In having an abundance mindset, you tend to focus on what is going well and not what is going wrong. These individuals also focus on what they can do to improve their situation and look for opportunities for growth. In dealing with intestinal lymphangiectasia and the drastic changes that need toThe dictionary defines mindset as “the established set of attitudes held by someone.” We all have challenges and obstacles – the difference lies in how two people with similar obstacles face the situation differently. There are a couple types of mindset categories I would like to touch on below.
be made, this mindset can be difficult. My husband chooses to look at all the things he can eat, and not focus on what he cannot. He does not complain about how limited his diet is – rather he seeks out new foods, new recipes, and how to increase his choices.
In a scarcity mindset individuals are often dwelling and focusing on the negative – the woe is me attitude and feeling sorry for themselves. Let me make this PERFECTLY clear – it is absolutely normal and healthy to feel this way. The problem lies in staying there. I have encountered many patients with this condition who CHOOSE to remain in this mindset and unfortunately they have not seen success in managing their symptoms or disease process. This mindset also focuses on the many excuses on why they can’t do it. It often comes down to one question – Do you want to improve your quality of life? This disease is awful. We sought care at 4 different teaching hospitals and had 2 referrals to hospice before finding our team.Doctors can only do so much – compliance is key to managing this disease. One thing I have always said – we cannot control our circumstances, but we can control how we react to those circumstances.In this mindset there needs to be progress made towards seeing the positives of every day, When my husband was in the hospital and in a very dark place – I often reminded him that while every day may not be a good day, there is something good in every day.
A fixed mindset is truly a black and white way of thinking with no room for variables – where as a growth mindset is when you are constantly learning, adapting and making changes as necessary, There needs to be middle ground when living with this disease – both as a patient and caregiver. My husband’s doctor told him that he would not give up on him – as long as he didn’t give up on himself. That promise has been kept. Were there days of wanting to give up? Were there days of wanting to just die? Were there days of wanting to eat a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich and saying screw it? (There is a story behind that one!) YES! However – I gently took his hand as he laid in his hospital bed weak and worn down – I said “I am here to believe in you until you are able to believe in yourself.” Let me tell you – it didn’t happen overnight but the shift in mindset changed and dare I say – saved his life. He went from being bedridden and needing care for basic tasks to starting his own company and working full time for the first time in 15 years.
Let’s focus and be mindful of our attitude and strive each day to find the good!