Experiencing Autoimmune Disease

 Happy spring to those of you in the northern climes!  Here in Chicago we finally have some sun and warm weather and birds - and KITTENS!  

(that's Baker and Bonzo in the pic above, newly adopted by me a few weeks ago)

As a result of bringing these orange boys into my home, I've resurrected my "crazy cat lady voice".  And in doing so I've been thinking about language and the words we use - not only to communicate with others but to ourselves.

Many of you know me from the Hashimoto's 411 groups on Facebook. Some of the member posts over there have also got me thinking about language and how important it is when speaking about the illnesses and symptoms we experience.

For example, I often hear members say

I'm so tired today.

I never sleep well.

I'm just so weak.

I'm dizzy.

I'm pain.

Wait a minute, "I'm pain"?  That sounds ridiculous.  No one "is pain".  Hmm.

One does, however, experience pain.

And all of those other symptoms and issues above? They are also experiences.

Your body is extremely smart.  It is a naturally healthy, self-healing organism. This is the default mode the body will always, ALWAYS revert to. Your body wants to be healthy and vibrant.

However, when we constantly tell our bodies that it is something else, it starts believing it.

It starts believing that being tired, weak, or dizzy is the correct way to be.

With that in mind, I invite you to change your language around the symptoms you are experiencing - because anything that is not normal or healthy is simply an experience.

Instead of the above, try saying:

I'm experiencing fatigue today.

I experienced a bout of insomnia last night.

I'm experiencing a lot of weakness.

I'm experiencing dizziness.

I'm experiencing pain.

Even chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes are experiences. 

I've even gone so far as to say "I have that experience of autoimmune disease". Yeah, it's clunky at first.  But now it just comes out as easily as saying "Good morning kittens!!!"

Bottom line: Your symptoms are not you.  Acknowledging this and giving your body space and distance from these experiences allows the body to relax and continue to heal.

What are your thoughts on this? Kitten poop or something worth exploring...?

I spoke more about this topic in a recent blog post, if you are interested in diving in deeper.

Language is something I often discuss in my coaching sessions with clients.

Somatic inquiry (becoming more in tune with our bodies and the subtle signs they are sending us) is another coaching technique I use to help clients on their journey of self-awareness and self-discovery.

Both can be powerful and create room for healing in ways that your doctor or nutritionist probably haven't experienced (another experience! See what I did there?).

If you are interested in working with me, I have room on my roster this month for new clients.  First come first served, and these spaces fill quickly. Please fill out this form if you are interested in taking your healing to another level, and I will be in touch.

In the meantime, I hope you "experience" a lovely spring!

Sandy