“Springing” Forward

Good afternoon, everybody. At least it is where I am.
I hope you are all doing well.
It has been a long, dreary winter, filled with cold, bone chilling humidity and systemic pain. This is the norm for those of us here in Chicago who struggle with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. But, it is almost the middle of February now, and the good news is, better days are ahead. Less cold, more sunshine, the first day of Spring, and, last but not least, BASEBALL is coming! Go Cubs! The days are getting longer and my mood is much improved. For me, Winter is a sad time, filled with pain and anxiety. It is dark by 4:30 and the dark makes it seem so cold, even if the temperatures are mild. This makes the pain seem worse and it greatly affects my mood.

Spring really does wonders for me. Summer is even better. Everybody is so relaxed and it seems like people are nicer and friendlier.

I was just thinking the other day, if it was at least warm enough to open the front door for just a few minutes and the “outside in” as my mother used to say. Ah, yes, a little sunshine and some nice, fresh oxygen does the body and the mind good; it’s cleansing. Even if it is a day where I am flaring up severely and I am unable to go outside, letting a little of the outdoors in is helpful. It’s the next best thing to actually being outside; as simulation if you will.

I was talking with one of my best friends today about a town in Wisconsin we both like to visit, and she suggested we take a road trip when the weather really begins to stabilize. I whole hardheartedly agreed with her. Yes, it is hard for those of us who struggle with this dreadful disease, but, at the same time, we have to try and live our lives. Staying inside and curling up in a little ball isn’t always the answer. If you can at all, get out of the house and enjoy the beauty God created for you. That’s why it’s there. Will you pay for it? Probably. But, at the same time, at least in my experience, it is helpful. It is healing. Fresh air and sunshine has a way of changing your outlook. You don’t have to walk a country mile or go shopping, and you don’t have to go around the world, either. Just being with a good friend and enjoying a meal can make all the difference in the world. If you have a favorite place to go and it isn’t too far, go! By all means, try to live your life. You can always lie down in the backseat of the car while traveling if you need to do so. A true friend will understand that.

I entitled this post, “Springing Forward,” because I am looking forward to enjoying the coming nice weather. The older I get, the faster it passes. I’m looking forward to spending more time outside and letting nature fill my senses. I’ve been thinking about dusting my bike off(after about fifteen years)and riding it again. I’m hoping to physically be able to do some of that. All I can do is try, right? If you never try anything, the answer will always be, “no.”
Well, that’s about all for now. I need to sign off because I’m still having a hard time. The good news is, I haven’t felt this bad in months. Hopefully, I won’t again for months.

Have a wonderful week, everybody!
Love & Hugs,
Beckie

http://beckiebutcher.com

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