Tag: ChronicIllnessHumor

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Small Joys That Keep Me (Barely) Functioning During the Holidays

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Look, every year someone says, “The holidays are magical!” and every year I look around like… For who?
Because for me, the season is a chaotic blend of twinkle lights, fatigue, sentimental panic, and 47 attempts at making the house smell like cinnamon instead of “I have cats.”

But I’ll give the holidays this much: for all the overwhelm, they also come with these tiny, perfect moments of joy that make me feel a little more alive, a little more grounded, and a little less like I’m being held together solely by caffeine and willpower.

So here are 10 small joys that genuinely keep me going this time of year — and yes, some of them sparkle.

1. The First Cup of Hot Coffee That Actually Stays Hot

A Christmas miracle. I guard it like it’s the last cookie at a family gathering and someone’s aggressive aunt is eyeing it.
When that steam hits my face, I swear my soul reboots and loads the “functional adult” software… well, the demo version.

2. Lights Everywhere

String lights make everything feel magical. Even the laundry basket. Even me at 2 a.m. wandering around like a caffeinated raccoon.
And honestly? The sparkle and soft colors genuinely lift my mood. Everything looks a little softer, a little gentler, like my house is wrapped in a sweet, glowy filter that kindly ignores the chaos.

3. A Candle That Smells Like “I Tried”

Anything labeled “Winter Forest,” “Holiday Hearth,” or “Doing My Best, Okay?” works.
One sniff and suddenly I’m imagining myself as a cozy cottage witch who has her life together… please do NOT break the spell by looking at the sink.

4. When One Gift Arrives Early and Makes You Feel ‘Ahead’

Do I use this false sense of competence to procrastinate everything else? Absolutely.
But for those few days, that single wrapped present on the counter is my trophy for “Attempted Adulthood.” I bask in it like a lizard under a heat lamp. The probably I encounter is I DO buy early…. but then either completely forget I did and rebuy the same item OR I find deals I can’t pass up because I don’t remember I have already done that dance lol.

5. That One Holiday Playlist That Lives Rent-Free in Your Brain

Mariah Carey has officially defrosted, and the world trembles.
Meanwhile, I’m badly harmonizing to “Last Christmas” like I’m auditioning for a musical no one invited me to. Still—serotonin is serotonin. George Michael melts my heart and always will. Wham for life lol.

6. A Cozy Blanket That Doubles as Emotional Armor

This blanket sees all. It absorbs tears, crumbs, and existential crises without judgment.
I wear it around like a cloak of comfort, a soft little shield against the overstimulation of December. Protection against any threat to my happiness and holiday warmth. I’m in my cocoon.

7. A Clean-ish Corner of the House

NOT the whole house — let’s stay realistic.
Just a single corner where I can take photos and pretend everything is under control. My personal “illusion of competence” corner. Everyone should have one. Family pics are problematic. Who cares if the blank wall make it looks like a hostage video, they are fine I promise LOL.

8. Snacks You Don’t Have to Share

Especially the good holiday snacks. These are mine, and I will defend them with dragon-level energy.
Peppermint bark? Hidden. Cinnamon rolls? Protected by divine right. Gingerbread cookies? You didn’t even see them.

9. A Hobby That Makes You Feel Like a Person

Whatever sparks joy — baking, knitting, reorganizing the spice cabinet alphabetically at 3 a.m., doomscrolling.
For me, having a little project or creative moment reminds me I’m an actual human being, not just a walking to-do list with feelings.

10. Cute Little Decorations That Make the Season Bright

Tiny things that glow or shimmer give me the same serotonin burst as finding money in an old coat pocket.
(And yes, this is where I casually mention I made some minimalist 3D printed ornaments that absolutely sparkle when the tree lights hit them — because even in chaos, a little shimmer helps.)

So yeah, the holidays are a lot. A lot a lot. But in between the exhaustion, the sensory overload, and the “why did I say yes to this?” moments, there are these small yet wildly comforting bits of magic that make the season feel survivable — sometimes even beautiful.

And if you’re someone who’s also living off tiny joys, caffeine, and chaos? Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.

(P.S. If you want to peek at the ornaments I mentioned, they’re right here — but no pressure. They just happen to look ridiculously pretty on a tree.)

Ornaments

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4410045095/minimalist-christmas-ornament

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Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups: Because Who Needs a Predictable Schedule?

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Ah, fibromyalgia flare-ups—the unpredictable, uninvited guests that crash our daily plans with the grace of a bull in a china shop. One minute, you’re checking off items on your to-do list, and the next, you’re grappling with a tidal wave of pain, fatigue, and brain fog. If you’re living with fibromyalgia, you know all too well how these flare-ups can wreak havoc on your daily routines. But fear not! There are ways to manage the chaos with a mix of practical strategies and a touch of humor.

Understanding Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups (Or: Why Your Body Hates You)

Fibromyalgia is like that annoying friend who shows up uninvited and brings a bunch of rowdy guests – pain, fatigue, and brain fog. A flare-up is when these uninvited guests decide to throw a rager in your body. Triggers? Oh honey, it could be anything from stress to the weather changing its mind faster than a toddler in a candy store.

Key Insights:

  1. Flare-Ups Aren’t Always Predictable: Research published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology highlights that fibromyalgia symptoms can vary significantly in intensity and duration, making it challenging to plan activities around them. Will today be a “I can conquer the world” day or a “I can’t even conquer putting on pants” day? Spin the wheel and find out!
  2. Stress Plays a Major Role: According to the Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Comprehensive Approach study, stress is a significant trigger for flare-ups. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can help mitigate the severity of symptoms. Turns out, stress is like fuel for your fibro fire. So try to relax… which is totally easy when you’re in pain, right?
  3. Weather Sensitivity: The Arthritis & Rheumatology journal notes that some fibromyalgia patients are sensitive to weather changes, which can exacerbate pain. However, the exact relationship between weather and flare-ups remains an area of ongoing research. Some fibro warriors are walking, talking weather predictors. Who needs a meteorologist when your joints can tell you it’s about to rain?

Tips for Surviving the Fibro Fiesta

  1. Embrace the Chaos: Plan A, Plan B, Plan “Fuck It, I’m Staying in Bed.”
  2. Journal Like a Teen with a Crush: Document every twinge, ache, and “why me?” moment. It’s like detective work, but less fun and more painful. Keeping a symptom journal is also advisable because what if its not fibro? The more info you have when trouble hits, the more you can tell the doc maybe its a tweak in meds, maybe its something else entirely.
  3. Self-Care is Not Selfish: Prioritize yourself. Take that nap, do that gentle yoga, or just stare at the wall contemplating the meaning of life. It’s all valid.
    The American College of Rheumatology suggests incorporating mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques into your routine.
  4. Set Realistic Goals: Like “get dressed today” or “remember why I walked into this room.”
    Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This way, you can achieve your goals without overexerting yourself. Celebrate small victories, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t accomplish everything on your list.
  5. Pain Management Roulette: Hot baths, massages, meds – try them all and see what sticks. It’s like a spa day, but with more wincing.
    The National Fibromyalgia Association emphasizes that a combination of treatments often works best.

  6. Find Your Tribe: Connect with other fibro warriors. Misery loves company, especially when that company gets why you’re canceling plans for the fifth time this week.
    Join a support group or online community where you can share experiences and gain advice from those who get it.
  7. Stay Informed: Keep up with fibro research. It’s like following celebrity gossip, but the celebrity is your own body. This knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and treatment plan.
  8. Communicate: Let people know when you’re having a bad day. Most people are understanding, and if they’re not, well, that’s what voodoo dolls are for. Let your family, friends, and colleagues know when you’re having a tough day. Most people are more understanding than you might expect.

A tale of grocery store glory gone wrong…

There I was, feeling like a damn superhero, armed with a shopping list and the misguided optimism of someone who’s forgotten they have fibromyalgia.I’m cruising through the aisles, tossing items into my cart like I’m on some twisted version of Supermarket Sweep. I’m on fire, baby! I’ve got a week’s worth of meals planned, and I’m actually remembering to buy vegetables that aren’t just potato chips. Look at me adulting like a boss!

But then, because the universe has a sick sense of humor, my right hip decides it’s the perfect moment to stage a revolt. It was as if my nerve on that side was a live wire that was getting repeatedly squeezed like a cartoon character. Out of fucking nowhere, it feels like a rabid badger has set up shop in my joint and is throwing a rave. One second I’m contemplating the merits of Frosted Flakes versus Froot Loops, and the next I’m clinging to my shopping cart like Rose clung to that door in Titanic.

Every step is like walking on Legos while being stabbed by a thousand tiny ninjas. The fluorescent lights are suddenly brighter than the sun, turning the store into a hellish disco of pain. My carefully crafted plan of “shop and go home to Netflix” is rapidly morphing into “try not to pass out in the cereal aisle.”

As I’m limping towards the checkout, looking like a drunk flamingo pushing a cart, I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity. Here I am, in the middle of Kroger, putting on a show that’s part wounded animal, part determined shopper. But hey, if you can’t laugh at your body’s betrayal in the frozen food section, when can you laugh?

So there you have it, folks. Another day in the life of a fibro warrior, where even a simple shopping trip can turn into an epic battle against your own rebellious body. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go home and ice my hip while eating the comfort snacks I panic-bought during my pain-induced haze. Because nothing says “self-care” quite like ice cream and ibuprofen, am I right? Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.