Amid the Stress, I Am Finding Time to Rest

There are only a couple of weeks left in the year and although I’m excited for Christmas, I’m also ready for this year to end. Let’s bring back the Roaring Twenties, shall we? But instead of roaring, maybe a long nap would be better.

In January, I published a book. But the months since have been so stressful that it feels like it happened years ago. Something big was happening almost every week of 2019. People were becoming ill. Two family members passed away. My parents spent time with people who were in the hospital. You do what you have to for family. 

I fatigue easily these days. I got sick in November, and I am still not 100 percent. I rest more often. I work slower. And I take more breaks. This is partly because my family is finally able to rest. Stress hits hardest when you stop to take a breath. The past couple of years I’ve been lucky. You can only prevent so much.

Essentially, 2019 kicked our rears.

The year did hold some highlights, though. As I mentioned, I published a book. I did a book signing. And we have a beautiful new deck. 

But the down times have left us all in serious need of a break. We are happy to finally have time to relax and focus on ourselves. Time just to be with one another. Time to catch up on the things we love. Reading, playing video games, and watching an awful lot of Disney+, the new streaming service.

Christmas and Halloween are my favorite holidays. I love the feel of Christmas. It’s cold, but that just means it is socially acceptable to snuggle up with cozy blankets. Sweaters, soft scarves, and fuzzy socks are the epitome of maximum comfort.

I’m exhausted, but the twinkling lights are beautiful. And chai teas are just better in the winter. My home is warm and full of people who love one another dearly. We are together. We are tired. But we are alive, and we are loved. We are blessed.

It’s easy to find the bad in something, especially when you have been through a rough period in life. But focusing on the good is rejuvenating.

What you are grateful for this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

***

Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today, or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.