IT'S ALL IN THE ATTITUDE

Allow us to introduce ourselves.  We are identical twins with over twenty years combined nursing experience.  Annette’s experience includes Long Term Care Administrator, Managed Care Business owner, Geriatric Foot Care Business Owner, RN Case Manager in a Long Term Acute Care Hospital. Audrey’s experience is working as an RN in an intensive care unit at a long term acute care hospital and received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Southwest Baptist University.

Our intentions for writing these articles are two fold. First, we hope to empower you, the reader, through education. Second, to give an alternative view, enabling you to make more informed personal healthcare decisions. Our information is in no way to be used against your physician’s advice.  We encourage you to further research our topics of discussion to ensure that you have all the information to make accurate, personal healthcare decisions.

As you begin your new year you may have made New Years Resolutions.  Statistics show that 90% fail within the first few months.  Instead of setting yourself up for statistical failure why not make a resolution to change your attitude?  As nurses, we come across this dilemma everyday.  Negative attitudes = Negative Outcomes.  With negative thinking failure is inevitable. A positive attitude fosters and nurtures a healing environment.  Don’t be tempted to ask, ‘Why is this happening to me’, ask yourself ‘what can I do to get better’.  There is a learning process in what you are going through.  Remember, you are never defined by your illness, unless you want to be. As nurses, we have seen amazing miracles, all of which was a direct result of a positive attitude. We have never seen a person with a negative attitude improve to optimal health. 

A great testament as to how far a positive attitude will get you is the story of Cliff Young.  In 1983 Cliff Young set a new world record for the 600 km (372 mile) foot race in his native country of Australia.  He not only broke the world record, he shattered it by 36 hours.  What makes this feat even more amazing is that he was 61 years old when he did it.  And Cliff Young was not a world class athlete.  He was a local farmer who did not realize he was doing what was impossible.  The proper way to train for an ultramarathon is to run 18 hours and rest 6 until the race is completed.  The only problem was that no one told that to Cliff Young.  He thought you were supposed to run the race straight through.  He ran it nonstop from start to finish and demolished the world record by 36 hours.  This is proof that we are only limited by what we think is possible.

 So you ask yourself, ‘what does an old man running an ultramarathon have anything to do with me’?  Glad you asked.  Life is a marathon.  Just as in running, you have highs and lows.  Barriers that seem impossible. You hit the wall.  You can give up or you can go the distance.  It’s all up to you and your attitude.

Your attitudes not only affects your physical health, they affect your mental health and your relationships as well.  If you want a healthy, well-balanced life then stop and think about what you are thinking, is it positive, or is it negative? Your thinking at the subconscious level creates comfort zones that ultimately affect your well- being and often imposes self limitations.  By transforming your personal belief system you can activate a positive outcome.

So what are your New Years Resolutions?  Have you joined a gym? Thrown your cigarettes in the trash? Started that weight loss program? Incorporating a positive attitude will ensure your success in any resolution you may have chosen.  Warning : Side effects may include other health benefits as well including happiness and a sense of well being. You can take control of your health.  It all starts with a positive attitude.

May you be empowered to be the author of your own health.

Annette and Audrey ©

We welcome any health questions or comments to: adoubledose@hotmail.com or you can visit our website at www.adoubledose.com

(Cliff Young story taken from ‘The Greatest Secret’ by Ron McIntosh)