Hi there Friend.
I don't know about you, but I am still trying to process that it is December and the end of the year is fast approaching.
I also know that for many of us, the Holiday season can be a particularly challenging time and the ongoing issues of Covid have added an extra layer of difficulty for many of us in the chronic illness community.
The Holidays also add a whole lot of pressure to do more, spend more and worry a lot more about making others happy, worrying about what others think and not letting anyone down.
It's also one of the biggest triggers for chronic illness burnout, flare ups and feeling even worse about yourself.
So I want to remind you Friend in case anyone hasn't told you lately, that you are important and how you feel, matters.
Even if you have trouble believing it, you being who you are, really does make a difference in the world and you are enough right now, exactly as you are.
So as this Holiday season approaches and before you get swept up in it, I want to invite you to take a step back and think before you commit yourself to doing things that are ultimately going to make you feel worse.
You are allowed to keep your food boundaries, no matter how much guilt, manipulation and pressure that "just one bite won't hurt you" or "But I made this especially for you" is placed upon you.
You have permission to say no to things that will drain you and that others are capable of doing for themselves.
What you feel and want matters and any time you are saying yes to someone else, that means that you are saying no to yourself.
The Holidays can also be a tangible reminder of just how much has changed, everything you have lost and how things used to be so different so please Friend be very gentle and patient with yourself.
I have greatly pared down my Holiday time since chronic illness, in a way that really works well for me.
I'm having my little family here for our Christmas lunch on Christmas Eve as that means everyone else can see their partners family and travel on Christmas day without any stress.
My new years eve celebrations will be as per my own tradition, cosy at home with something good to watch, journalling and reflecting on the year that was and in bed probably long before midnight.
So however you are celebrating Friend, I wish you and your family a very safe, happy and peaceful Holiday season and may 2023 bring you only wonderful things!
And if you want to give your loved ones a guide to the best chronic illness Holiday gifts, I've got just the blog post for you!
Most of the suggestions came from my wonderful Facebook Emotional Autoimmunity community so it's all the kinds of things that we would really love to receive plus, some gifts of time and attention that maybe, your loved ones need to read.
Simply click on the image below and it will take you straight to the blog and do feel free to share it with your communities as well.
And remember, if you are feeling ready to make 2023 the year that you finally ditch your overwhelm, guilt, anxiety and trauma and start making peace with chronic illness, then book in your FREE Discovery Session with me now online.
I would love to help you make the new year the start of something great.
Warm wishes,
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