How To Cope With Waiting For An Appointment Or Test Results

It may be impossible to be positive all the time -- especially when dealing with a serious diagnosis. Well meaning people may tell you that all the time. Dr. Jimmie Holland refers to it as the "tyranny of positive thinking." However, it still helps to try to be positive. Think about all the blessings in your life. About the good times. It won't change the reality -- but it can help change the way you relate to it.  

Try to change negative thoughts.

• Try not to be angry.
  • If anger does pop up, try not to take it out on other people. If you do, don't let it dredge up gripes you may have about the person. Once you've calmed down and recognized what happened, an apology helps.
  • One technique for getting rid of anger is to let it out in a controlled manner. One of our writers keeps a pile of very inexpensive plates on hand which he throws against a wall. Cleaning up afterward helps complete his letting go of his anger.
• Let go of self pity. It helps one of our writers to remember the old adage: "I wept because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet." Another remembers that (if you'll excuse the expression): "Shit happens."
• "Why me" can sound like an interesting question until you ask yourself how often you've wondered "why me" about the things you've enjoyed in your life. One of our readers suggested considering an alternative question: "Why not me?"

For more information about a positive attitude and how to keep it, click here.

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