Talking to Myself
We all talk to ourselves, but we aren’t always aware of it. It can be really helpful to become more aware of the things that we say to ourselves and change our self-talk to words that are more affirming, confidence-building, and reassuring. If you have Functional Neurological Disorder, it’s especially important to be aware of what you are thinking and telling yourself.
One day this week, I noticed that my legs were feeling weak. Now, it’s important to pay attention to what we are feeling in our bodies, but what we say to ourselves about what we are feeling is critical.
I’m learning how to better recognize the cues my body gives me that it needs something. The first thing I do is notice the feeling and give myself kind, nurturing feedback. Many of us with FND are not very good at noticing what we are feeling, so it’s important to acknowledge what are bodies are telling us. My self-talk that day went something like this:
“My legs are feeling weak. Is there something my body needs? I had a really busy day yesterday, so my legs might be reminding me that I need more rest today. How about a nap this afternoon? Maybe a nice relaxing bath?”
I might tell my body, “In the past, I haven’t always listened to you very well. There was a time when I ignored what you needed so much that you collapsed. I’m taking better care of you now.”
I notice how I’m feeling, and sure enough, the weak feeling is passing. I notice and feel the strength returning. I am able to finish the task I was working on, but I also honor what my body has told me and schedule some down time.
Life with Functional Neurological Disorder is a balancing act. Some days I need to just rest. If I listen carefully and lovingly to my body and try to give it what it needs, usually I can manage to accomplish the things I want to do. Be kind to yourself. Tell yourself nurturing, supportive messages. Many of us with FND didn’t receive those affirming messages from important people in our lives. It’s never too late to reprogram the things you say to yourself!
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