4 replies to this topic

[LauraL]

I was diagnosed about a month ago, and I admit to having spent some a lot of time over the last few weeks feeling kind of down in the dumps about having to deal with narcolepsy, what it would mean for my future, etc. And then I stumbled across a list of well-known people with narcolepsy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_with_narcolepsy

It includes athletes, actors, a former Deputy White House Chief of Staff, a scientist. I work as a scientist at a government agency, so seeing the scientist and White House official on the list was especially meaningful. I also found out an acquaintance of mine--a research neuroscientist with degrees from fancy schools--has narcolepsy. All of this kind of inspired me, and reminded me that this medical condition is no reason to give up on my dreams. It might be more of a challenge than if I didn't have narcolepsy, things might take me longer, I might need someone to fill me in on what I missed while I was sleeping, I'll always have a small army of doctors helping me figure things out, and my goals may change, but I CAN lead a successful life. We all can!

Mostly I'm preaching to myself at this point. (I still struggle a lot to stay positive, but it's getting better!)

How do you maintain a positive attitude in the face of this challenge? What inspires you, and helps keep your spirits up?

--Laura

[818sis]

Thanks for posting this! I often need a pep talk! Now that I know what's going on, I can't let it be an excuse.

[NikkiD]

Amen, pep talks really help.

Just today I was feeling way down and frustrated. I saw my grandfather for the first time in over a year, and after an hour all I could concentrate on was not putting my head down to sleep. I've been having a string of bad days (only one good day in over two weeks now) which is very demoralizing.

It helps (for me anyway) to remember all the support I've gotten from family and co-workers.

My motto is baby steps. I also keep telling myself "one (day/hour) at a time. You can get through it."

[Contemplative]

Hugs are an instant energy booster for me.

Also recently realized that asking for my needs ups my chance of getting them met. The "independent" and "must only rely on myself" attitude finally got a swift kick out the door. When I went to see a pscyhosocial specialist she recommended I get a soft boar bristle brush and stroke my tender/trigger points towards my heart to improve circulation and stimulate energy and flow, kind of like "chi". I don't get out that much since I don't drive due to the N so on a whim we passed Bed Bath & Beyond. It was an impulse stop and I didn't have my coupon for 20% off one regularly priced item so as I was walking through the parking lot I saw an elderly couple rummaging through their trunk. I said "Good morning, and asked if they by chance had an extra coupon they could spare." Now for those true Bed Bath & Beyond enthusiasts, it is a well known secret that they will honor any coupon despite the expiration date. The kind woman handed me a crumbled up coupon from 2010. It worked. I know I feel good when I help someone by letting them in line in front of me if their in a rush, by giving them change so they can keep their dollar bill whole, by offering to carry their groceries in; it makes me feel good. At first I thought I was imposing. Soon after I realized I was creating a win-win situation. By asking I got my needs met.


To get back to the question of how to keep a positive attitude, face challenges and maintain an uplifted spirit:

• Create more win win situations.
• Allow others to help.
• Kick independence to the curb.
• Reciprocate when can.
• Share.
• Care.

Dare to accept the fact that N is a lifelong condition AND it is not a lifelong sentence. I keep a positive spirit by carefully choosing the words, the actual diction, I use when I speak to others and mostly when I speak to myself. I refuse to give up. "On a negative note I refuse to end, positivity is the coda, the message I send." - feel free to repeat that. Why not now?

[Niemie]

Love this conversation string