A link to a Second Chance to Live channel YouTube video presentation of Traumatic Brain Injury and The Principle of First Things First is included at the bottom of this article.
Hello and welcome back to Second Chance to Live. I hope you are doing well today. I am glad to be back at my desk. I got back last Wednesday from my visit with my family. Before I left to visit with my family I started to develop a sinus infection. Thankfully, I was able to see my Dr., who prescribed an antibiotic. During my visit I took the antibiotic on schedule, however once I finished the antibiotic, the symptoms returned.
Because the symptoms returned, I knew that it was in my best interest to re-contact my Dr. Upon contacting him, he prescribed a different antibiotic. I have been taking that antibiotic during the past several days and I am beginning to feel better. From past experience, I knew that it would best to call a mentor of mine. During our conversation he said, “I know you. Once you start to feel better, you will look at things differently”.
In my experience, I have found that when I sick I am more susceptible to stinking or negative thinking. In addition to my stinking or thinking, I tend to react to situations and people differently than when I am not feeling poorly. I am also prone to stinking or negative thinking and reactive behavior when I am hungry, angry, lonely and tired. My experience has also reinforced the concept of H.A.L.T. S. – hungry, angry, lonely, tired or sick.
When I am hungry, angry, lonely, sick, tired or sick I need to remember the principle of First Things First. I need to take care of what is precipitating my stinking / negative thing and reactive behavior. If I am hungry, I need to eat healthy food. If I am angry I need to settle my emotions, if I am lonely I need to call a friend or go to a meeting, if I am tired, I need to rest and if I am sick I need to see a Dr. and follow his / her directions.
As my mentor reminded me, ““I know you. Once you start to feel better, you will look at things differently”. I have begun to see things differently, as I have practiced the principle of First Things First.
Today’s Thought
In the event that you find your self experiencing negative or stinking thinking my friend, I would encourage you to use the principle of First Things First. If you find yourself hungry, angry, lonely, tired or sick take the necessary steps to practice healthy self-care. Do what you need to do to meet those needs. By taking care of your needs, you will begin to see things differently, as I have begun to see things differently.
I have made a YouTube video presentation to accompany this article. Here is the link to my YouTube presentation. Simply click on the blue link here: Traumatic Brain Injury and the Principle of First Things First.
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Craig, this was a great article! Your advice is so “right on”. One of my best policies is also not to make any big decisions if I am hungry, tired, sick, lonely or it’s dark outside! Thank you again my friend for your wisdom!
Hi Laura,
Thank you so very for much taking the time to leave a comment my friend. You are a blessing to me.
In my experience, I have found that I learn as I go and many times I need to be reminded of what I already know. It just takes what it takes.
I will say so long for now my friend.
Have a great day and God bless both you and your family Laura.
Craig