Lyme Life ~Beautiful Day

Sometimes it’s hard to find the beauty in a day when you’re so sick. When pain and the management of it are your primary focus, it’s often impossible to experience a beautiful day.

Beauty

On days like today, however, it would be a crying shame to miss it. The sun is shining, birds are singing, the air is crisp and cool, and just slightly breezy. And it’s all just outside my window.

So, no matter how much effort it takes, even if I need to ask for help, I’ll get out there and enjoy it. Living in New England means that this may be a rare event. If it lasts for a week, I will soak it in. Letting the beauty wash over me, I can literally feel the positive healing energy. I hope you will too.

The gray is coming, but first the fire of autumn. The preparations for winter are in full swing. Cutting, splitting and stacking wood out under the canopy of vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow with the sweet smell of oak and maple fill my heart with gratitude. A warm cup of cider in the evening completes the picture.

But, what if the plague of chronic Lyme Disease has you down? From the debilitating headaches, gi distress, painful joints and muscles, brain fog, photophobia, sensory irritation, rashes and skin problems, to the fatigue and fainting, it can be really hard to be present on good days. It takes great effort and it may take medication.

Here’s my rough day list:

I read when I can. Maybe watch movies. Or listen to TED or TEDx talks. Daydream. Oh, and I pray. Visiting with others has become rather rare. When I am well enough, I dance a sort of Tae Chi Cha to slow worship music or while listening to televangelists. Occasionally, I walk with my mom or my daughter’s dog. Often, I play Scrabble with my husband. Occasionally, I play cards with other family members too. Social media offers ways to connect and encourage others, but it can drag a person down pretty quickly. I talk to myself, out loud with encouragement and healing Scriptures when discouragement and hopelessness try to settle in. Sometimes, it might be after a good cry.

Keeping life worth living can be a challenge. How do you do it?

What’s your secret to keeping hope alive?