Setting an intention each day is part of my ALS tool kit

Come on, do we really need another reminder to practice self-care? I think we do. I know I need it, especially because I have ALS and am living in a world that’s barreling down a bumpy track.

The type of self-care I’m currently focusing on isn’t a self-indulgent three-day vacation, although that would be lovely. I’m talking about the tiny, simple things we can easily insert into our day — actions that are doable and cut through all the noise bombarding our senses.

I learned the value of self-care during one of my first trips to the ALS clinic. As a newly diagnosed patient, I received a packet filled with various brochures and helpful information. Attached to one of the pamphlets was a small card with the words, “Taking care of myself is not an act of indulgence; it is an act of self-preservation.” I saved that card, and it’s been my guiding North Star ever since.

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Intentions

Although I’ve written several columns about ways we can care for ourselves, I’ve been trying something new: setting an intention for the day. Doing this helps me sail over the dramas of the daily news cycle and the little speed bumps in life.

Here’s how I do it: Before my day gets busy, I take a few minutes to sit quietly and set an intention for my body and mind for the day. It can be simple, such as feeling peaceful or joyous, having gratitude, or being kind. There are many intentions to choose from.

Lately, my intentions have become a bit more complex, yet still simple in concept: “Today, I will maintain awareness of my calm center and let daily dramas wash over me.”

I choose the intention, reflect on it, live with it, and let it shape the day ahead. I encourage you to try this, too.

I wrote more in a column titled “How ‘Self-care Minis’ Help Me Through a Busy Day.” Humming does double duty as a calming technique and a good exercise for breath work. Likewise, the crying breath is a skill that sends signals to my body to relax. Finally, chair dancing is a great way to combine physical movement and self-expression, and I’ll bet it’ll bring a smile to your face.

As we go forward and face the challenges that life brings us, let’s set another intention: to imagine we’re reaching out to hold each other’s hands and sharing thoughts of health and happiness. Together, we can live well while living with ALS.

Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.