The holidays are stressful enough for people in good health. They’re naturally accompanied my additional challenges when you’re not feeling well. Though I’m in remission and enjoying robust health these days I remember – and my family remembers – days when I would attend our family gatherings but have to lie very low in order to survive. I always felt a little defensive when I first arrived, almost angry at being required to get my butt up and go to my parent’s or in-law’s house. The little things that annoyed me were magnified when I felt this way. I coped by retreating enough into my body (which I actually had to do in order to keep my symptoms from becoming aggravated) and as a result they would leave me alone. They certainly wished I were feeling better, but I know they also respected that I just wasn’t capable of being any other way.

Not being able to be the center of the hearth of your home can be difficult, especially if love the holidays. Though you may want to be the hostess with the mostest, there are other ways you can share your love with your family. When I’ve been ill, I’m in need of warmth, comfort and safety, with a bathroom close by. When I have those things in place, I find I become almost angelic (my husband loves that I don’t complain as much) and reach out more to others than when I’m running around. Because I can’t put out as much energy I listen more, and I certainly appreciate the people in my life. Those are certainly gifts worth sharing any day of the week.

Wishing you peace this holiday season,

Joan