May 29, 2025

Today was a pretty good day, made even better by the sunshine making a rare appearance here in Ohio. There’s something about natural light that just lifts the spirit, especially when you’re dealing with chronic conditions that seem to worsen on those gray, dreary days we’ve been having.

Quality Time and Errands

My daughter and I managed to run a few errands together today. It might sound simple, but when you’re managing chronic illness, being able to get out of the house, accomplish necessary tasks, AND spend quality time with your favorite person feels like winning the lottery.

There’s something special about those mother-daughter errand runs. She’s not just my daughter, she’s genuinely my best friend, and having her company makes even mundane tasks feel meaningful. Plus, having that extra support when energy is limited makes everything more manageable.

Creative Productivity

I also added more designs to my RedBubble store today – seven new pieces that speak to the chronic illness experience. Each design feels like putting a piece of my heart out into the world, hoping it reaches someone who needs to see that particular message at just the right moment.

Creating these graphics has become such a therapeutic outlet. Taking the struggles, the insights, and the hope that come from living with chronic conditions and turning them into something beautiful that might help others feel less alone – it’s incredibly fulfilling work.

The Power of Good Weather Days

It’s amazing how much the weather affects everything when you live with chronic illness. Today’s sunshine didn’t just brighten the sky, it seemed to ease some of the usual fatigue and pain. Whether it’s the vitamin D, the improved mood, or just the psychological boost of seeing blue skies, good weather days often translate to better symptom days.

I’m learning to really appreciate and maximize these brighter days, both literally and figuratively. When the sun shines and your body cooperates, even a little bit, it’s worth celebrating.

Finding Balance in the Good Days

The key is enjoying days like today without overdoing it. It’s tempting when you feel good to try to catch up on everything you couldn’t do during the harder days. But I’m getting better at pacing myself and finding that sweet spot of productivity without pushing into tomorrow’s energy reserves.

Today felt sustainable – accomplished but not overwhelming, productive but not exhausting. That’s exactly the kind of balance I’m working toward.

Here’s hoping for more sunshine tomorrow, both outside and within. 💜

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Good days are gifts to be savored, not rushed through. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply appreciate them as they come.

The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜