8 Mindset Shifts for Recovery
Have you ever wondered why some people heal from chronic illness and others don’t?
I follow a lot of coaches online that have reversed their illness and I found that many of them all have a similar mentality when it comes to health and healing.
These characteristics became the very framework for the inspiration of JMS Wellness because they are simply not the “norm” and it truly takes a special type of person to heal and reverse their thyroid or other chronic illness and honestly, not everyone is going to do it. You have to be willing to fight for it.
All of people who have reversed their condition embody most of the following characteristics that has led them back to health and also success in all areas of their lives. It turns out, healing from chronic illness can heal your life in ways you never expected and it might even just be a blessing in disguise if you are brave enough to dive deep enough into your root causes and meet yourself.
1. They don’t have a victim mentality
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at birth but lived a relatively normal life because my parents were very good at making me feel like there was nothing wrong with me. I still kept up physically with my peers and I even skipped grade 2. I didn’t realize it at the time but it was the greatest gift my parents could have ever given to me because it taught me that while I had hypothyroidism, it certainly wasn’t going to stop me from doing my absolute best in life or striving for excellence.
My mom embodied this mindset herself when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Her determination and positive outlook played a pivotal role in helping her thrive during challenging cancer treatments—twice.
Some people create their entire identity around their illness. While it can be immensely challenging at times (and I don't wish to minimize the difficulties), it often results in the illness dominating their lives. Corporations make substantial profits by continually promoting a sense of victimhood, persuading people that they've experienced injustice, and encouraging them to link their identity with particular illnesses. Consequently, people collect and identify with as many labels and identities that hinder progress, seeking sympathy from strangers instead of actively creating lives they're proud of.
A victim mentality makes you less happy, holds back personal growth, and gets in the way of feeling fulfilled. It can make you feel powerless, dependent on others, and full of resentment. But here's the thing—it's like you're standing in a cell with an open door. All it takes is a change in mindset to walk out of it.
2. They take responsibility
It's often tempting to point fingers at others and external factors for the situations we find ourselves in. Yet, it's quite rare for us to take an honest look at the role we've played in our current circumstances.
Some may fear that doing so makes them seem "bad" or like failures. However, the reality is that we're none of those things. Instead, it's an opportunity to learn from our mistakes. When we blame everyone else or make excuses, we essentially give away all our power. The first step in regaining that power and achieving different outcomes is recognizing where we are and the path that led us here.
3. They believe healing is possible
I’ve talked to hundreds of thyroid patients and doctors over my lifetime of dealing with hypothyroidism and I will admit its easy to be discouraged, especially when you hear all the time that you will be on medication for the rest of your life or that there is no cure.
Imagine if anyone who actually reversed thyroid illness (Hashimoto’s specifically) heard that and just accepted that as their fate, rolled over and gave up…
The truth is, it definitely is possible to reverse it and get your life back. This doesn’t mean we should be engaging in wishful thinking by living in denial of having it or pushing ourselves beyond our limits or not taking our medication if we need to and causing more harm to ourselves, but it also means having faith and working towards that faith that you can also be free and reverse it, even if it feels small and unlikely, it’s still possible.
4. They are willing to question authority
Thyroid patients such as myself or others experiencing chronic illness, especially in the early stages, often treat advice as absolute gospel, even when it involves generic, one-size-fits-all recommendations like avoiding iodine or following a specific diet based on a specific study. Blind adherence can make the journey to optimal health take longer because these cookie-cutter solutions may not suit our unique needs. I, too, fell into this trap, embracing dogma from thyroid influencers and celebrity doctors online as the ultimate answer, only to discover that it delayed my path to optimal well-being. It’s easy when we are getting started because we are typically clueless when it comes to what is happening with us and we’re hoping that what these influencers are saying is going to be the answer we needed.
The truth is, there is no quick fixes. While some guidance can be beneficial, we must be open to experimentation and be wary or skeptical of “one size fits all” approaches. This is why I despise diet culture, which often promotes food fear and disordered eating patterns and am such a big advocate for testing to determine what truly works for us as individuals. Testing can really help us zoom into what is happening on a case-by-case basis and can save us a lot of time.
It's crucial to recognize that many medical studies have their limitations and can be influenced in various ways:
They may lack proper control or involve small sample sizes.
They might be funded with the aim of achieving specific results.
Some studies are conducted on men, mice, or in laboratory settings.
Data can be manipulated or cherry-picked.
Conflicts of interest may be at play.
Plagiarism or ghostwriting could compromise integrity.
Findings may be impossible to replicate.
The peer review process can be manipulated.
This is not to undermine the value of science but to acknowledge its constraints. We are all unique individuals with unique circumstances, and we should not blindly accept "one size fits all" advice all the time. Instead, we should seek solutions tailored to our specific needs and situations.
This can also mean standing up to your practitioner at times by saying no to certain treatments, trying new treatments and being an advocate for your health and not being intimidated but instead working alongside your doctor to find the best treatments for you.
5. They have a vision or purpose
Many patients that have the courage and strength to embark on the healing journey have a vision or mission for their life or have something to live for such as their family or career goals or sometimes it’s a dream they want to achieve. It’s something to live for. Having a “why” is one of the reasons many people keep fighting.
This involves understanding our own limitations and vulnerabilities, not overextending ourselves, and having the courage to seek assistance or establish boundaries to preserve our energy. Sometimes it's about saying "yes" to the things that matter and "no" to those that don't, without fearing that we're missing out.
It could also involve cutting ties with certain people or jobs that are holding us back, or maybe even considering a move or a new job. Learning to set boundaries can be tough, but it's a necessary part of the healing process. And remember, it's not about being mean or rude, but about deciding who you want to be and working towards that, so the negative stuff can make way for the positive.
6. They are willing to do the work
Many thyroid patients that actually reverse their condition are typically willing to make significant lifestyle and diet changes or are willing to invest in their health because they are either deeply uncomfortable or they deeply value their health and are ready to go to war for it. Either way, the people who end up healthy again are typically relentless and don’t give up easily.
7. They are willing to learn new things
Many thyroid patients acquire new knowledge out of necessity. This often involves returning to school to delve into health-related topics, reading research studies, seeking insights from experts, engaging with survivors and fellow patients, and remaining receptive to their wisdom. To embark on a healing journey, we must keep our minds open to various healing approaches, even if they are unfamiliar to us.
Holistic health encompasses a wide spectrum healing including spiritual, mental, emotional, social, and physical dimensions. Relying solely on a single path, such as finding the right medication dosage, may not suffice. Even if we make changes to our diet and increase physical activity, it might not lead to a complete reversal of our condition. In doing so, we could potentially miss out on an opportunity to lead a more profound and fulfilling life. Being open-minded and not dismissing natural healing methods or allopathic (pharmaceutical) approaches can be the key to achieving improved health. The crucial aspect is to avoid adopting a rigid stance on one side or the other, but rather, to appreciate the potential benefits of both practices and be willing to explore and understand them all.
8. They view their diagnosis as a blessing
In the grand scheme of things, most thyroid patients who have successfully reversed their condition don't view it as a burden. Instead, they see it as a catalyst to a fresh start, a silver lining, and a second chance at life. Some would dare to call it a genuine blessing.
Thyroid patients often describe a "before" and "after," their diagnosis and reflect on the personal growth, transformation, and increased happiness and success that they've experienced as a result of their healing journey. They typically describe feeling empowered, unstoppable, confident, and resilient. All these are critical in creating a beautiful, happy life no matter what that looks like for you.
The lessons you learn about yourself along the way will remain valuable throughout your life if you remain open to learning. Your body is constantly striving to achieve a state of balance and help you operate at your highest potential. It simply requires your collaboration and willingness to work with it.
If you’re struggling with chronic illness, know that there are options for you. At JMS Wellness, we're all about breaking free from the one-size-fits-all mindset and quick fixes. Our mission is to guide you on a journey of self-discovery to uncover the unique root causes of your health challenges. Imagine having the energy, confidence, and resilience to create the life you've always dreamed of—because it's possible.
Your dreams matter and the world needs you to get started.
