Have Chronic Pain? Making Decisions Can be Difficult

James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

For many people, making decisions are difficult whether they have a chronic health condition or not. If you’ve made a bunch of bad decisions in your life, it can be almost impossible to trust your decision-making process.
 
But add in the mix that you’re sick or in chronic pain most of the time, making decisions can be even more difficult.
 
It can start with the little ones:

1. Trying to figure out what you’re going to wear for the day. Seems simple, but if you have health issues you don’t know whether to dress up or dress casually since you don’t know if you will be able to go out for the day. Answer – Dress up anyway. It can feel good to be able to look in the mirror and see yourself not running around in your stay-at-home clothes. My mom told me once that she dressed up every day because it made her feel better to do so.
2. Figuring out what you’re going to eat for breakfast. They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Plus, if you don’t eat and venture out to do your errands you’re more likely to pick up unhealthy foods at the grocery store. Answer – Fix yourself a nice breakfast or if you’re in a hurry at least grab a protein drink or a bowl of cereal. It will curb your hunger and help you not to pick up those unhealthy snacks.

 
Now, let’s think about decisions to be made that are a bit harder to make.

1. There are those decisions that may impact not just one day, but many days. For instance, you’re considering whether to begin a new diet and exercise plan. On the surface, it may seem like this is a no brainer, but it is. One reason is because you need to change the word “diet” into “lifestyle change” or you won’t last very long. Answer – Try changing a couple things each week instead of everything all at once. That way your body can learn what’s best for it and you won’t feel so deprived.

 
Then, there are the life-changing decisions that may affect life as you know it.

1. You’ve been offered a job promotion, but it means you’re going to have to move to a bigger city than where you live now. Do you move to the big city or do you continue to enjoy a slower paced lifestyle? A lot would be determined if you enjoy your job or if it’s just a means to an end. Answer – Talk to your family and friends and get their feedback. Do a little research to find out if the cost of living is more in the new city and if it would wipe out the increase of income you’d receive if you took the job.
2. Another tough decision is whether to accept a marriage proposal. You’d need to ask yourself the obvious question as to whether you love your fiancé and if you see a marriage to them lasting the rest of your life. Answer – Examine your heart and perhaps talk to your friends and family about this decision as well.
3. A decision that is life or death – You’ve been diagnosed with cancer. Do you choose to live out the rest of your days for however many there are, or do you opt for surgery and chemotherapy? You know it will make you very sick but if you want more time with your family then the answer may be – Fight to the end. Do everything you possibly can to extend your life. There are many new ways to treat cancer and perhaps your doctor will suggest something out-of-the-box.

 
Themuse.com in their article, “4 Steps That’ll Help You Cut Through the BS and Make a Hard Decision Faster,” provides us with a couple more ideas on making decisions. A couple of them are doing something trumps doing nothing. Plus, not making a decision is a decision you’ve made. Another suggestion is don’t choose something just because you’re “supposed to.” Though it’s important to seek other people’s advice, don’t act just because of someone else’s opinion.

Having chronic pain can make decisions difficult. But if you ask God for wisdom and direction, do a little research, and talk to your family and friends you’ll be better able to make decisions. 

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