Three steps to good health:

1)      Remain open to the possibility of good health at all times. To accomplish anything one must first believe they can

2)      Defuse all emotional burdens because they are extremely powerful, second only to belief

3)      Live based on what you wish to experience rather than what you think you should do

Good health free of all chronic illness really is simple.  Freedom is reserved for those choose to apply these three steps.  They are the ones who can expect to experience a healthy life filled with passion. 

Step 1 requires an unyielding determination often in the face of major adversary.  Others regularly do everything they can to protect the status quo, as if it was a dear relative.  Similar to lobsters attempting to escape a bucket, when one rises above the rest they are pulled back by the lot.  Misery loves company and always will.  Trust me, you have an ability to shine greater than anything ever observed by the human race.  Your exceptional effulgence may only be stoked or obscured by your determination at a given time.  If your faith rests in illness you will be ill.  If your faith is in wellness that will be your experience assuming you choose to complete Steps 2 and 3.

Step 2 is essential because until you have released any and all emotional restraints you will continue to experience limitations.  Psychological neutralization should be done independently or with one who has no interest in the details regarding your troubles.  Explaining the details merely promotes the situation and is rarely, if ever, effective. 

Step 3 is all about living life to the fullest.  Once emotional restraints have been eliminated you are free to experience whatever you wish.  As experiences increase so will your level of excitement and joy.  Being polar opposites illness and joy cannot coincide, in other words, a genuinely joyful person is a healthy person.

A compressive guide through all 3 steps comes in the form of an enhanced CD called the Complete Recovery Program.  The program’s inventor spent years researching hundreds of ailments to create it.  The program covers everything you need to know regarding the emotional, physical and psychological components to wellness.  No other method compares to its efficiency or potency.  Visit http://www.CompleteRecoveryProgram.com for testimonials and to place an order.

For a very long time I was extremely satisfied with the fact I survived a life threatening event.  The fact I lived with a “permanent” and chronic disability as a result of my survival didn’t matter near as much as the fact I was alive.  I struggled through life for about a decade trying just about every trick in the book to make it by.  It was like I was treading water with a weight around my waste.  I didn’t see the weight as a releasable burden, in fact I was proud of it.  It was like I was happy to bare the weight.  Doing so gave me a sense of belonging.  I could identify with others who carried a weight similar to mine.

I find it interesting that many support the idea there are phases to dealing with chronic illness.  Each set of phases end with accepting the permanence of the problem or waiting for some miracle cure to be developed.  There is a common understanding that afflictions like allergies, brain injuries, cancer, Parkinson’s, diabetes and many more ailments are permanent.    I agree, accepting any problem makes it easier to deal with, but am I alone in believing living with the problem is not the goal?  Defeat comes to anyone who believes they can be defeated.  If you feel any illness can defeat you I agree it is best to give up and quit the fight by accepting the illness.

On the other hand, if you believe you can feel good and possibly recover I suggest you never resort to thinking you must deal with any illness.  Of course you might have to address symptoms as they come but never give up the innately knowing recovery is possible.  Maintaining an understanding of the possibility of good health is the most efficient step in recovering to live a healthy life.

Now, I know adopting a belief in wellness can seem daunting or even impossible at first.  If you are like I was, you have believed all those who’ve told you about the impossibilities for some time.  It has taken you a lot of work to get to where you are and your illness has become the most reliable companion in your life.  You’ve grown to believe, no matter what you do, the illness and its limitations will always be there for you.  My life changed dramatically when I realized limitation is no match for determination.

If you want to feel good and lead a symptom free life I assure you the power to do so is yours at this very moment.  You can change any of the circumstances in your life in an instant, all you need is determination.  You have already survived, now it’s time to live.  Be determined to live symptom free and take action in accord with how you want that life to be.  Soon, the illness will be a memory.  You will be standing tall as the leader who has been to greener pastures with the ability to lead all those who wish to stop merely treading water.

Regardless of your illness the most challenging step will be developing the determination to live without the illness.  The good news is that your recovery is up to you at any time.  You have the rite and ability to feel good and lead the life you wish whenever you wish.

-Jerry Christensen

Determination never fails to eclipse limitation, regardless of circumstance.

-Jerry Christensen

I find it rather strange that so many people want one thing but promote the extreme opposite.  They may want to see good health, a cure for cancer, or the kind treatment of animals yet they tend to promote prolong poor health, cancer and inhumane treatment.  Let me explain…

To clarify my point please understand the definition of promote is to “bring awareness to.”  Some people become aware of an event or circumstance they do not prefer.  They dive into that subject and learn all they can.  Some even hold or participate in events to raise money for the cause.  They are merely bringing awareness to the situation they dislike and as I stated earlier bringing awareness is to promote.

Rather than promoting things that are disliked might I suggest promoting the things you want to see advance?  It sounds simple enough but it can be very difficult.  Especially since most people are inundated with the constant promotion of undesirable circumstances.

The difficulty is due to one factor alone, emotional attachment.  Most people are going through life on autopilot living off their emotional responses.  Few take charge recognizing emotional responses for what they are, a mere indicator of undesired experiences.  Until you take control, the emotional impact of things you don’t enjoy will rule your life resulting in poor health and well being.

This is my life and I’ve taken control of it. 

I don’t expose myself to the news, I’ve even disconnected cable service.  I redirect any conversation pertaining to circumstances that I don’t prefer and I live my life in a way that promotes life for all.  I choose not contribute to the death of anything (accept the consumption of plants) nor do I complain about unfortunate situations in my day.  No one will ever hear me rain on their parade with drama or details that are not joyous.  I have chosen to live a life of joy and you can too as soon as you are willing.

The first step to taking control of your life is to neutralize all emotional triggers.  There are many ways to do this but none are more efficient or powerful than the Complete Recovery Program http://www.CompleteRecoveryProgram.com.  Once the triggers have lost their grip you are free to live the life of your choice.  The next step is to control of the wheel, stop cruising along on autopilot, and eliminate all stimulation that does not agree with the way you want to feel.  Watch shows that make you feel good, read articles that bring you joy, view only pictures that make you happy and redirect conversation that does not agree with the way you want the world to be.

By taking these steps you will be doing all you can to promote joy and health in your life and the lives of those around you.  You will have more confidence and energy to do more of the things you love.  Without emotional triggers nothing will get you down.  The choice is yours, feel good and be in control or feel unwell and remain on autopilot.

© 2011 Jerry Christensen http://www.ConsideringHeatlh.org

This evening I received a message asking how I made the transition from TBI Survival to a Professional Recovery Expert.  The question was valid and the following was my response.

At first thought I think I went from survivor to professional because I never claimed the title of survivor.  For me the goal was first just struggle through life and get by as as suggested by the "experts" of the time.  Then the goal was set to be self sufficient which quickly evolved to living a symptom free life.  Now I'm a Recovery Expert with the mission of empowering people around the planet.

For the longest time I was in love with the details around the TBI I experienced.  When I finally let go of those details the TBI lost its grip.  It became a mere experience and I was able to move forward and experience a full recovery.

I have yet to read any study which adequately explains the importance of emotional neutralization.  To tell you the truth, I wasn't able to let go of the details until I diffused the emotional impact.  I am convinced it's that factor alone which is responsible for the persistence of the symptoms that follow traumatic experiences.

The thing that has made predictable recovery impossible to this point is the fact that talking about the problem only strengthens its grip.  One cannot let go of the injury as long as they are living in it.  I am so glad I wasn't proud to be a "Survivor."  Survival seems like a dead end, I mean it's very vague leaving nothing to aspire to.  I wanted to recover, not merely survive, if that makes sense.  Come to think of it, I didn't hear the term "Survivor" until recently (within the past year).

No matter what time of year it is it seems to be awareness month for one cause or another.  Am I the only one who understands "to increase public awareness" is the definition of promotion?  I would rather not promote anything that is unwanted.   I don’t care if the topic of the month is wood chopping or television viewing, if I don’t wish to support the furtherance of a cause a specific cause I will not draw awareness to it.

So many people in today’s society hold events for various causes literally promoting them when they say they want the cause to go away.  Rather than promoting or “raising awareness for” an unwanted cause I simply choose to maintain a clear understanding of the outcome I want to experience.  Who wants to join me in organizing a “Wellness Walk” or “Wellness Fund Raiser” because it's about time one is held?  I would love to see some professional sport become the “Official sport of Wellness” and make a donation for certain athletic achievements.  Is it just me or is wellness the only thing worth promoting?

In 1998 my life took a huge change of direction in the form of a severe traumatic brain injury.  Like everyone else with a chronic permanent condition, I was told I would never recover.  Everyone has a story and that's where most stop.  Very few make a full recovery so it's deemed impossible by the world. 

Often we overlook the innate ability humans have the to overcome whatever challenges they may face.  Regardless of the circumstances you can experience good health.  There are multiple steps to good health, the first two are by far the most important.  Step 1 is to consider good health a possibility.  You must also develop the determination to maintain that belief no matter what you are told to the contrary.  Step 2 is to neutralize emotional triggers and retire the dramatic details regarding the challenge.  This will help you sincerely stop claiming the challenge as yours.  Whatever you are going through, it is merely a challenge you can surmount as long as it doesn’t define who you are.

I speak from the experience of fully recovering from a severe chronic condition when I write to you, the path to full recovery and good health can be rather difficult and lonely.  Almost everyone will see symptoms of your challenge as a sign of its persistence rather than an indication of goals for improvement.  It took me roughly 10 years to get past a chronic condition because I was virtually alone.  If you are anything like me the people closest to you may tend to support your injury rather than empower your pursuit of good health.

There were groups and educated professionals doing everything in their power to support the condition.  All I really needed was someone willing to empower good health.  The problem seemed evident with a simple solution.  I started a conversation merely considering the possibility of good health.  To facilitate the conversation I created an environment called http://www.ConsideringHealth.org which empowers people in their pursuit for good health.

I invite you to join the conversation and ask that you tell your friends.  I believe in your ability to overcome whatever you are going through and I will assist you in living a life of good health.  While dealing with a health condition can be difficult, full recovery doesn’t have to be.

This blog is about bereavement (also know as the death of a loved one) and one example of how to continue life in the most efficient way possible.  Julie Sterner amazes me more than any woman I’ve ever met.  I feel I’m rather altruistic but no one compares to her. She genuinely places other’s comfort in front of all selfish desire.  I think we all have so much to learn from her.  I am extremely impressed by her most recent display of love regarding our cat (and her best friend ever) Pinky “Sweet Cheeks” Sterner.

Yesterday I worked from home and Julie was working all day in Chicago.  When she would arrive home usually Pinky would dart downstairs to say hello.  Pinky would be there shortly after Julie walked through the door but not last night.  Rather than the nightly greeting Pinky wailed from atop the stairs.

Julie and I shared light conversation when I noticed the usual cry from Pinky.  I went up stairs to see if everything was okay and found her hind end was motionless and seemed very heavy.  I called Julie up and noticed it was time for Pinky’s medication.  She has spent the last 8 years on pills for a heart condition.  We pack the pill in a soft kitty treat, she would eat it right up without hesitation.  Even though her back legs were not operational tonight was no exception. The good cat ate the treat in a heartbeat.

I went in our room where Pinky was sleeping just before Julie got home and I saw she vomited more heavily than I’ve ever seen before.  The bile bled through the comforter and 2 sheets.  I knew she was in bad a way.  It looked like she woke up, vomited everything she had inside her and fell off the bed.  Her back legs wouldn’t move so she dragged her small body to the top of the stairs where she waited for us to find her.  After the treat I googled her symptoms while Julie consoled her with a loving embrace.  Quickly I saw her symptoms could be due to her heart condition.  I gave Pinky some lovin while Julie called the veterinary emergency room.  I assisted Pinky to the dark corner where she would sleep and sometimes hide.  I was very surprised that she was able to find some peace.  She was still in confused but the cries were not as frequent.

Julie got off the phone and we loaded up.  She held Pinky in her lap and favorite blanket while I drove.  On the way she heard a wheeze in Pinky’s breath that was symptomatic of congestive heart failure.  Even thought it was difficult for Pinky to breathe, hearing it made Julie’s upcoming decision much easier.

There was no wait at the emergency room, we went into the observation room and the receptionist took Pinky back to see the vet.  Less than 30 seconds later the vet came in with a sad face.  She explained that Pinky’s paresis was caused by a blood clot that lodged where the blood flow to the legs spits.  She said it was very painful and with a condition like Pinky’s the clot has produced even more strain on her heart.

Julie had to hear no more.  Promptly she informed vet that she used to have a Sphinx who died of congestive heart failure and it was time to end Pinky’s suffering.  The doctor left to put the catheter in Pinky’s vein.  After just a few minutes she returned with our wonderful little cat in her arms.  She explained the euthanasia process to me while Julie held Pinky in her arms and said her goodbyes.  As the vet injected the sedative Julie kissed Pinky’s head and I petted her warm body.

The vet said it could take 20 seconds or longer but I doubt it took even that long.  Before I knew it her heart stopped and it was peacefully over.  Her struggle from the time she awoke to her final breath was less than two hours.  Pinky’s life can be surmised as happy/healthy, happy/healthy, happy/healthy, dead and it’s all thanks to Julie’s selfless act.  Not only was she the perfect mommy to Pinky she knew the most loving thing to do was to help Pinky transition.  Even more impressive was her courage to act accordingly.

Julie and I returned home and got rid of the litter box, cat toys, and food.  We cleaned up the vomit and laid down for the night.  Before we fell asleep she and I talked about how wonderful Pinky was.  We looked at the hundred or so pictures I’ve taken since I met Pinky nearly 11 months ago.  Then we reminisced about how playful and cute Pinky was right up until the end.  She was 10 year s old but she played like a kitten every day.  Pinky was excited to love visitors and she never lashed out.  She was one of the most (of not the most) well behaved cat I’ve ever met.

Julie wrote on her facebook “Pinky gave so much love to everyone it gave her a weak heart. the past 8 years she's been treated w/ blood pressure medicine. She waited until I got home from work and decided she had a wonderful life and was done. Happy and healthy all day then her back legs stopped working from a blood clot right when I got home. We are sad to not have her w/ us, but so glad she went out like an angel” and I thought “Her legs gave way for her wings.”

Pinky was a member of our family, not just another fixture of the house.  We loved her as did everyone she met.  With a sobbing tear in my eye I write my final goodbye with very familiar words…. “I love you Little Girl.”

When I am ready I will neutralize my emotional response with the Complete Recovery Program.  The neutralization will make it possible to dry my eyes and appreciate Pinky for who she was.  I will decide to embrace the freedom she has now bestow upon us.  Julie and I may now travel as we wish at a moment's notice.  It's time to recognize the gift that wonderful little cat gave to both Julie and I.  If anything this experience has brought us even closer, if that's possible.

Many people want to feel good but most don’t understand the courage it takes to do so.  I say it takes courage because there are countless people and organizations out there telling you recovery is impossible.  Maybe I’m just stubborn but, whenever anyone tells me something is impossible I do whatever I can to prove them wrong.  I’ve done this with my health and many other things throughout my life.

It is very easy to agree with the masses and assume the belief that you will be inflicted for the rest of your life.  I totally understand how difficult it can be to believe in something and pursue it with vigor regardless of the circumstance.  Just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean you can’t, in fact I believe if something is difficult that means it is possible.  The task is merely figuring out how.  Stay focused on what you want and do what you feel you should do.  You will feel good and moment by moment it will improve.  You will have fun and life will get easier.

The key to your wellness is eliminating the emotional triggers that are causing you to feel unwell.  Getting rid of them will make your recovery possible and it will require far less courage or energy to recover completely.  Very soon the moments of joy will grow into minutes then hours.  Before long you will spend whole days feeling good and nothing can deny you that.  The more you feel good the less hold an ailment will have.  You can regain control of every circumstance in your life and it begins with feeling good right now.

It’s commonly misunderstood that open lines of communication lead to strong relationships which last.  Don’t get me wrong, communication is vital, but it plays a secondary role.  There must be perceived equality for people to communicate.  The playing field of equality is established once all personal expectation is replaced with a healthy mutual anticipation for the development of the relationship.

A friend recently told me she felt betrayed by her lover and she wanted to confront him about it.  Her plan was to calmly tell him about her disappointment and maintain the calm façade as he explained himself.  I stopped her right there letting her know her plan would do nothing to help the relationship.

I had an ex-girlfriend who did the same thing to me often.  If I did anything she didn’t approve of she would ask me if I did it, it felt like she was trying to catch me in a lie.  When I didn’t lie she would explain her logic.  She thought this was good communication because she didn’t blow up at me.  She followed relationship books and attempted to communicate efficiently when all she managed to do was make her man feel like a cowardly, scolded little puppy.  Being the man I am the relationship didn’t last for long.  I’m grateful to be in a relationship now which promotes my masculinity rather than reinforcing insignificance.

Considering my expertise in relationship building I explained to my friend that she was painting him into a corner.  Okay, she caught him doing something she didn’t approve of and it should be addressed, but that was no way to do it.  If she chose to handle it the way she wanted to initially, it would have established a solid authoritative structure.  He would constantly be checking his actions to insure they lived up to her expectations.  His actions would not be genuine and as a result he will consistently work to cover up mistakes. 

Any relationship with an authoritative structure is much like employee/employer relationships.  The employer always strives for increased productivity while the employee does just enough to keep their job.  Due to unequal roles both parties are dissatisfied, usually both are miserable, and most importantly the relationship is not fulfilling.  A passionate relationship cannot thrive if restrained by authority in any way.

I explained they must start over and emotionally “wipe the slate clean” if she ever wishes to get passed her feelings of betrayal.  Equality is the result of both members replacing perceived insufficiency of one another with an authentic appreciation for everything their partner is.  Frequently, I find that authority is illogical and falsely assumed rather than imposed.  It is a genuine misunderstanding that can only be resolved after the authoritative structure has been dissolved allowing open lines of communication.  Only then will both partners have the ability to communicate clearly to determine how each would like the relationship to develop.