Thank you for this question, Sue. I think it’s an important one.

We may all approach our disease differently, but the bottom line is this is not a dress rehearsal. We have one opportunity to live our lives. We can choose whether we seek out pleasure and enjoyment, or move from one self-care task to another.

I do something I call a “pleasure swap.” When I’m unable to do something that used to bring me joy, I try to substitute it with something else that feels enjoyable, or even try something new. This way, I rarely feel deprived.

For example, I often take one-minute showers, and honestly, that can feel unsatisfying. So once I’m dried off and ready for the day, I might sit down with a cup of tea and a cookie or two.

Or in the evening, when I ride my exercise bike before dinner and would much rather be reading a novel on the sofa, I put on a favorite show, a true guilty pleasure, and watch it while I ride.

That’s my version of a pleasure swap. And it works for me.

Warm regards,
Linda Esposito