As daylight saving time begins, we welcome longer hours of sunlight—a perfect opportunity to be outside, move, enjoy life, and be active. However, for those of us living with liver disease, our energy may be low, and it can be difficult to get up and moving. At times, we may even feel paralyzed. Is there a way we can spring forward with liver disease?
Our minds are like gardens; the thoughts we plant are the seeds that shape how we feel and act. Interestingly, a seed itself appears lifeless—it has fallen from last year’s fruit, spending the winter buried in darkness. This resonates deeply with those of us who have faced the depths of liver disease. I’ve experienced that darkness firsthand with end-stage cirrhosis, enduring challenges like hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, bleeding varices, and viral hepatitis. There were days when I felt more dead than alive. I survived liver cancer, yet some days, the anger and exhaustion from battling liver disease still drain my mind and body.
Spring Forward with Liver Disease
But today, let’s talk about what we can do right now to spring forward with liver disease. Just as a garden flourishes with positivity, creativity, and calm, so does life when we cultivate healthy thoughts. Conversely, when the weeds of sadness, addiction, or anxiety take over, life can feel overwhelming, causing us to shut down. However, like a mindful gardener, we have the power to tend our mental landscape, planting thoughts that encourage growth and transformation.
Many belief systems, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), remind us that “you are what you think.” I am heavily meditated and rely on proven methods to reframe my self-talk. We all have the ability to care for our mental garden with intention. Be vigilant against self-critical thoughts—picture them as weeds choking out your strength and vitality. When a negative thought arises, visualize pulling it out and replacing it with something nourishing, such as gratitude or self-compassion. It takes practice, but over time, this mental weeding strengthens our resilience.
Make Your Mind a Garden
Who doesn’t love a vibrant flower garden filled with color? Or the joy of harvesting fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and other fruits? Tending our mental garden is a gift not only to ourselves but also to our loved ones and the world. When we become possibility thinkers, we see the potential within each seed. If I hadn’t used my imagination while lying in a hospital bed with liver cancer or during the days I was incapacitated by ammonia overload, I might not be here today.
It may sound simple, but aligning your mind with peace and possibility naturally enhances your interactions with others, making them more compassionate and connected. As we move through March, April, and May, let’s choose to spring forward with liver disease, embracing the vision of a thriving mental and emotional garden. The seeds we plant today will shape the future of our well-being.
So, step into the sunshine, breathe in the fresh air, and remember that no matter how dark the winter has been, spring always brings the promise of new beginnings. You know that I’m always on your side and want to offer any help that you might need as you move into. your future. Check out patient resources from the AASLD. Your Best Friend with Liver Disease, xo Karen
