Last lupus class for season..............

Last night was really interesting. Our nurse Claudia has co-authored a book for stress management targeted for UM hospital staff, but she shared some insights with us last night which she learned while researching and practicing stress management techniques. She also went into the history of stress and the many facets(physiological,mental,emotional,hormonal and perceived). I think this class should be in every session and maybe allow more time for it.If we can learn to manage our stress and understand the mechanics behind it, we will have more power controlling and releasing it in positive ways thus reducing flares and illness. She also had an interesting daily practice we enjoyed called the "Gratefulness Practice". Every morning when you wake up take your hand and look at it paying attention at first to your thumb and ask yourself what you are grateful for and really feel the gratitude. Then focus attention on your index finger while thinking about all the people you judge or "point your finger at" and send them gratitude and hold them in light or pray for them. Next move to middle finger and pray or hold in light your leaders. Move on to the ring finger and turn your attention to the individuals you choose to pray for. Hold them in light and good intention. Lastly look at your pinky and focus on giving yourself the same light, love, gratitude and prayer. Is that not an easy way to cover all bases? In this way you start off feeling grateful and positive and with loving kindness in your heart.

Many did not show up because they were sick. I knew that might be the case with the flu running rampant. To all of you who are sick............get better soon !!!

My rash is almost 100% gone. It flared a little last night but now I have a low grade fever. So I will keep an eye on that. I never get fevers but when I do they stink. Low grade I can handle. My temp runs around 97.4 so 99.3 seems high to my body but good to feel warm because it is still damp and cool. I am resting this weekend so we are ready for Thanksgiving. PT went well too and I can surely feel it. I like to go and always feel I have accomplished something. My life has been so sedentary it is great to move energy and build muscles. After a few weeks I work on cardio. I love my PTs Claudia and Carol, both fabulous and understand lupus and all I have going on.It is rare !!!They are angels.