December 31, 2013 Attitude

Truthfully, I am feeling a bit run-down.  We did not go anywhere this Christmas and had a lovely stay-at-home holiday, but all the new toys do out-gas (even though I opened everything and left it in a room to air for a month).  Also, I bought some light-blocker fabric for the curtains and I cannot seem to get the smell out (after 20 washes plus double rinses).  And they've started using a different air freshener at my hubbie's work, so he has to change in the garage and  take a shower before I can handle the fragrance.  Anyway, with the onslaught of all of these items, I again have a very ill child.  So, I'm going to reblog a fellow MCS's blog today for two reasons.  One, I like this particular blog (and I have permission ;)).  Two, I myself need this reminder!

A POSITIVE ATTITUDE HELPS

Smile! (Photo credit: rkleine)

Attitude Helps

Before I say anything else, just so it is understood, I want to clarify that Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a physical illness. People who have MCS are physically affected by low-level exposures of different chemicals. Chemical sensitivity is NOT something that is cured by getting psychological help because it is a physical, NOT a psychological, illness.

I have been chemically sensitive for almost ten years. During that time, I have learned exposure to chemicals cause my body to react. Initially those reactions were scary because my breathing was affected and I didn't know what was happening. I became wary of going into public. As I have learned how my sensitivities affect me and learned how to manage my illness, I have also learned that a positive attitude helps.

A Positive Attitude Won’t:

• Change the circumstances. Attitude won’t remove trigger chemicals from an environment and it won’t prevent other people from using chemicals that cause me to react.
• Prevent my body from reacting or change the way my body reacts to chemicals on people or in environments.
• Cure me.

A Positive Attitude Will:

• Help me handle the circumstances when I am confronted with chemicals and my body reacts. It means I use my energy to deal with the current situation. I don’t use energy to get angry or panicky.
• Reduce my stress. Stress takes energy. Less stress means my body has more energy to handle my body’s reactions to the chemical triggers.
• Increase my support system. Negativity repels people. If I have a positive attitude, people will want to be around me. People also seem to be more inclined to accommodate my limitations when my attitude is positive.
• Help me see blessings. Every situation or circumstance has positives and negatives. Life is more fun when we focus on the positives.

I saw the following quote and felt it summed up my thoughts:

So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment.