Welcome to October!

A Linkup Party with A Chronic Voice

It’s hard to believe that it’s already October. This is my favorite time of the year, but it seems like the year has flown by. (Even though it also seems to have dragged along, so there you go!) This is my first time participating in the linkup party with Sheryl from A Chronic Voice.  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:

Producing:   I’ve been blogging for a few years, though I just started this blog in January 2020. After writing my devotional journal, I realized that I need to start blogging about my life and journey with chronic pain and illness. So, I’ve been focused on producing more posts (for my blog and social media) and devotions along those lines. I’ve been sharing them a variety of places, including my Hope Amid the Pain Instagram page.

I’m also producing some crochet projects. I’m just finishing up an afghan for someone else. Then, I’ll be working on the temperature afghan I started last year. (The colors are based on the temperature for each day in 2019.) I just need to assemble my “calendar.”

 

“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” – Unknown

 

Acquiring:  I’ve been acquiring knowledge in a variety of areas over the past few months. Prior to finishing my book, I knew a lot about the publishing industry, as I’ve been a part of it (in some form) for over fifteen years. However, since finishing my book, I’ve learned even more about traditional publishing and self-publishing.

I love the changing seasons, but my body does not. As a result, I’ve been acquiring an increase in my pain. The varying temperatures do not play well with fibromyalgia, migraines, and arthritis. However, my heart and mind still love watching the leaves change and, of course, pumpkin-flavored everything! 😉 

Due to the pandemic, many of the conferences I generally attend were cancelled or done online. This turned out to be a wonderful thing! I’ve been acquiring knowledge and skills from a variety on online workshops and conferences, many of which I couldn’t have attended in person due to the location, cost, or travel involved. 

 

“October’s poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter.” – Nova S. Blair

 

Switching:  It’s hard for me to switch off my mind. It’s like a computer with way too many windows open All The Time. I’ve been working on switching off … starting with social media and the news. Fear, disrespect, and a whole host of other negative things have run rampant in 2020. It’s not beneficial for anyone’s mental health. And when you live with chronic pain and illness, it’s particularly detrimental. 

As a result of the pandemic sweeping the world, I (along with just about everyone else) have been switching my routine, trying to find a new normal. After many months, things do feel like they’re starting to stabilize a bit in this area. 

I will also be switching up some treatment-related things, as well, as one of my providers decided to retire a few months ago.

 

“It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!” – Winnie the Pooh

 

Disappointing:  If asked, many people would likely say there have been a lot of disappointing moments this year, and I’d agree. I’ve been disappointed in our leaders, as well as the human race, in general, at times. It seems that for 2020, respect for others has gone by the wayside. Prince is one of my all-time favorite musicians, and I’d love to see a concept he frequently mentioned return to society: Love 4 One Another. 

It’s also been disappointing to feel how much my body doesn’t enjoy fall and winter (which will be here sooner than we know). 

However, there have been positive moments this year. I’ve finished writing my book, and I’m making a lot of progress toward publication. I started a new website and newsletter. I’ve had the opportunity to spend time, virtually, with family and friends. My husband had to work from home for a few months due to the pandemic, which allowed us to have more time together. My faith has grown, as has the realization on just how much I depend on and need the Lord. It’s also been refreshing and heartwarming to see people pull together to honor frontline workers, who have been invaluable to all of us this year. 

 

“May the start of October remind you: You are worthy of new beginnings.” – Morgan Harper Nichols

 

Forming:  I’ve been forming a number of new connections and relationships this year, particularly with other bloggers, spoonies, etc. I’m forming some new schedules, including a blogging schedule that fits into my work schedule and a routine that will allow my body to rest and relax on a more regular basis. Lastly, I’m forming ideas for possible future books.

 

 

So, that’s it for my first linkup party. Thanks for sticking with me. I hope you are staying healthy and doing well. Enjoy this beautiful fall season (if it is, in fact, fall where you live). If you’d like to check out the other bloggers for this month’s linkup, you can do so over at A Chronic Voice.