health, strong energy, creativity,
wonderful relationships, and constant joy and peace. The other is always
leading me away from that wonderful place, to a horrible place that is its
opposite. He has only one method, but it is a very powerful one. He leads me to
fear. Once I am afraid, I cannot move. I am stuck and I can only spend my
energy worrying and being upset, or trying to prevent what I am afraid of. This
dog causes me much suffering."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Tell me, Master, which dog
most often wins?" The yogi sighed, paused, then smiled and replied,
"Whichever one I feed."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Too many of us complicate our
lives by feeding the wrong dog, preventing us from living a fulfilling life
because we are afraid. Be assertive and push through fear so you live on your
terms. If you miss somebody, call; if you want to see somebody, invite; if you
want to be understood, explain. If you have questions, ask; if you don’t like
something, say it; if you like something, state it. If you want something, ask
for it. Live your life no matter what obstacles stand in your way!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytfpw8mL4qH71hiVNtfgVn6-qxanH7PcXUlP6fgJoBKK3zfwPucFPEm-ta7K5Q3opzq5g5FZS9HQpKOLiqRYmVNHE4lzUkW0HE-12b6o9tu0kn5V5rHLupRIoksFQ5pCiYemF7tn_CVQ/s1600/Fear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytfpw8mL4qH71hiVNtfgVn6-qxanH7PcXUlP6fgJoBKK3zfwPucFPEm-ta7K5Q3opzq5g5FZS9HQpKOLiqRYmVNHE4lzUkW0HE-12b6o9tu0kn5V5rHLupRIoksFQ5pCiYemF7tn_CVQ/s400/Fear.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCPpl8HLK_4_CIbOFDzEoAmimfPRrzPKO7ol46AeC51bBMnnHRvRgJSxOCOsJTuKa1WSjLiOKq_4LkVL4gtVo06SEUL_ivUmDT3BlV_8iGM4CE5pZgz8K68FsQTQAsniYEZC2F-MOLAA/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-5215787060753390982017-03-06T13:25:00.000-05:002017-11-11T13:16:55.012-05:00Working through life challenges - Releasing the past<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In my last blog, I wrote about the emotional pain of <a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2017/02/overcoming-victim-mentality.html" target="_blank">"victim mentality"</a> when faced with a health or other life challenge. In this entry, I will share some ideas for getting out of that mindset. Mindset is a muscle, so it is important that we exercise it properly.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A big reason for our emotional pain is being stuck in the past; how life was before dystonia, or other health condition or life challenge. We need to find a way to release the past. It is not who we are anymore, no matter how hard we try. We can be whomever we want right now. We may not be the same person as before, and we have to learn to be okay with that, IF we want to be happy. We also need to be open to the possibility that we can be even better than before. I know how crazy this sounds, but <a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2016/07/dystonia-and-post-traumatic-growth.html" target="_blank">Post Traumatic Growth</a> is a very real and powerful thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">By no means is 'letting go' as easy as I am making it sound. I completely understand that it is a process that unfolds at our own pace. It is something I have to work on every day. The more I work on it, the better I am able to release the past and embrace the me I am right now. I can't begin to tell you how liberating it is and how much better it makes me feel when I am able to do it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSWdZTS3T4F_STvlbZpiPDknxG_8YWSqmvo7fKyoAmJvS_G9i7nEZndq3eQhp0hnChhZKUU0052EuZV1_mbEfTAw64F40MfW6TSIoAC5Jf5JN3myUua9xuGweoy-KxOAa-NWmakwj088/s1600/Let+go+of+the+past.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSWdZTS3T4F_STvlbZpiPDknxG_8YWSqmvo7fKyoAmJvS_G9i7nEZndq3eQhp0hnChhZKUU0052EuZV1_mbEfTAw64F40MfW6TSIoAC5Jf5JN3myUua9xuGweoy-KxOAa-NWmakwj088/s320/Let+go+of+the+past.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would like to say that I freely do whatever I want whenever I want, but that is not always the case. There are days when things are far too uncomfortable because of the pain and other symptoms of <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">dystonia</a>. Therefore, I do my best to live my life within the boundaries of my abilities and work hard to accept that I can’t always do everything I want, or some of the things I used to. If I don’t allow myself to accept the reality that life is different now, I will mentally torture myself and become a victim of circumstance. I did this for far too long and it resulted in so much pain. I had to learn to let it go, and as mentioned, I still have to work at it every day. Finding joy in whatever I do is where I try to put my focus, so the past does not determine my present or future happiness. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I feel I have better accepted the challenges I live with and learned to ride the fluctuating waves that each day brings, but I am still a work in progress.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every night I go to bed praying I will wake up with fewer symptoms than I had the previous day. If this does not happen, I am better at not fighting what I can’t change physically about myself in the moment, but it comes with constant practice over a long period of time, and I still falter. What I have learned is that I can only change how I respond to how I feel and do my best to be grateful for whatever I am able to do on that given day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we focus on the abilities we have now, acceptance follows, giving us greater peace of mind. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">By holding onto what once was, we trap ourselves in a vicious cycle of emotional pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ27LV3VsAGJotNG_f0graTlL6X70vMQaUvcSy1lDoUvH2EkDDAsCY0yHoSyVvfejqjv4SPgHO0Mo3-WgFBgI6QePXdpJsrrJA65tyXEk7zSknY6m4EcQEy9kTGpWwquq1_klN5r1w9U0/s1600/Let-it-go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ27LV3VsAGJotNG_f0graTlL6X70vMQaUvcSy1lDoUvH2EkDDAsCY0yHoSyVvfejqjv4SPgHO0Mo3-WgFBgI6QePXdpJsrrJA65tyXEk7zSknY6m4EcQEy9kTGpWwquq1_klN5r1w9U0/s400/Let-it-go.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCPpl8HLK_4_CIbOFDzEoAmimfPRrzPKO7ol46AeC51bBMnnHRvRgJSxOCOsJTuKa1WSjLiOKq_4LkVL4gtVo06SEUL_ivUmDT3BlV_8iGM4CE5pZgz8K68FsQTQAsniYEZC2F-MOLAA/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<i style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div>
<i style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-45388909549623375212017-02-27T18:53:00.000-05:002017-02-27T18:53:23.189-05:00$5 Cure 4 Dystonia<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please help support a new initiative to find a cure for dystonia....<a href="https://5dollarcure.com/" target="_blank">$5Cure4Dystonia</a>!! It takes only $5 to help me and hundreds of thousands of children and adults suffering with this awful disorder. Please go to <a href="http://www.5dollarcure.com/">www.5dollarcure.com</a> and help today with your tax-deductible donation. 100% of all money raised will go towards research. Please share this with your family and friends so they can help too! </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let's spread this like wildfire! </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank you very much for your help!</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://5dollarcure.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://5dollarcure.com" border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLbBhERkj5ZDxYa7pe8d0wPnJLUjtiEGgmDbFKhQL9GezzJpRPg1Aq6-UzzmljQ37lM36abgtaUlSYHNpqEV9rqx6TTjRFjbgWl3VANBGgoioUwOo2JvqS6tUwMSR8zWtIMKylTF9kg8/s640/%25245cure.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is Dystonia?</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable, involuntary muscle spasms and contractions, causing repetitive movements, twitching, twisting, and/or abnormal postures. Muscle contractions can be sustained or intermittent and sometimes include a tremor. Dystonia can affect any part of the body, causing varying degrees of disability and pain from mild to severe.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People often describe their affected muscles as feeling like tightropes. You will also hear people say it feels like the affected body part(s) is in a vice, being squeezed by a snake, their head feels like it is being pulled off or is the weight of a bowling ball, and/or their muscles pull, turn, twist, and tremor uncontrollably. The experience is similar to a charley horse that never goes away.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's end the suffering! Please join us and be part of the global effort to find a cure by going to </span><a href="http://www.5dollarcure.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.5dollarcure.com</a>!<br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://5dollarcure.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://5dollarcure.com" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhll2L5sP-aF6q7E6pFV24xm3nAD-J0_Yismzsh7dkW7Np2pnKc36SjTLXnAlc-Wwbf-2-T4YBNnCKP32m5oH5Fwru9VZw5FkabCZkBF_g0yqPuRhcr_V5D4QR4GjQYWKtq9BQrmso9FOo/s640/coffee-change_to_cure-1920w.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.dystonia-foundation.org/" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-60087079768058165102017-02-12T17:51:00.000-05:002017-11-11T13:17:22.105-05:00Overcoming victim mentality<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When the pain and muscles contractions from dystonia were at their worst for me (see below), it significantly limited what I
could do. For years I characterized dystonia as an evil intruder that ruined my
life. What I could no longer do was my only focus, which caused great anger and
depression. I was so bitter that I let
myself become a victim. I was lost in a world of pain; a world I felt was out to get me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXxbmDnZNGym9HlZaZ_DltxOTBVqyJwPm3h7tfqdLtu8sXGaSMt6-0N1ZUjwBMWMkX6S7rz8QxlZzbK5jMk8jC7Poxf2Llf7BHLP9wke7524yKnmna7v9Z6C2oNZHklDOr4eskNxgc-8/s1600/Tom+Twisted+Pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXxbmDnZNGym9HlZaZ_DltxOTBVqyJwPm3h7tfqdLtu8sXGaSMt6-0N1ZUjwBMWMkX6S7rz8QxlZzbK5jMk8jC7Poxf2Llf7BHLP9wke7524yKnmna7v9Z6C2oNZHklDOr4eskNxgc-8/s640/Tom+Twisted+Pics.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feeling like a victim is normal when diagnosed with any serious health condition, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">but it is not not just people with a health condition that play the victim role. People who look negatively on life's circumstances complain </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">about everything from the weather, other people, their jobs... the list is endless. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have all done it, which is fine, but it is self-destructive if we remain in this state of mind.
We become isolated, depressed, bitter, angry, and resentful. We </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">mainly complain and rarely look for solutions to problems. To the victim, everything is always someone else's fault.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the first several years with dystonia, this is exactly how I felt. I was miserable. I felt a
deep sense of loss and was extremely frustrated, so I </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">had a lot of negative self-talk.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> My anger and
sadness made my dystonia worse because negative emotions cause increased
muscle tension. I had to shift my thinking and focus on moving forward if I wanted to live a happier and
healthier life (please see my next blog entry about releasing the past).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had to get out of the “why me, poor me?” frame of mind if I wanted freedom
from my mental anguish. Instead of asking, “why me?” I began asking, “why not
me?”, “how can I learn to live with dystonia?”, and “how can dystonia help me
learn and grow?" I am no better or worse than anyone else so if it happened to
me, so be it. Maybe there was good reason for it. "Start viewing it this way", I told myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plus, there was nothing I could do to reverse things so I needed to
learn to accept it and find the lessons in it, even when I was in ridiculous pain
and could barely function. Easier said than done, but awareness of this attitude is a start!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I try very hard not to, but </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I still find myself being a victim at times, so I am not immune to any of this whatsoever. I just work much harder now to be mindful of these tendencies. When things get tough, I do my best to tell myself, "although this is a difficult situation, I am going to make the very best of it." This shifts my focus to one that is solution oriented which always puts me in a better frame of mind.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGE6gEVb_kctO7NA36uW8bYau_TQbl_HdeWD846cV4jWHFXUrcgVp2FwQawEBPoCODzfNcu_rgIXG2YnInObmin-zuFVD6PfAgPYAI3y85xpgrot0oJge4lsF1xlZiRVy-jjeGIPDt6A/s1600/never-give-up-frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGE6gEVb_kctO7NA36uW8bYau_TQbl_HdeWD846cV4jWHFXUrcgVp2FwQawEBPoCODzfNcu_rgIXG2YnInObmin-zuFVD6PfAgPYAI3y85xpgrot0oJge4lsF1xlZiRVy-jjeGIPDt6A/s320/never-give-up-frog.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>
</i></span>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCPpl8HLK_4_CIbOFDzEoAmimfPRrzPKO7ol46AeC51bBMnnHRvRgJSxOCOsJTuKa1WSjLiOKq_4LkVL4gtVo06SEUL_ivUmDT3BlV_8iGM4CE5pZgz8K68FsQTQAsniYEZC2F-MOLAA/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<i style="background-color: #fafdfe; line-height: 25.2px;"><br /></i></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-44151172784783023472017-02-01T18:39:00.002-05:002017-11-11T13:17:44.211-05:00Tips for better sleep<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ahhh… sleep!! It feels so good when we get it. Unfortunately, quality sleep is something that eludes many of us. It seems that more and more of us sleep less and less for countless reasons, and when we do sleep, it is not as rejuvenating as it could be. Rather than go into the reasons for why many of us do not sleep well, below are some tips for improving your sleep habits. Most of us already know what we can do to help us. It is just a matter of putting them to practice.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before continuing, I want to mention that I fully understand and appreciate that with certain health conditions, especially pain, anxiety, and depression, that solid sleep can be near impossible. I lived this way for many years with a difficult health condition called <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/about-dystonia" target="_blank">dystonia</a>. I know what sleepless nights are like all too well.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXjXshmuPV7geNFF6jP61mNVEF-4eZszF7P5HNgIWakWwKEXe5e6CQN-qe7RspiUDP-5JsRTyuP49wNvL7aMLTI7biOEbQjeSrXDf_Hjfjj8xHvDkVQejTIWw6nZah9yTo0wmA9dFXlQ/s1600/Sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXjXshmuPV7geNFF6jP61mNVEF-4eZszF7P5HNgIWakWwKEXe5e6CQN-qe7RspiUDP-5JsRTyuP49wNvL7aMLTI7biOEbQjeSrXDf_Hjfjj8xHvDkVQejTIWw6nZah9yTo0wmA9dFXlQ/s400/Sleep.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make your bedroom more sleep friendly</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Make your bedroom reflective of the value you place on sleep. Check your room for noise, light, temperature, and other distractions, including a partner’s sleep disruptions such as snoring. Keep your room temperature less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Use shades that darken the room (blackout blinds), a sleep mask to cover your eyes, earplugs, recordings of soothing sounds, and a fan or other device that creates white noise.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Make sure your bed allows enough room to stretch and turn comfortably. Experiment with different levels of mattress firmness, foam or egg crate toppers, and pillows that provide appropriate support. If you share your bed, make sure there is enough room for two. If you have children or pets, set boundaries for how often they can sleep with you or have them sleep in their own space.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stick to a sleep schedule</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maintain a regular bedtime and wake time schedule. A regular wake time in the morning strengthens the circadian function and can help with sleep onset at night.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Create a bedtime ritual</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine each night to tell your body it is time to wind down. This might include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or listening to soothing music. Relaxing activities ease the transition from wakefulness to drowsiness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzU4ZRjf9s9amvqohSkpjuhDtznJOKpJUnYCeWNBtuEscfd1jG1LcTLf0ww5G_2OH9aVX6BRhfMcWqB9gxQTPvrV9Oy0f_iWfLP6J8TQnt91pZNADYyRc59w-h9_1ZDFF4riCGtao9aKo/s1600/reading_on_couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzU4ZRjf9s9amvqohSkpjuhDtznJOKpJUnYCeWNBtuEscfd1jG1LcTLf0ww5G_2OH9aVX6BRhfMcWqB9gxQTPvrV9Oy0f_iWfLP6J8TQnt91pZNADYyRc59w-h9_1ZDFF4riCGtao9aKo/s320/reading_on_couch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reserve your bed for sleeping and sex</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex to strengthen the association between bed and sleep. If you only use your bed for sleep and sex, when you go to bed, your body gets a powerful cue: it’s time to either nod off or be romantic.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pay attention to what you eat and drink</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don’t go to bed hungry or full. Also limit how much you drink before bed to prevent trips to the bathroom. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol. The stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine can wreak havoc on quality sleep, and even though alcohol might make you feel tired, it can disrupt sleep.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Include physical activity in your daily routine</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Find a time to exercise that works best for you. Shortly before bed is usually not the best time of day as it can cause you to be too energized to fall asleep.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Napping</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you need to make up for a few lost hours, opt for a daytime nap rather than sleeping late. This helps make up for lost hours without disturbing your sleep-wake cycle. I find that a good power nap during the day revitalizes me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2lIiW-vztQLU_BRlrTsgohSkJ_CIRH9rW92FCBnVONZ-PfXLaG7LdEEGOsKKD_beChOi3otwD3bYzDCuJt8R0_vzvf14gABk0hiS5bk8C2uZEJFUVxfKGFo7IXNWWVDf-xC7qaAaZDk/s1600/Sleep+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2lIiW-vztQLU_BRlrTsgohSkJ_CIRH9rW92FCBnVONZ-PfXLaG7LdEEGOsKKD_beChOi3otwD3bYzDCuJt8R0_vzvf14gABk0hiS5bk8C2uZEJFUVxfKGFo7IXNWWVDf-xC7qaAaZDk/s320/Sleep+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Boost melatonin production</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Melatonin is a hormone in the brain that helps regulate other hormones and maintains the body’s circadian rhythm. When it is dark, our body produces more melatonin. When it is light, the production of melatonin drops. When it is time to go to bed, turn off your computer, cell phone, and television. Don’t read from a backlit device (such as an iPad). Read from something that requires a light source such as a bedside lamp. Use a low-wattage bulb so you can avoid bright lights. Light suppresses melatonin production and these devices can stimulate the mind rather than relax it. Some people find melatonin supplements to be helpful.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Increase light exposure during the day</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the morning, let sunlight hit your face. Try to take work breaks outside, exercise outside, and walk during the day instead of at night. Also, let as much light into your home/work space as possible. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When sunlight hits our eyes, the optic nerve sends a message to the pineal gland in the brain that tells it to decrease its secretions of melatonin until the sun goes down again. The opposite happens with serotonin, a hormone connected with feelings of happiness and wakefulness. When we are exposed to sun, our brain increases serotonin production. When sunshine touches our skin, the body produces vitamin D, which helps us maintain serotonin levels.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOG3WVL1v4fqtiZBw5QJztlJZG0SKvyO9R6C-jLiRZAns1qfaQpc4-VR2xfT_GUHhhsSmmDbgQfemOHej7NM_zWDMsCWW6Qcl2qNqDnmQIuqhCqAg1ykLRjy-qwPFaYZDQZ5xl2zutw8/s1600/Sun+exposure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOG3WVL1v4fqtiZBw5QJztlJZG0SKvyO9R6C-jLiRZAns1qfaQpc4-VR2xfT_GUHhhsSmmDbgQfemOHej7NM_zWDMsCWW6Qcl2qNqDnmQIuqhCqAg1ykLRjy-qwPFaYZDQZ5xl2zutw8/s400/Sun+exposure.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When melatonin and serotonin production are properly balanced, we feel energized during the day and a slowing down during the dark hours. Some find vitamin D supplements helpful for maintaining this hormonal balance, especially during the colder months when we spend more time indoors.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope this information leads you to better sleep. Many of these things have significantly improved my quality of sleep. Of course, the type of pillow you use, your bed, sleeping partner, daily stressors, indoor/outdoor noise, etc., all play a factor, but this list is too long for the purposes of this article. If after trying all the above you still have trouble falling asleep, maintaining sleep, awaken earlier than you wish, don’t feel refreshed after sleep, or suffer from excessive sleepiness during the day, please consult your doctor.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCykiXQ4ic9C-OLbsDr29__C88EoSZeUgKQONs5s3SgIRgKJdMF9vG00IvrUY-KpBA1MLWbygGMuRaQkaDyLoxJ-I5pETyjHwjxv49C5tyBuDaJGbqgm267oSKl3hexgqFsQw-RICvPmc/s1600/Sleep+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCykiXQ4ic9C-OLbsDr29__C88EoSZeUgKQONs5s3SgIRgKJdMF9vG00IvrUY-KpBA1MLWbygGMuRaQkaDyLoxJ-I5pETyjHwjxv49C5tyBuDaJGbqgm267oSKl3hexgqFsQw-RICvPmc/s320/Sleep+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.diagnosisdystonia.com" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vapo6XZxuM8XVCmAyiNkm5o4f7QDERe6pd531zY9zqF0gmT_Wa564tiA9CbXa2twed5G4JTqpBjKADVcuFwhkaPevlI3dnACcowdCoDVAksg6LpmDkzSZKoCrAzxa5KIVdM_JAM6mPM/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-89093833403968157062017-01-21T18:02:00.000-05:002017-11-11T13:18:07.747-05:00Self-empowerment tips for healthy living<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we are faced with a limiting health
issue where performing "simple" everyday activities becomes a challenge, our self-confidence and self-worth can dwindle. This can happen with any health condition or injury, but is especially
prevalent with a chronic health issue. It is always there to remind us that
we have to work a lot harder to perform tasks that were once so easy. This can get downright exhausting and overwhelming to the point where we might feel much less of a person than we once were.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In my case, I live with a painful
neurological disorder called dystonia. I have had it for over 15 years and it
has altered the course of my life in many ways. Given the nature of this
disorder where the main symptoms are involuntary body movements and chronic
pain, it can feel like an outside force is controlling my body. This is very unsettling, which can lead to a sense of helplessness and a decreased feeling of competence.
Those of us living with dystonia (and any other chronic condition) have to work very hard to combat these
problems on a daily basis. Below are some ideas to help you feel more empowered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9qPhdt11WWQPT055yD0bMATxFBGWUeiF9aEC1-JsrIlDzzYswVIR-i8vPVVo0t6AgqXBAsNfbnHIIYD0FacgjKcma1QrkUXpGdTvromeK40RNx_O7iv5eBdyE7oMvPfTiiQLKSsQ2Bg/s1600/empower-yourself-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9qPhdt11WWQPT055yD0bMATxFBGWUeiF9aEC1-JsrIlDzzYswVIR-i8vPVVo0t6AgqXBAsNfbnHIIYD0FacgjKcma1QrkUXpGdTvromeK40RNx_O7iv5eBdyE7oMvPfTiiQLKSsQ2Bg/s320/empower-yourself-300x300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember that you are the only
one with unique knowledge about your condition and how it affects your
life. You are the one who can and should make the major decisions about your
life. Only you know how you feel at any given time, what you are capable of,
and what your limitations are. Don’t allow feelings of guilt push you into
doing something you know your body will pay for, either during or afterwards.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be careful to not compare yourself to others. No one is better than you. We are all unique and everyone has lived a very different life. We cannot completely duplicate the success of another person because we all take different paths to get where we are. Concentrate on strengthening your own skills and abilities. Be proud of your accomplishments and acknowledge how well you are doing in the face of great challenges.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Prioritize. On your best days you may find you can do more things with relative ease. Other days, a single task might wipe you out for the rest of the day or even several days thereafter. Plan ahead so you can prepare yourself prior to an activity and rest time afterwards if necessary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be careful about being a people
pleaser. It often means jeopardizing your health for the sake of others, an
attribute that may have and may continue to contribute to your symptoms. Do
what you can and know your limitations. Others can adapt to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQRl68Z3v-jzMajHLxfuI0WPRJt2L8xK8HBjGMkEyOOzm1Lfp347_rKF_KBC6kmNr5RqOPSzbQ5IXjqf41AfEUgR7Vglul2U7elSKsHQ-YWFiwyh-ZzwNOWHPO0OJFoqlFK0q9S9hbpY/s1600/Self+empowerment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQRl68Z3v-jzMajHLxfuI0WPRJt2L8xK8HBjGMkEyOOzm1Lfp347_rKF_KBC6kmNr5RqOPSzbQ5IXjqf41AfEUgR7Vglul2U7elSKsHQ-YWFiwyh-ZzwNOWHPO0OJFoqlFK0q9S9hbpY/s320/Self+empowerment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be sure to find doctors you can
trust. This is often a difficult task. Dystonia and other conditions are often
misunderstood, making it hard to find the right doctor who understands your
specific needs, so it might take some shopping around. To assist in this process,
educate yourself as much as possible about your condition so you are able to screen your health care team. I wasn’t educated nearly enough in the
beginning and I paid the price because some of the doctors I saw didn't know what they were doing and made me worse.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don’t forget that your doctor
works for you. Don’t let their busy schedule force you out of the office before
you feel he or she has met all your needs. Your doctor is there to serve you;
not the other way around. Together, you and your doctor can map out the best
plan for your care.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take responsibility for your thoughts, feelings, and choices. We are responsible for how we feel about everything that goes on in our lives; not other people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWMHuHOdZp7p36uNQEJDHS662dofLdE2M524_OcYxiBMt3gLza_LiVKQV-feopWKaUplay_-tNLnFYr_ELIEC0miEiy-BoEY1eHHSnmUkWhuLIf9CQ_K5zA9FX25D4hS3HY07s7z-apM/s1600/qge__harvey_fierstein_se.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWMHuHOdZp7p36uNQEJDHS662dofLdE2M524_OcYxiBMt3gLza_LiVKQV-feopWKaUplay_-tNLnFYr_ELIEC0miEiy-BoEY1eHHSnmUkWhuLIf9CQ_K5zA9FX25D4hS3HY07s7z-apM/s320/qge__harvey_fierstein_se.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Advocate for yourself and for others. Learn as much as you can about your health condition so you can make the best choices for your personal well being. Share with others what you learn to help them make smart choices. It is also important to be educated so we understand and are comfortable with the different treatments our doctors propose. Advocate by talking to people about your health condition to raise awareness. Reach out and lend a helping hand to someone who is struggling, write a blog, articles for various online magazines, get involved with organizations and support groups, and get active on social media. Raising general awareness about your health conditon and directly helping others is a big part of personal healing and self-empowerment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take personal time for yourself,
whether to relax or have fun. Don’t forget how important it is to let go and
enjoy life. It is far healthier to focus on all you can do versus all the
things you can’t do or choose not to do. Dwelling on problems can make you
forget how to have fun. There is joy all around you and there are ways to let
go of fear and anxiety, and other problems associated with any health condition.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are well enough, take a
walk in the park, go to a movie, concert, play, or sporting event. Treat
yourself to a massage or other way of pampering yourself. Remove toxic people
from your life. Do whatever you can to create peace in your life. You deserve
it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4GUAjpAHk_xWP92fmo-smsYvSA-wHkY5xbRBBJWVJdrzLJp5cyb4vvT2KVouuzsj7Hx0S1pZLYO8aCB6Od38qF9RcBDC3yxDx4bpkCHcq7LbolX35CO7JMFqb-Go1fePpHwmr3uXQzo/s1600/Empower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4GUAjpAHk_xWP92fmo-smsYvSA-wHkY5xbRBBJWVJdrzLJp5cyb4vvT2KVouuzsj7Hx0S1pZLYO8aCB6Od38qF9RcBDC3yxDx4bpkCHcq7LbolX35CO7JMFqb-Go1fePpHwmr3uXQzo/s400/Empower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Learn how to ask for help without
guilt. We all need help. Let someone else take care of cleaning the house or
shopping. Let friends or family members take care of your kids every now and
then so you can get some rest. When you feel well enough, pay the favor
forward.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dystonia and most other chronic
conditions are survivable. You can still have a quality life regardless of your
symptoms. Do whatever it takes to make it work. You can get through the hard
times and come out on top. Just keep in mind what’s really important in your
life and then go for the fullest life possible. It’s yours to live, one day at
a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="www.diagnosisdystonia.com" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vapo6XZxuM8XVCmAyiNkm5o4f7QDERe6pd531zY9zqF0gmT_Wa564tiA9CbXa2twed5G4JTqpBjKADVcuFwhkaPevlI3dnACcowdCoDVAksg6LpmDkzSZKoCrAzxa5KIVdM_JAM6mPM/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-36391697775551227732017-01-02T18:42:00.000-05:002017-11-11T13:18:40.169-05:00Understanding and coping with anxiety<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think most of us would agree
that anxiety is quite common among the dystonia population. It is not a feature
or symptom of dystonia, but given the major changes that often take place in
one’s life when dystonia intervenes, anxiety can become an issue. Fear not though, for it can be managed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dystonia is a very confusing health
condition to live with. There are many unknowns about the present and future
which can cause worry and fear. Also, looking and feeling different than the
average person (and our former selves, sometimes to the point where we don’t recognize
who we are anymore) can make us angry, self-conscious, and depressed; all of which are
fuel for anxiety.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjL4yWVQvuP2trgBXNzFIwwV0DM1nrYKYsa37AdFk1S4mH-x9RTyvBQirU0lRSw1J3i-cUL49j6RRMhCxxGsoROcbFNovZDiHyo0d2ftV5eJfZfLCCxao0CXlVuHodrCYeMtq0S8En8U/s1600/Woman-with-her-hands-on-her-head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjL4yWVQvuP2trgBXNzFIwwV0DM1nrYKYsa37AdFk1S4mH-x9RTyvBQirU0lRSw1J3i-cUL49j6RRMhCxxGsoROcbFNovZDiHyo0d2ftV5eJfZfLCCxao0CXlVuHodrCYeMtq0S8En8U/s400/Woman-with-her-hands-on-her-head.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Further, if we have doctors and
people close to us who don’t listen or understand what we are going through, or
write us off as hypochondriacs, this can cause guilt and shame, adding to the
internal chaos we already experience from the mental and physical pain. With
all of this going on, it is no wonder anxiety is so common!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know all too well what anxiety is like. It was so bad for me at one point that it took every ounce of courage to leave my house. One of my former triggers for anxiety and panic attacks was driving, even very close to my home. To read more about this and how I overcame it, please see my article in </span><a href="https://themighty.com/2015/08/how-i-faced-my-panic-attacks-head-on/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The Mighty</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So what exactly is anxiety?</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anxiety is the apprehension, uncertainty, and fear one feels when anticipating a threatening event or situation, whether the threat is real or imagined. It is often accompanied by restlessness, problems concentrating, muscle tension, and fatigue. Put simply, anxiety is an unpleasant state of inner turmoil. Panic attacks often accompany an anxious, stress filled life. You can read more about anxiety and panic attacks in my book, <i><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a></i>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anxiety is actually a normal, instinctive and automatic human emotion that everyone experiences at times. It is a temporary call to action to fight or flee to keep us safe in the face of danger. When worry and fear are constant, a person is caught in fight or flight mode, which can be crippling. The most seemingly harmless stimuli, thought, event, etc., can be overwhelming for this person, making it feel impossible for their brain to slow down so they can genuinely enjoy their life.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFHjww0ZD9QYt7KyioGdyLAmGYiBuwTIeLm9rhY_t4FBt40sBn6piOziK15jLGYUSq1S5uxI5UMhQsikoCT-TyiQR2hTNvwoyeag6yjrjkgW5MYaSaNI3_Yr1PICedls-82bJ1XvlvTM/s1600/anxiety-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFHjww0ZD9QYt7KyioGdyLAmGYiBuwTIeLm9rhY_t4FBt40sBn6piOziK15jLGYUSq1S5uxI5UMhQsikoCT-TyiQR2hTNvwoyeag6yjrjkgW5MYaSaNI3_Yr1PICedls-82bJ1XvlvTM/s400/anxiety-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The key to switching out of an anxiety
state is to fully experience and accept all the uncomfortable feelings, and allow
time for them to pass. Let them come. Let yourself feel all of it. Breathe and
let your rational mind enter. Speak to your anxious thoughts with that rational
mind, understanding that these are just harmless thoughts that have no meaning
other than what we choose to give them. Just let them come and let them go.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">From personal experience, this is SO MUCH easier said than done which is
why letting go needs to be a daily practice with steadfast dedication. Changing
our mindset involves small, repeated steps. Each step builds on the one before
it, and this takes time. Be okay with this. There is no rush. Remember that your
mind has been doing what it has for a while and it will take time to unlearn
its habits. Be patient.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWTY6hO8alWazJF-bktAUuA56WgzW4lLyUkR3nMw5bOUaIBUr0WidzXksfwgYSdStRrGNj1E1g8BObJGuZuRySJVgk1rTiprwKFhnGE_TfOqJVJDuNMBtmxgAuCCsBAUbJ2TSzzQQ6s0/s1600/graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWTY6hO8alWazJF-bktAUuA56WgzW4lLyUkR3nMw5bOUaIBUr0WidzXksfwgYSdStRrGNj1E1g8BObJGuZuRySJVgk1rTiprwKFhnGE_TfOqJVJDuNMBtmxgAuCCsBAUbJ2TSzzQQ6s0/s640/graphic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A tool I find very helpful is
called AWARE, an acronym for dealing with anxiety from the book, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Disorders-Phobias-Cognitive-Perspective/dp/046500587X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483342297&sr=1-1&keywords=Anxiety+Disorders+and+Phobias%3A+A+Cognitive+Perspective" target="_blank">Anxiety Disorders and Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective</a></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, by Aaron Beck and Gary
Emery.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A</b>: Accept the anxiety. Welcome it. Don’t fight it. Replace your
rejection, anger, and hatred of it with acceptance. By resisting, you are
prolonging the unpleasantness of it. Instead, flow with it. Don’t make it
responsible for how you think, feel, and act.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>W</b>: Watch and Wait. Look at your anxiety without judgment. It’s
neither good nor bad. Become detached from it. Remind yourself that you are not
your anxiety. The more you can separate yourself from the experience, the more
you can view it as a third party observer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even though there is a powerful
urge to run away to try and escape anxious situations, postpone that decision
for a little bit. Stay in the situation. Don’t tell yourself you can’t leave.
Keep that option open so you don’t feel trapped, but remember that you don’t
need to run away to get relief. Let relief come to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A</b>: Act with the anxiety. Act as if you aren’t anxious. Function
with it. Slow down if you have to, but keep going. Breathe normally. If you run
from the situation your anxiety will go down, but your fear will go up. If you
stay, both your anxiety and your fear will eventually go down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>R</b>: Repeat the steps. Continue to accept your anxiety, watch it, and
act with it until it goes down to a comfortable level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>E</b>: Expect the best. What we fear rarely happens. Recognize that a
certain amount of anxiety is a normal part of life. Understanding this puts you
in a good position to accept it if it comes again. You are familiar with it and
know what to do with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first several times you try
this you might not notice much. Your anxiety may even get worse for a little
while. Eventually, the more you practice, the greater your
ability to harness the strength of your <a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2016/11/our-mind-as-powerful-as-any-drug.html" target="_blank">powerful mind</a> and make it work more in
your favor. You will learn that you will always have what it takes and that
anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes, just like the weather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Along with using the AWARE
strategy above, coping statements can be very helpful. Check them out at <a href="http://anxietynetwork.com/content/coping-statements-anxiety" target="_blank">The Anxiety Network</a>. It is also helpful to use <a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-power-of-positive-thoughts-on-our.html" target="_blank">affirmations</a> which are described in more detail in this <a href="http://dystonialiving.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-power-of-positive-thoughts-on-our.html" target="_blank">article</a>. You can also take affirmations a step further by asking yourself questions or making declarative statements. This added focus makes them more real and practical. For example, instead of the standard way of stating an affirmation such as, "I am strong", ask, "why am I strong?" or say, "I am strong because..." and list as many things you can think of. Other examples include, "what do I find joyful?" or, "what I find joyful about (blank) is..."; "why am I blessed with great friends?" or, "my friends bless my life in the following ways..." You can write this all out on paper or just let your mind run with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't ever forget that you are a fighter. You are brave, strong, and resilient, and you have everything you need inside you to deal with
anything that might stand in your way!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iAmGwf8liU2kSEvca7qd-4GaIHrGJhyphenhyphenD1Cb1Y90UDBhW9jIBejADTxmM23jcFOhxm8lOldIK7_7NYyTxU74w7DL2Ur6Q3rzwPdLNoVM4NdeT8o61-TbZORiY0JZRNdWPPRRwDm3NLFw/s1600/walking-the-walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iAmGwf8liU2kSEvca7qd-4GaIHrGJhyphenhyphenD1Cb1Y90UDBhW9jIBejADTxmM23jcFOhxm8lOldIK7_7NYyTxU74w7DL2Ur6Q3rzwPdLNoVM4NdeT8o61-TbZORiY0JZRNdWPPRRwDm3NLFw/s320/walking-the-walk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #fafdfe; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></i></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #fafdfe; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vapo6XZxuM8XVCmAyiNkm5o4f7QDERe6pd531zY9zqF0gmT_Wa564tiA9CbXa2twed5G4JTqpBjKADVcuFwhkaPevlI3dnACcowdCoDVAksg6LpmDkzSZKoCrAzxa5KIVdM_JAM6mPM/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #fafdfe; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></i></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-83841864678005982932016-12-27T18:05:00.002-05:002017-01-25T12:40:11.372-05:00Quotes of Hope and Inspiration for the New Year<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are millions of quotes about every aspect of life. Too many to list of course, I wanted to share some of the more powerful ones for me; the ones that help me find strength </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">as I </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">cope with the chronic pain from <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/about-dystonia" target="_blank">dystonia</a>. I hope you find some that resonate with you that you can embrace and put into practice in your life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I often like to pick just one quote, affirmation, saying, prayer, etc., put it to memory, and refer to it as I go about my day. I do my best to real</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">ly feel what the words are saying and apply them when I need perspective and clarity about something. Sometimes I will take one quote (the first one by Helen Keller is a great example) and play with it for a week or more until it becomes part of me and shifts my thinking. Use them how you feel is most appropriate for your life. Please also share your favorite quotes in the comments section below. Thank you and peace and happiness to you in 2017!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. </b>~ </i>Helen Keller ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZYZiEyopd46F6MbclkP17Q8qscGi_sC-iqWSqsYPANEPR9Jsyx7ay3NpUpCz-P8dJJ6io36aRg4eNRCFookmfd9qu9B2hVMkSQyNrm6kc7LGRPTFqo8PBu2lbkRh1FDJE13V6V7m0v8/s1600/Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZYZiEyopd46F6MbclkP17Q8qscGi_sC-iqWSqsYPANEPR9Jsyx7ay3NpUpCz-P8dJJ6io36aRg4eNRCFookmfd9qu9B2hVMkSQyNrm6kc7LGRPTFqo8PBu2lbkRh1FDJE13V6V7m0v8/s320/Light.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something.</b> ~ </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Neil Gaiman ~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Life is </b></i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>deep and simple. What our society gives us is shallow and complicated. Be a first rate version of yourself. Not a second rate version of someone else.</b></i> ~ Unknown ~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.</b></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> ~ John Wooden ~</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.</b> ~ </i>Robert H. Schuller ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-cYlTLHteHa05CGfjJc9tBAdjUIqdouN5YdLGMd9I_80o2wpEWRsJU0Tg3Qyyb2Hdb5Vnlvx7W6IvIc5vLj2Y-4awykr6xYGIBwvETSMslbKPh5Bhx03UWo4FFPuu8PnfWvOvAnzz8w/s1600/Hopee+acronym.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-cYlTLHteHa05CGfjJc9tBAdjUIqdouN5YdLGMd9I_80o2wpEWRsJU0Tg3Qyyb2Hdb5Vnlvx7W6IvIc5vLj2Y-4awykr6xYGIBwvETSMslbKPh5Bhx03UWo4FFPuu8PnfWvOvAnzz8w/s320/Hopee+acronym.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>The successful know that the road to success is always under construction; they understand the roughness of it and never expected it to be smooth.</b> ~ </i>Hernert O Nobleman ~</span><br />
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></i>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There comes a time in your life when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life. Getting back up is living.</b> ~ </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unknown ~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyR-XW1VPFnrEiP1uC_XUZvz2ude6B0WEqb-FtkG7S6Rxe6hYoefkXc6ht0NmueRhL34O-ud7EZZmZcYzndgSiLuWoGP25hLYf1OoabnqYaGp9ckzuETkJal5QlcSjpLlAI6GJ_TeCc8/s1600/Hope+Load.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyR-XW1VPFnrEiP1uC_XUZvz2ude6B0WEqb-FtkG7S6Rxe6hYoefkXc6ht0NmueRhL34O-ud7EZZmZcYzndgSiLuWoGP25hLYf1OoabnqYaGp9ckzuETkJal5QlcSjpLlAI6GJ_TeCc8/s320/Hope+Load.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier.' </b> ~ </i>Alfred Lord Tennyson ~</span><br />
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If we continue to think and act the same way, we will continue to get the same results. We must be willing to think and act differently if we want to change.</b> ~ </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unknown ~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>In life we don't get do overs. We get do betters. Acknowledge all of your do betters.</b> ~ </i>Tom Seaman ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwssE3nLpMiIaQDaiy-aXnnBRk-m8sWlJ7XwJUQFGptcAZ1ZcT0hqqsBKCgOA4Ryrhg2vwtS7WElZX7Oy0hils7_YHIY37P4pAR-FgxF8xGwAMUizasDhFs2BO9bVkGwcscH-6Rscz1Ic/s1600/Be+resilient.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwssE3nLpMiIaQDaiy-aXnnBRk-m8sWlJ7XwJUQFGptcAZ1ZcT0hqqsBKCgOA4Ryrhg2vwtS7WElZX7Oy0hils7_YHIY37P4pAR-FgxF8xGwAMUizasDhFs2BO9bVkGwcscH-6Rscz1Ic/s400/Be+resilient.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't give up hope. Be open to criticism and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy, warm and genuine people.</b> ~ </i>Tena Desae ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh52JqIpQbEcwduwE_hX4z1W8GXgQPvE-8kUCv2v2weTgTzrwbOeGlW-5eHGrPeUvoJLVxQN77YcsFf-oU1se5aHgH5-iL_0w49v4Nbe3b4fppdeUEls6SsiihPrT3RoqYfHxyeWT1SH8/s1600/Live+love+laugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh52JqIpQbEcwduwE_hX4z1W8GXgQPvE-8kUCv2v2weTgTzrwbOeGlW-5eHGrPeUvoJLVxQN77YcsFf-oU1se5aHgH5-iL_0w49v4Nbe3b4fppdeUEls6SsiihPrT3RoqYfHxyeWT1SH8/s400/Live+love+laugh.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><b>You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individual. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.</b> ~ </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Marie Curie ~</span></span><br />
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.</b> </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">~ John Wooden ~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6gDMyM_Ikc-4QATWNv9g732CgcTZa1vgVuj5QuamnJd2YZuTzgOLf2ev6rKNE38BC7WUrnY9kvc-UtnfX7811Ia8P2hlcTbwIQY4Nw-PZEz2XCfdnE2HmKGJ5I0Mui5aTnst-vxVduw/s1600/Live+once.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6gDMyM_Ikc-4QATWNv9g732CgcTZa1vgVuj5QuamnJd2YZuTzgOLf2ev6rKNE38BC7WUrnY9kvc-UtnfX7811Ia8P2hlcTbwIQY4Nw-PZEz2XCfdnE2HmKGJ5I0Mui5aTnst-vxVduw/s1600/Live+once.jpg" /></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b>No matter the number of times you fail you must be determined to succeed. You must not lose hope. Don't stop in your storm. Don't give up so easily.</b> ~ </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tony Narams ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b>I'm not giving up. I'm just starting over.</b> ~ </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unknown ~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. </i></b></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.</i> </b>~ </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Helen Keller ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCTxE485s-VG7ISFQk1w7ILwomPIKPqN__I8-TU97lMFNBDofEDCTvFF63ft0kCJ7uCPyasnYwyl1iD7LYwNR3QopsLI5S0RMTn58UCnCbIQ2-y4AitY-cBJSq07TwCdZsTKboDT8lw8/s1600/Don%2527t+lose+hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCTxE485s-VG7ISFQk1w7ILwomPIKPqN__I8-TU97lMFNBDofEDCTvFF63ft0kCJ7uCPyasnYwyl1iD7LYwNR3QopsLI5S0RMTn58UCnCbIQ2-y4AitY-cBJSq07TwCdZsTKboDT8lw8/s320/Don%2527t+lose+hope.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don't. You are in good company... You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.</b> ~ </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">John Piper ~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even your past pain can be a blessing to someone. Hopelifters are willing to reach back and pass hope on. </b>~ </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">Kathe Wunnenberg ~</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz8AU5Wd6ov-i6gdiNh4aP8wz4ZkQV7PPgrXYU_RAOJe54CtYBUGHVbH3zYhL0IQEmJkwQIQMggQs1skuaKZOH4BDLDTogi3bVhmIis_FtuQT72NxokaaOQkDrOx-MXyY5U6bd-LRgpE/s1600/Wooden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz8AU5Wd6ov-i6gdiNh4aP8wz4ZkQV7PPgrXYU_RAOJe54CtYBUGHVbH3zYhL0IQEmJkwQIQMggQs1skuaKZOH4BDLDTogi3bVhmIis_FtuQT72NxokaaOQkDrOx-MXyY5U6bd-LRgpE/s400/Wooden.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b>Visualize something totally funny or crazy! This will instantly change how you feel because you can't visualize two things at the same time.</b> ~ </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mark Snyder ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b>Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, which is why we call it the present.</b> ~ </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bil Keane ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>When you pray be careful of how you respond to what you get. If you pray for rain, don't complain about the mud!</b> ~ </i>Hyacinth Mottley ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUG0kJZrIKExmlI5eJCBXaaalRHR1GmES1PcfSpBMygUJjDNM1cTJQh-XRk8vuAf0rvaEVdhrNrWxj4duvR_jIHc3JEY8SVmPwAjSyQDTxlxenScTiZr4KBbaScOd2LBBl7Gp2u8efvfU/s1600/Hope+whisper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUG0kJZrIKExmlI5eJCBXaaalRHR1GmES1PcfSpBMygUJjDNM1cTJQh-XRk8vuAf0rvaEVdhrNrWxj4duvR_jIHc3JEY8SVmPwAjSyQDTxlxenScTiZr4KBbaScOd2LBBl7Gp2u8efvfU/s320/Hope+whisper.jpg" width="262" /></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Do what you want and say how you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.</b> ~ </i>Dr. Seuss ~</span><br />
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.</b> ~ </span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark Twain ~</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b>I love you. Thank you. Please forgive me. I'm sorry.</b> ~ </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wanttoknow.info/070701imsorryiloveyoujoevitale" target="_blank">ho’oponopono</a> ~</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> (ancient Hawaiian healing practice)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b>Happiness isn’t a state, it’s a skill. It’s the skill of knowing how to take what life throws your way and make the most of it.</b> ~ </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gary Null ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R565SZEU1mw6h-4vFr-I7ugzCiPP_5gatnuXx_I6s2oHRxpvfHdVEr6oFUcxDmR8TzQV_zttSZMg92q5CrIQhKOSK9aReLsHZFQjF9aBJ64fPYQpfjo8Ji9Q78i0D3sguu7RyYUOv00/s1600/Happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R565SZEU1mw6h-4vFr-I7ugzCiPP_5gatnuXx_I6s2oHRxpvfHdVEr6oFUcxDmR8TzQV_zttSZMg92q5CrIQhKOSK9aReLsHZFQjF9aBJ64fPYQpfjo8Ji9Q78i0D3sguu7RyYUOv00/s320/Happy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b>The mind is like velcro for negative experiences and teflon for positive experiences.</b> ~ </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rick Hanson ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.</b> ~ </i>Winston Churchill ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.</b> ~ </i>Elisabeth Kubler-Ross ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNuoMFgSPSmEjds3BRMsSm5cxJKwSZem1Wg1Ixs6ZJNNEE5djMF9rpk9IsybB4gPD_XE7QabX8d5_fvPgP5na5CLxFCQ8b0GoTjFjb28_szNQIsgd1ZkOMI9CkWjvbbnm1_kPfIdktZs/s1600/Before+you+give+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNuoMFgSPSmEjds3BRMsSm5cxJKwSZem1Wg1Ixs6ZJNNEE5djMF9rpk9IsybB4gPD_XE7QabX8d5_fvPgP5na5CLxFCQ8b0GoTjFjb28_szNQIsgd1ZkOMI9CkWjvbbnm1_kPfIdktZs/s320/Before+you+give+up.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>When you’re good to yourself, you’re being good to everyone around you because when you feel good, you’ll only react well to other people. At the same time, it’s very easy for you to do things for other people when you know that other people are just an extension of yourself.</b> ~ </i>Anita Moorjani ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Let go of what has happened. Let go of what may come. Let go of what is happening now. Don’t try to figure anything out. Don’t try to make anything happen. Relax, right now, and rest.</b> ~ </i>Unknown ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.</b> ~ </i>Lao Tzu ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>What seems nasty, painful, or evil can become a source of beauty, joy, and strength if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.</b> ~ </i>Henry Miller ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Remember, Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.</b> ~ </i>Stephen King ~ (most well known from the movie "Shawshank Redemption")</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz0Xmeuv_AI6uShKg48zqniWVNOQxvfD709FwrPzlNGyc_XLiU6nBaAJeUrYQIwsz3RF2B2rvFnZltDUy1lGltlvhBYRSL3ceIIXORAyo3PPrlq6-bfe2wd5Ofmlv0VavsFi-if9h4_U/s1600/Try+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz0Xmeuv_AI6uShKg48zqniWVNOQxvfD709FwrPzlNGyc_XLiU6nBaAJeUrYQIwsz3RF2B2rvFnZltDUy1lGltlvhBYRSL3ceIIXORAyo3PPrlq6-bfe2wd5Ofmlv0VavsFi-if9h4_U/s400/Try+again.jpg" width="265" /></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>We are visitors on this planet. We are here for ninety or one hundred years at the very most. During that period, we must try to do something good, something useful with our lives. If you contribute to other people's happiness, you will find the true goal, the true meaning of life.</b> ~ </i>Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>If you want to be sad, no one in the world can make you happy. But if you make up your mind to be happy, no one and nothing on earth can take that happiness from you. </b>~ </i>Paramhansa Yogananda ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been.</b> ~ Mark Twain ~</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7sSNa2WmsvcpMprYhDkKUFTx-lCLtibQLkhGT5xwpE66dzucU2XbggFHF-w1sco2jlKKhysb4QcVgBtM79qOJx4-DUrDAjwMi0aOdD5CeaY46uGQxDGt_TSCwH-cWCepRHm9eYzcIoE/s1600/Reason+to+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7sSNa2WmsvcpMprYhDkKUFTx-lCLtibQLkhGT5xwpE66dzucU2XbggFHF-w1sco2jlKKhysb4QcVgBtM79qOJx4-DUrDAjwMi0aOdD5CeaY46uGQxDGt_TSCwH-cWCepRHm9eYzcIoE/s320/Reason+to+smile.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Be gentle with yourself. You're doing the best you can.</b> ~ </i>Unknown ~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjDgQ9jAvagIhSj_qvZuHg83Z4FNgaBoYsrWZ3h8gNesYeVisESGacmV8Xuu9RTckUAju6d-7KtmC3m55tU4zMhjfSoG-aHbuQpBRk07lbyrQg4yvHjoSV9mNeOg_vhaOC73UENtlMr8/s1600/Awesome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjDgQ9jAvagIhSj_qvZuHg83Z4FNgaBoYsrWZ3h8gNesYeVisESGacmV8Xuu9RTckUAju6d-7KtmC3m55tU4zMhjfSoG-aHbuQpBRk07lbyrQg4yvHjoSV9mNeOg_vhaOC73UENtlMr8/s400/Awesome.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #fafdfe; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #fafdfe; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone living with any life challenge. He is also a support group leader for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) and <a href="http://www.balanceyourlifecoaching.com/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness. To learn more about Tom and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;">www.diagnosisdystonia.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span></i></div>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vapo6XZxuM8XVCmAyiNkm5o4f7QDERe6pd531zY9zqF0gmT_Wa564tiA9CbXa2twed5G4JTqpBjKADVcuFwhkaPevlI3dnACcowdCoDVAksg6LpmDkzSZKoCrAzxa5KIVdM_JAM6mPM/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="270" /></a></span></div>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></i></div>
</div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6701924864611112527.post-42543038114817269412016-12-22T17:50:00.001-05:002017-11-11T13:54:28.817-05:00Stress Management Tips<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">As we all know, stress and dystonia (or any other health condition) do not mix. It can have a negative impact on our symptoms, such as increased spasms, twisting, pulling, pain, anxiety, headaches, physical weakness, increased tension, sleep interference, and many other problems. Stress can be especially high around the holidays, making it even more important to take care of ourselves.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A dystonic body is under significant stress during normal circumstances, making our response to additional stress potentially catastrophic. Stress can affect us to such an extent that our nervous system is always aroused, keeping us trapped in fight or flight mode because our body is conditioned, particularly if we are in pain, to always be on guard. Walk into a busy store this holiday season and even a person without dystonia is bound to experience symptom overload and be in fight or flight mode.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If stress is prolonged, adrenaline and cortisol maintain tension in the body. Over time, muscle tension can become habitual which pulls the body further away from relaxation. You may reach a point where you are no longer aware how constricted your muscles have become, and relaxing them can be very difficult. In fact, if you try to relax, your muscles may tighten even more because they have forgotten what letting go and relaxing feels like. This is why mind/body relaxation exercises are vital.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A_GAgigcIOKwwrL1SooX7PO0CvOivPNgI_7f-oBN1CvBztDjnVa37Fglw3Wx1xgpUOcKVMo0M1lHym7ispucpg1Qi9V5wRKHJDDx38jh2UnsUrfpICrume_WlUz_vncyCh3DSl2HIu0/s1600/Stress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3A_GAgigcIOKwwrL1SooX7PO0CvOivPNgI_7f-oBN1CvBztDjnVa37Fglw3Wx1xgpUOcKVMo0M1lHym7ispucpg1Qi9V5wRKHJDDx38jh2UnsUrfpICrume_WlUz_vncyCh3DSl2HIu0/s320/Stress+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Keeping muscles tense drains much more energy than keeping muscles relaxed, which is one reason so many of us with dystonia experience intense pain and fatigue. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is why the tips below are so important because it is only when the body finds relaxation that it can reverse the damaging effects of stress.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stress management tips:</span></b></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Stop what you are doing. Breathe gently, but deeply, from your abdomen. On the out breath say to yourself, “Be calm. Be peaceful.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Allow time to pass. When we stress, everything can feel like an emergency. This is all about anxious arousal, which is temporary. Every feeling of panic comes to an end; every concern wears itself out; and every so-called emergency evaporates</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">When you are rushed say, “There is plenty of time. Stay calm.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Talk to family, friends, therapist, or support group about the situations you find stressful</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Listen to music</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Keep a journal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Spend time in prayer and meditation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Eat a balanced diet of healthy carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Avoid caffeine, sugar, and white flour products</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Exercise if you can; modify activities to accommodate your symptoms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Laugh! Watch a funny movie or go to a comedy club. Tell jokes. If you don’t know any, learn some. Spend time around babies and animals. Watch something funny on television or YouTube</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Avoid isolation. When we lose connection with others it can intensify stress, as well as depression, loneliness, fear, and anger</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Accept help when it is offered and ask for help when you need it</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Get outdoors and spend time in nature; it can be very grounding</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Do not argue about things that are unproductive</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Avoid people who cause you stress</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Don’t waste time worrying about what could have been. The past is over. Focus on the present moment</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Simplify your goals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Pace yourself</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px;">Engage in fun, pleasurable activities as much as possible</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #151414; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Seaman is a <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/coaching/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Certified Professional Life Coach</a> in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/author/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey</a>, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/blog/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">health blogger</a>, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Chronic Illness Bloggers Network</span>. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit <a href="http://www.tomseamancoaching.com/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;">www.tomseamancoaching.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter <span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Dystoniabook1" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Dystoniabook1</a></span> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachtom12/" style="color: red; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></em></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.diagnosisdystonia.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCPpl8HLK_4_CIbOFDzEoAmimfPRrzPKO7ol46AeC51bBMnnHRvRgJSxOCOsJTuKa1WSjLiOKq_4LkVL4gtVo06SEUL_ivUmDT3BlV_8iGM4CE5pZgz8K68FsQTQAsniYEZC2F-MOLAA/s320/Diagnosis+Dystonia+Cover.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fafdfe; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
Tom Seamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15297165776512129695noreply@blogger.com1