Sometimes you Just Want to Skip a Holiday, and That's Okay!

When you have something like Fibromyalgia, it can be hard to do certain things; like physically keeping up with certain (high energy) people, or feel like you're able to really enjoy something without the worry of what it will cost you tomorrow - things like this often come up around holidays and I wanted to share what I did to celebrate the Fourth of July: Nothing. That's right. Nothing. I didn't feel up to the physical, emotional, or sensory activities that go along with the holiday, so I opted to stay at home- and it was fabulous! I chose to not feel guilty for cancelling plans because I did what was right for me, and I'd like to encourage you to cancel plans guilt-free when you feel like you need to. Not everyone will understand every time, but that's okay because you're taking care of yourself!

​For the Fourth I had plans to hang with my family, we were going to go to a parade, then a wine tasting, and maybe fireworks at night, but when I woke up in the morning I did not have the energy to do those things, so I didn't. My alarm went off, I assessed where I was physically and mentally, and then I turned my alarm off and went back to sleep. When asked if I was joining in like I said I was a few days earlier, I said "no" and let go of other people's expectations of how my day was going to go.

When I was fully awake, I got out of bed and spent the rest of the day relaxing/putzing, and even took a nap. I'm so glad I didn't force myself to go out, which has the potential to exacerbate my symptoms, because today I'm not feeling great- Imagine how I'd feel if I pushed myself yesterday! Thank goodness I listened to myself and took a rest day!

Holidays are hard, and we're not always up to the task of doing what is expected of us on those days, and we shouldn't feel guilty for doing what is best for our health, no matter how hard it is to say "no" when people expect us to say "yes" or don't understand your reasons for cancelling. Stay strong, and do what is best for you- you can do it, I believe in you! 

​- Heather, Fabulous Fibro-Fighter and FSC Founder