Holiday Interrupted: When Illness Crashes the Party

I didn't like how the format looked on my original of this blog post, so I am releasing it again. I linked my blog to Bloglovin and it changed my layout, I don't like that, lol.

You've picked your outfit, your hair is slayed, your nails are popping, and your shoe game is sickening; you are ready to show up to these holiday events in style and then you get slammed by a flare up. If you have Endometriosis, Chronic Pelvic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Gastroparesis, Lupus, or any other chronic illness you know how unpredictable life can be. So, then the question is how do you navigate the holidays when sickness invades? I wish I could tell you that I had an easy fix for this situation but the truth is, there is no one definitive way to live with illness, everyone will employ different coping techniques and methods, our strategies are as unique as we are as individuals. No need to be disappointed, I have a few tips that may help you get through the holidays even if you are not feeling your best.

Tips & Hacks

Be kind to you:

When you live with chronic illness, being down and feeling useless will creep in quickly, especially if you have to cancel plans. The guilt of having to make that call saying you can't attend is heavy, you wonder if friends/family are judging you, you wonder when they will get tired of having to make accommodations just to hang with you, and you pray that this won't be the time when they give up and abandon you. Listen, all of these things are real possibilities but the most important person on your team is YOU. Anxiously obsessing over what people think or may do only compounds your illness and keeps you sick. If you have plans to attend an event and illness prevents you from doing so, cut yourself some slack, accept and acknowledge that you are doing the best that you can, and find peace in knowing that those who truly love you will understand and continue to support you. Illness takes it's toll on everyone, but I guarantee you, the strong will always stand, stay, and survive. 

Get Creative:

Where there is a will there will always be a way. Fortunately for us, we are living in the world of technology, there are so many ways for us to interact with one another. You wanted to make an appearance at some event but you can't make it out of the bed, no problem. Apps like Skype and Face-time now make it possible for you to be there when you are not able to physically be there. All you need is someone who is willing to be your partner in tag team tech. Once you designate your person, establish a time to make the connection, and call in to join the party. Isn't technology grand?

Allow People:

This one is a little more difficult than the others, there will be those people who are not satisfied no matter what you do. They are gonna find fault in your decisions, they are going to doubt your condition, and they are going to talk about you to anyone that is willing to listen; this is not your fight nor your burden to carry. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your health is understand that people are who they are. What people say or think about you isn't your responsibility. I know you want to defend yourself and set the record straight, trust me, you are wasting your time; if a person has no desire to see the good in a challenging situation, there is nothing you can do for them. The most loving and liberating thing I have ever done for myself is learn to let people be people, it takes practice and it's not always easy but you are definitely worth it. Free yourself girl!!!

Have A Plan:

I am a former Girl Scout, Troop 1143 OOOOOWWWWWW!! As the motto goes, I am always prepared. Having a plan is key to getting through the holiday season. If you are exchanging gifts be sure to have someone who is willing to take your gift for you if you are unavailable to attend. If you are making a dish for the party, pick something that is your specialty, make sure it refrigerates well, prepare it ahead of time, and have someone on standby to deliver it for you should illness prevent you from doing so.

The holidays for everyone is a busy time of year, there is so much to be done and seemingly not enough time to do it all. We get so caught up in the busyness of the season that we miss the season. I am encourage you to slow down, do what you can when you can, be present as possible and in whatever form works for you and enjoy this time of year. Yes, sickness may crash the party but remember there is always another way or as my grandma use to say, "one monkey don't stop no show!" 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!