Rethinking “100% recovery”

Firstly, let’s question what 100% recovery really means. Is it about getting back to where you were before you got sick? Or is it about reaching your full potential? For me, if I had measured my recovery by percentages, I would have considered myself recovered a year ago. But I keep getting better, and I’ve realized that what I thought was 100% is not my true potential.

A lot of people equate 100% with their pre-illness state. However, our full potential is continually expanding as we improve and grow. If you keep focusing on a specific percentage, you might rush the process and feel like you’re not doing well enough. This can create unnecessary pressure and stress, similar to getting grades in school where you’re always striving for the next level.

Focus on How You Feel

Instead of fixating on percentages, focus on how you feel. If you constantly think, “I’m only at 40%,” it can make you feel inadequate. Being below 100% implies something is wrong with you. It’s important to recognize that you’re where you need to be right now, even if it doesn’t feel like it. This journey teaches you valuable lessons that you wouldn’t have learned otherwise.

The True Benchmark

Before my illness, I would have considered 100% as being able to live a normal life again. Now, my goals have shifted. I aim to exercise more frequently, have more energy, and do more activities, all while keeping my health in mind and not pushing the limits too far.

Having an ideal future in mind, rather than a set percentage, is more beneficial. Your vision of an ideal lifestyle should be flexible and not set in stone. As you continue to get better, your goals will naturally evolve. Think of it as a journey rather than a destination. This perspective helps you avoid rushing the process and feeling like you’re falling short.

The Recovery Process

Recovery is not linear. You might feel 40% one day, then 80%, and then drop back down. This fluctuation is normal. I used to rush my recovery, constantly pushing to reach 100%. It wasn’t until I accepted the long-term nature of my journey that I started to see real progress. Recovery is something you can’t rush.

The language you use with yourself is crucial. Instead of asking, “Am I fully recovered?” ask yourself if you’re moving closer to your ideal life. This shift in mindset can make a significant difference. There are practices like brain retraining exercises, meditation, and maintaining healthy habits that you might not want to do but are essential for recovery.

Building a Strong Foundation

Your recovery journey requires a strong foundation. Pay attention to your body’s signals and avoid pushing too far. Even now, I sometimes push myself too hard with work, forgetting to eat or rest properly. When I start feeling slight discomfort, it reminds me to take better care of myself.

Instead of measuring recovery by percentages, use benchmarks to gauge progress. Track how much more activity you can handle, how far you can walk, or how often you can socialize. These milestones help you see real progress without the pressure of reaching an arbitrary 100%.

Patience is Key

Patience is crucial in recovery. It’s a skill you’re being forced to learn right now, and it will benefit you in many areas of life once you recover. Rushing the process can set you back. Accepting the ups and downs and being patient with yourself will lead to better outcomes.

Conclusion

I hope this perspective shift resonates with you. Focus on your overall well-being and progress towards an ideal life rather than an arbitrary percentage. Stay positive, motivated, and patient. Your journey is unique, and it’s essential to appreciate every step along the way.