From Striving to Savoring: Shifting Our Mindset with Chronic Illness

By Irene S. Roth

Savoring our life helps intensify and expand our connection to positive emotions. People who frequently experience positive emotions are more resilient, resourceful, and are more likely to form close ties with other people. This is especially beneficial for chronically ill individuals.

Therefore, for the chronically ill, it can be challenging to create a shift in perspective from striving to savoring. We tend to be hard on ourselves because we don’t feel like we measure up. We overdo it a lot of the time. Most of us can take concrete steps every day to turn our attention to more positive things.

Finding even small, everyday things that make us smile can take our striving mindset and change it to a savoring one. A savoring mindset is positive and uplifting. This is what chronically ill individuals need more than anything else. I hope this book helps us find beauty in every moment of our life.

In what follows, I will outline and discuss 10 ways to mindfully savor our life every moment of every day. Even our breath can serve as a cleansing anchor, as a way of savoring this moment, and an anecdote to striving and perhaps even overthinking.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Irene S. Roth
• Release date: May 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798201663872

Irene S. Roth

Irene S. Roth, MA is an academic and freelance writer. She writes academically, for teens and tweens and adults. When she isn't writing, she is teaching. She is also pursuing a Master's of Social Work Degree.

Book preview

From Striving to Savoring:

Shifting Your Mindset with Chronic Illness

Irene Roth

Copyright 2023 Irene S. Roth

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Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Practice Mindfulness

2. Eat Mindfully

3. Practice Relaxation Techniques

4. Practice Self-Compassion

5. Practice Self-Acceptance

6. Set Realistic Expectations

7. Practice Gratitude

8. Build a Support System

9. Find Joy in Small Things

10. Engage in Activities We Truly Enjoy

Conclusion

Resources

About the Author

Introduction

Savoring life means consciously and intentionally paying attention to and enjoying the positive experiences in our lives. It involves focusing on the present moment, cultivating gratitude, and appreciating the small things in life that bring us joy and fulfillment.

It's important to note that savoring life is a practice that requires effort and intentionality. It may take time to shift our mindset and habits from focusing on what's wrong or lacking in our life to appreciate and enjoy what we have. However, with practice and perseverance, savoring life can become a habit that brings greater joy and fulfillment to our life.

Why savor life? Savoring our life helps intensify and expand our connection to positive emotions. People who frequently experience positive emotions are more resilient, resourceful, and are more likely to form close ties with other people. This is especially beneficial for chronically ill