7 of the Best Goals for People with Chronic Illness

It’s a new year and that means many people are setting New Year’s resolutions. Others hate setting resolutions but feel better about setting goals. I tend to be one who sets goals or intentions rather than resolutions. As I was thinking about my goals I came up with these seven goals for people with chronic illness.

Seven Goals for People with Chronic Illness

1. Spend time with God.

   Take some time each and every day to read scripture, pray and worship God. Our family is going to read through the Bible using the YouVersion Bible App.

2. Move Every Day.

   Movement is the key to healing from chronic illness and improving your quality of life. If you’re not sure what you can do take a look at my post Exercise Options When You Have Chronic Illness.

3. Drink Clean Water.

   Water is a necessity for life. Clean water is essential for good health. Our family has been using a Berkey water system and we love it!

   

4. Practice Gratitude.

   Studies show that practicing gratitude is good for your health. Gratitude requires your brain and can improve your health. Grab a notebook, journal or download an app like Headspace and begin focusing on what you are grateful for.

5. Work Through Old Hurts and Trauma.

   Everyone has some form of past hurts or trauma but those that have been stuffed deep down still has great implications for your health. This is not some woo-woo, New Age thing. The Bible tells us, as a man thinks so he is and that a cheerful heart is good medicine but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Chronic illness can stem from unforgiveness, bitterness, and past trauma that hasn’t been dealt with. Equally, suffering from chronic pain and illness can also create trauma. Getting help from a licensed therapist or counselor could be the best thing you do for yourself this year.

   
   

6. Clean Up Your Diet.

   Deep down you know that eating better quality and healthier foods will make you feel better. Why not make up your mind to begin today! Every choice you make can either improve or harm your health! If you have no idea where to begin, find support and direction by going to a Whole Foods or functional nutritionist.

7. Believe You Can Get Better.

   As I said before, our thoughts have a huge impact on our health! Don’t just practice “positive thinking” but truly trust God that He can and will help you to get better and that He could all out heal you if that’s His plan for you now! We’re not promised health and happiness all the time. In fact, the opposite is true. In this world, we will have trouble but we do not have to be overcome by our troubles when we trust in the Lord.

   When I began putting every aspect of our healing journey into God’s hands and thanking Him every day for healing us even when I didn’t see it, we began to improve in ways that we had not before. It didn’t happen overnight but it did happen!

I love this version of Proverbs 16:3 from the Amplified version. Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].

I pray that this new year draws you closer to God and that you find peace and healing!

Happy New Year!