New Year’s Resolutions for People with Limb Loss

New Year’s Resolutions for People with Limb Loss

Tuesday, 28 January 2020 11:54

The New Year can bring mixed emotions for a lot of people, and this is doubly true for those who are living with limb loss. Do you feel like you have nothing to be excited for as you adjust to your new normal? Or are you eager to regain hope, control, and take charge of your life? This year can be a happy, fulfilling, and productive one. Here are a few resolutions to help you get started on the right path.

  1. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is not selfish. It is necessary for everyone: it enables us to build a positive relationship with ourselves… and with others. It reminds us that our needs matter and that we are important. Whether you’re busy, depressed, down, or stressed, it can be hard to find time to practice self-care; it can be difficult to find the will and energy. 

Take a minute to acknowledge these feelings. And then do something that you enjoy or that relaxes you. Take a bath or hot shower. Go for a walk. Journal. Cook your favorite meal. Get a new book and snuggle up for an hour or so. Commit to doing something nice for yourself each day or, if that is difficult, as often as you are able. It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering or take much time.

  1. Think About Where You Want to Be in December

Fast-forward to December of this year. What do you want life to look like? What will success mean? Write down any goals - big and small - that you have. Remember to celebrate steps along the way too, as you work towards those goals. It’s important to recognize and acknowledge the wins and the strength they give you to keep going. 

For example, if your goal is to become skilled using your prosthetic leg, set sub-goals. Step one: make sure it fits perfectly. Step two: go to all PT appointments and do your “homework.” Step three: take the stairs at work/school, etc. Step four…. And so on.  Take time to look back to see how far you’ve come.

  1. Build Your Team

When you’re dealing with limb loss, particularly when it is recent, you need a team around you. This includes your doctors and specialists, of course, but it also includes friends, family, and support groups who can lend an ear. Other people with limb loss are an especially good resource: they get it, and they’ve experienced many of the same feelings, challenges, triumphs. Make one of your goals this year to find a support network.

Limb loss changes many aspects of your life. Attitude, self-care, and support is the key to ensuring that as many of them as positive as possible. Contact Orthopedic Appliance Company for more information