The holy trinity of my CF survival to reach 48 with my original lungs has been unstinting commitment to my medication, regular exercise and the power of the mind.

The latter part of this ‘power of three’ has been a slow burner over the last 10 years since I was diagnosed with CF-related diabetes. Up till my late thirties, I hadn’t appreciated how helpful my mindset and being more present were to my ongoing survival.

When I got diabetes as well as my CF, I knew I needed a different mechanism to deal with the multitude of negative thoughts which were dragging me down. 

Once I had grasped the notion that ‘the most important person you’ll ever speak to is yourself’ I began a journey of self-discovery around mindfulness and presence to give me extra ways to endure what cannot be cured.

This led to a new approach of adding 1% improvements or marginal gains to my mental well-being, through meditation, mindfulness and appreciating the power of now while out in nature.

Through all this, I have discovered that people with CF have a lot we can teach and help others (those not in the CF community) about resilience and the power of the mind to overcome adversity.

Sharing the Gift

As well as my blog, CF memoir ‘How have I cheated death?’ and public speaking, I felt drawn to sharing my wisdom and life lessons via the popular medium of a podcast. This led to me completing an eight-week online podcast course and recently launching a new and exciting podcast focused on ‘The Gift’ of presence, mindfulness and the power of the mind to overcome life and health challenges to help bring more resilience, calm and joy.

I strongly believe that I’m living proof that even on the hardest days, there are usually moments worth living for.

Why the gift?

There are many reasons why I’ve been drawn to the gift. Each day is a ‘gift’ – that’s why it’s called the present, plus being more in the moment and mindful is one of the most important gifts you can ever give yourself. Also, from my experience, the greatest gift you can ever have is your health.

On the podcast, I’ve been interviewing remarkable guests from all walks of life, not just people with CF, who can help me on my journey to learn more about the power of this gift and how it can help everyone.

The podcast is being very well-received around the world helping people deal with adversity, stress, anxiety and negativity, especially those with chronic physical conditions, mental health issues as well as people going through different life emergencies.

My message to readers

You help yourself by helping others, so I would encourage anyone with CF to not underplay how their life-story and resilience can be transformational and helpful to others.

My podcast 'The Gift of resilience, calm & joy' is available for free on the main podcast platforms including Apple, Google Podcasts, Overcast and Spotify.

Please subscribe to the gift via your phone or computer, give me a rating and importantly, tell others who you think might benefit as podcasts get really powerful through word of mouth via trusted friends.

 

 

 Help Others Live STRONGER and LONGER- 

   

   

 

Tim Wotton has battled the chronic lung condition cystic fibrosis and diabetes for nearly 50 years. He is an award-winning author, blogger, podcaster and public speaker helping others to overcome their life and health challenges by sharing his physical and mental survival strategies. Living in Wimbledon, England, with his wife and 12 year old son, he believes that every day is a gift with moments worth living for... You can visit Tim's website at: TimWotton.com

 

 

 

 

***Views expressed in the CFLF Blog are those of the bloggers themselves and not necessarily of the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation*** 

***Please speak with your physician before making any changes to your CF management***

 

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