Welcome to December!

A Link-Up Party with A Chronic Voice

 

I’m participating in the link-up party with A Chronic Voice, where we are given monthly writing prompts for a blog post.

It’s a chance to connect with other chronic illness bloggers. I’m excited and honored to have the opportunity to reflect on and write about the prompts Sheryl provides. Here is the link with all the details if you would like to take part yourself.  This month’s prompts are: Exhausting, Exciting, Socializing, Indulging, and Cutting.

 

Exhausting:   I bet most people would admit that 2020 has been exhausting. For humans and animals alike. The global pandemic has touched every corner and impacted most people in some way. And, perhaps, it’s given them a few emotions they’re not used to living with on a regular basis: fear and anxiety.

For those of us who live with chronic pain, we’re used to fear and anxiety, but it’s been magnified ten-fold this year. And it’s made this year even more exhausting, as each little symptom (which would be passed off as normal in a different year) causes us to wonder if it’s Covid-19. I’ve been very cautious this year. I’ve worn a mask when I’ve had to go somewhere, and I’ve stuck close to home as much as possible. But the fear, stress, and anxiety are still there. And it’s been draining, exhausting, physically and emotionally. It’s increased my fatigue and pain. But I realize as stressful and exhausting as it’s been for me, there are many people who have had it much worse—with loss of a loved one or a job, food insecurity, racism, and so much more—and they’re in my prayers on a regular basis.

There have been some positives during this trying year. One being that it’s allowed me more time with my husband, as well as more time to focus on the many things I’m thankful for. I’ve been able to work on shifting my focus to look for God’s blessings amid the chaos. The year has been challenging, but it’s been a year of growth, as well, and for that, I’m grateful.

 

Exciting:   In general, this is my favorite time of year. While my pain doesn’t enjoy the snow and cold, I find the holiday sights and sounds exciting. Then, of course, there’s the reason for the season: Jesus! That’s the most exciting part of all. Celebrations may change this year, but the meaning behind it doesn’t. 

It’s also exciting to think about the new year. 2021. All the potential it will hold, including the publication of my devotional journal. It’s currently with my editor. I have a few other ideas for books, so that’s also exciting.

 

 

Socializing:   I don’t generally do a lot of socializing during the holiday season in general, as most of my family lives elsewhere. So that won’t change due to Covid-19. However, I know I may be in the minority, at least where I live, as I see and hear of people socializing, despite state restrictions and without regard for others.

I am thankful for technology. It allowed me to see my family at Thanksgiving, and I’ll do the same for Christmas. When we used to travel to see family, it was physically draining. So, the virtual get-togethers aren’t near as stressful. 

 

 

Indulging:   I love sweets, and they are plentiful at this time of year. So, I admit that I’m indulging in them more than I should. But, Christmas only comes once a year, and so I will not berate myself for enjoying them. We’ve had peppermint ice cream, as well as homemade cookies. We bought cookies this year from a local business vs. making our own. That way, we’re able to support a local restaurant, and we won’t have as many leftovers, so the indulging won’t go on too long past the holiday. That’s a good thing, as sugar is an inflammatory, which isn’t helpful for my pain. However, with the way 2020 has gone, a little bit of indulging is okay, in my opinion. 

 

Cutting:   I have done a lot of cutting over the past year. I’ve cut back on my social media time, which has been beneficial for my mental and physical health. That practice will likely continue into 2021.

I also cut back on decorating. Instead of trying to fit all our ornaments we’ve collected over the year onto our tree, I trimmed back—only using my favorites. I know I will appreciate this when it comes time to take down the tree (which stays up much longer than average, as I love looking at the lights!).

I’ve cut back my work load and hours over the past few months, and my body has thanked me for it. I’ve found that, in doing so, I’m more productive.

Finally, I’ve been cutting back on gluten and dairy. Recent tests showed that I’m sensitive to them, and they fuel my inflammation, which fires up my pain levels. I am thankful that I don’t need to totally eliminate gluten or dairy.

 

 

So, that’s it for my link-up party blog post. Thanks for sticking with me. I hope you are staying healthy and doing well. To those of you celebrating Christmas this month, I hope you have a blessed day. 

 

If you’d like to check out the other bloggers for this month’s linkup, you can do so over at A Chronic Voice.