Guest guest Posted January 2, 2001 Report Share Posted January 2, 2001 All of us have to find new ways to find joy and enjoy our lives with this horrible disease. I found this on the internet the other day and thought I would share it with you. I pray we all have a Happy New Year and find better ways to deal with our illness. God Bless You All. Sandy in Texas The Pleasure Principle: 101 Things You Can Do A chronic illness like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia results in a tremendous loss of things that used to bring joy. As sufferers who are severely disabled, we often feel either that we've lost the capacity, or that we're not " entitled, " to experience pleasure. This week's feature is designed to help you remember both big and small aspects of daily life that bring essential feelings of pleasure. The list is intended to give you a selection of things from which you can choose. Everyone has varying degrees of disability and different preferences. Focus on what you can do, let go of what you are unable to do. 1.have a heart-to-heart conversation 2.stare at the stars 3.lie down on a pile of warm laundry 4.light some candles 5.listen to your favorite song 6.pay a compliment to a stranger 7.take a nap on a cozy afternoon 8.buy a lottery ticket 9.write a letter to a far-away friend 10.buy yourself a new comfortable sweatshirt 11.slow dance in the living room 12.play solitaire 13.sit by a warm fire 14.eat a perfect strawberry 15.watch a sunset 16.look for shooting stars 17.eat a slice of warm, freshly-baked bread 18.browse around a really good bookstore 19.window shop on your favorite local street 20.sing at the top of your lungs 21.ask for a really good hug 22.go buy an ice cream cone on a hot day 23.talk on the phone in bed 24.curl up with a good book 25.hold a child's hand 26.find the perfect gift for someone 27.share a secret 28.have a good cry 29.read something inspirational 30.walk barefoot on soft cool grass 31.laugh out loud when you're by yourself 32.say “I love you” to someone you care about 33.send a card for no reason at all 34.play a board game 35.make a child smile 36.color with crayons 37.do a crossword puzzle 38.plan an easy, restful vacation 39.finger paint 40.read poetry 41.have a picnic on your bed 42.take a warm bath 43.go for a scenic drive 44.play a musical instrument 45.try a new, easy recipe 46.visit someone who is sick 47.find a quiet place to sit outside and enjoy nature 48.write a poem or a story 49.watch an uplifting movie 50.say a prayer 51.go to your favorite restaurant 52.schedule a massage or back rub 53.meditate or do yoga 54.listen to soothing music 55.tell a joke and make someone laugh 56.smile at a stranger 57.read a children's book 58.try a new food you've never tasted 59.get involved in some type of volunteer work 60.breathe deeply; practice relaxation exercises 61.give up watching the news for a week 62.make a list of things that make you feel good 63.talk to your pets, or your plants 64.rent some funny movies 65.read Inspiration Sandwich, by Sark 66.move or dance to your favorite music 67.listen to books on tape 68.write a love letter to yourself, then mail it 69.plant some flowers 70.treat yourself to your favorite dessert 71.look through travel brochures and dream 72.list what you'd like to do on your next " good " day 73.buy yourself brightly colored flowers 74.break a dish you never liked 75.work on a photo album 76.build a sand castle 77.balance your checkbook 78.throw out old papers you no longer need 79.watch your favorite old movie 80.write a journal about your experiences 81.gently stretch your muscles 82.take a class in something that interests you 83.make a collage from old magazines 84.eat a snack 85.go to a play or a concert 86.make a list of all the things you are thankful for 87.sit in your favorite coffeehouse and read 88.go for a walk in nature, or just sit quietly 89.tell a friend how much you appreciate them 90.read a spiritual text 91.drink a soothing cup of tea 92.look through old photos and reminisce 93.have a tea party with a friend 94.watch a child at play 95.visit your local library and browse the shelves 96.plant a vegetable garden 97.take candid pictures of your family 98.write your life story 99.schedule a manicure or pedicure 100.plan a celebration for an upcoming occasion 101.focus on one day at a time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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