Many would like to think that the holiday season and the New Year are times to relax and take a break. That’s in an ideal world where what we want and what we have are often two different things. When contending with a life-altering illness the health issue never takes a holiday. It’s not like you can go on vacation from your illness, although there are times when your doctor deems it appropriate to take a drug holiday, but that’s something different.
Many aren’t able to understand why we don’t seem any different. Maybe it’s the daily reminder of the the pill bottles in the cabinet that serve to keep our battle in front of our face that makes a difference. So what can we do if we can’t rest from fighting our fights? We can be gentle to and with ourselves. It’s possible to give yourself a gift of kindness. It’s free and you can give yourself that gift any time of day or night.
I don’t recommend trying to explain to the world why this time of year isn’t any different for you, but reflect on your courage. It makes me think of the holiday special “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. In the show after the Grinch realizes he didn’t rob the villagers of their Christmas spirit his heart grows three times in size. This is why it’s important to develop your own definition of courage and experience it in your body.
I’m a firm believer in loud and unabashed self-expression. Express yourself creatively. Wear a funky sweater or hat. Write a poem that you can use as a personal mantra. Play some music and dance like you’re trying to awaken every cell in your body. Paint, sculpt, sew, knit…do whatever gets you to express yourself and shows off your uniqueness.
Let me know how you’re expressing yourself and share it with the world. It’s one way you not only be a role model, but a goal model for those just beginning their journey.
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 