How “Choosing” Helps on Bad Days + Free Printables

“Today I choose to”—these are powerful words to reframe thinking. I’ve started reminding myself that “I have a choice” to help me get through bad chronic illness days, and today I’m sharing my tips for “choosing” when we feel stuck. Plus, I’ve created three free printables to help you choose what you want to focus on, whether you feel stuck because of chronic illness, being at home because of social distancing during quarantine, or whatever challenges you might be facing.

I’ve found that I can tolerate most things if I feel like I have a choice. In other words, when I reframe my thinking and choose how to respond, I feel more in control and able to cope with a situation, even if that situation is far from ideal.

What got me thinking about this? Not too long ago I was lying in my recliner, where I spend a lot of my time due to dysautonomia, fibromyalgia, ME/CFS (myalgic encephalitis/chronic fatigue syndrome), and other chronic conditions. And I was frustrated because I did not want to be there, just watching TV. My mind was buzzing with all of the things I wished I could be doing. I didn’t want to rest, I wanted to do things!

But then I realized I did have a choice. Nope, I couldn’t instantly feel better and get up. But I could choose what I was thinking about. I could frame my thinking and decide to give myself permission to rest. “I am choosing to rest.” As I repeated this to myself, I started to feel better. I was making the right choice for my health and giving my body what it needed.

I chose to focus on resting.

When my mind wasn’t scattered, I found I could enjoy resting. I chose to be present and let myself get caught up in the story I was watching on TV. I found I felt more grateful as I settled in to rest and was able to appreciate that I had a comfortable recliner and a movie to watch.  I didn’t feel so stuck. What a difference a change in perspective can bring.

I might not be able to choose my circumstance, but I can choose my response.I knew I was going to need help to remember that I had a choice. And that’s why I made these printables. I wanted something pretty and encouraging that I could put somewhere easy to see.

Note that I wasn’t forcing myself to be positive. I was making the conscience decision about what I wanted to focus on at that moment. It’s important that we express the range of emotions we feel during tough times (this article on grief is so helpful). I’ve found I just need a break sometimes so I can let my body calm down and experience at least a little healing.

I hope this post helps you give yourself permission to rest, or to focus on whatever self care you most need right now.

I’ll share at the bottom of the post where you can sign up to subscribe to my blog updates and receive the free printables. Below I’m going to outline a few different ways you can use these printables in your own life.

Choose to…be productive

You can use these printables for your to-do list. I find keeping a short to-do list is best so I don’t feel too overwhelmed to get started.

Here are some examples of what you could write:

Today I choose to…
– Work on part of a blog post
– Organize one thing
– Make two phone calls to doctors
– Make progress paying bills

Choose to… let go of things

There are some things that I need to not do during the day, but writing myself a note that says: “Don’t do this” is more negative than helpful! For instance, I went totally gluten-free for a brief time, and have been on a low-gluten diet about two years. I try to be totally gluten free about every second or third day, so I had written myself a sticky note that said “Do not eat gluten today!” (Yes, with an exclamation point!) I was annoyed that a note was dictating what I could not eat. So instead, I wrote “Today I choose to be gluten-free.” I found that positivity made it easier for me to meet my nutrition goals.

You could write:

Today I choose to…
– Leave tasks unfinished if I need a break
– Take a social media break
– Ignore negative thoughts
– Not chart my symptoms

PS Here are my favorite meals and snacks that are dairy-free, vegan, and/or gluten-free.

Choose to… focus on self-care

Sometimes we just need the reminder that it’s okay to take time for ourselves and prioritize our own health.

You could write:

Today I choose to…
– Take a bath
– Make time for me
– Journal
– Rest

Choose to…prioritize growth

It can be challenging to make time for intellectual and spiritual growth when we aren’t well, but I find that if I am growing in one area of my life, I feel less stuck overall, even if my health isn’t improving.

You could write:

Today I choose to…
– Read one chapter of my Bible
– Listen to my favorite podcast
– Memorize this Bible verse (then write down the verse)
– Learn 5 new words in French

Choose to…be creative

We are made to be creative! It can be frustrating when I want to work on crafts, and then feel tempted not to start when I realize I don’t have the energy for a big project. But even a little bit of creativity makes such an improvement in my day! Even if it’s a small project, find something you love to do, and give yourself permission to go for it.

You could write:

Today I choose to…
– Color a coloring book page (or alter them, like I do)
– Jot down ideas without the pressure of doing anything with them
– Make one card
– Watch painting tutorials

 

 

I hope these ideas and my printables help you choose what you want to focus on.

You can choose to be still. You can choose to rest.

Do you find it helpful to frame what you’re doing as something you choose to do?

What things are you choosing to do today? I’d love to hear how you’re using these printables in the comments!

Think a friend could benefit from these printables? Feel free to share on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter!

Get the Printables

If you’re already a subscriber, you have access to these new printables in my printable gallery.

Not a subscriber yet? Here’s how to sign up and have the printables emailed to you!

Fill out the form below to subscribe to my email list and receive the free printables. You will receive an email with a password to access my entire printable gallery, which is exclusively available to my subscribers. You’ll also receive periodic updates about what is new on my blog. You are able to unsubscribe at any time.

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