Sometimes it is hard to feel Jolly at this time of year, with so many things cluttering your to-do list and social calendar! The holiday baking, shopping, gift-giving, and socializing can be overwhelming at times for anyone. That sense can be compounded for someone dealing with chronic pain or conditions like fibromyalgia (read 4 Tips for Avoiding a Holiday Flare).
So I have to admit I am struggling this year. Work and volunteer commitments are monopolizing my time to the point I can’t find time or energy to shop for presents or wrap the ones I do have. Each year seems harder – I struggle each year with what to buy, who to buy for because the burden to shop for everyone (except me) falls on me. Oh, and Christmas cards? Last year was the first year I have never sent them. This year isn’t looking so good either.
So Jolly is a state of mind for me. I try to find joy and humor in even the simplest of things, like this memory of ziplining with Santa. The real Santa. *<|:-{)} Ho, ho, ho!
The holidays should be a time for enjoying family and friends and celebrating, not stressing out. So I make my to do lists, and check them twice. And if I don’t get everything checked off, so be it. Maybe I don’t bake as much or buy as much or send those card. Lately I have given myself permission to let things go, such as writing blog posts. My goal was to write a weekly post, and then that became a monthly post. Now it is whenever the mood strikes. Like today. So today, I can be jolly. 🙂
Cheers!
Cynthia
My Inspired Fibro Life 
Reblogged this on My Inspired Fibro Life and commented:
Another holiday season finds me with little energy. This year it is because of an extended trip out of town to visit my ailing parents. But I could just as easily feel this way if I were at home trying to shop and bake and attend holiday parties.
So please enjoy this post from last year about how I stay jolly and avoid flares during the holidays. And perhaps check out my other past posts on Traveling with a Chronic Illness and Tech Tools for Chronic Illness.
Cheers!
Cynthia
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