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SMART Goals and Chronic Pain: What are your goals?

Chronic Pain | Last Active: Mar 23 12:44pm | Replies (100)

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@gingerw

@tekkie3 When we realize that we truly are not alone in getting through/around the obstacles in our path, it feels good, doesn't it? Being brave with yourself to say your truth, and getting support, is a big deal.

Working everyday with multiple health concerns, never knowing what my energy levels will be, sometimes makes me sad, or depressed. It's a lot of self-talk to get going. It would be easy to just vegetate, to not get out to do something. My experience is that getting up off the couch/chair, and expending whatever energy I can/want to, will really help me in the long run. Coming here to Mayo Clinic Connect, and hearing how others manage, gives me hope, gives me the drive to do it!

Good for you!
Ginger

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Replies to "@tekkie3 When we realize that we truly are not alone in getting through/around the obstacles in..."

@gingerw, @tekkie3
You said it Ginger...Self-Talk.

Self-talk is a tool at Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehab Center. I used it before attending rehab, but now better understand the value of it, and how replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts is a game-changer. It works for me especially when I'm PMS'ing (sorry guys) and pain heightens even more, along with my mental state.

Like anything else, this can be a goal! Challenging yourself to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts actually becomes easier the more you practice it. Our brains are powerful computers and can be retrained by repetition creating neuroplasticity.

I constantly self-talk myself through pain, uncomfortable situations, being down on myself. It's not always easy but the alternative isn't either.