I know that it is not officially Winter yet, but we have had some snow and I can feel the cold penetrating deep into my bones and muscles making me ache even more than my "normal". This year it seems to be affecting me more than it has in the past. I'm not sure why, but I am finding that I just cannot tolerate prolonged cold weather.
The corner of our couch next to the pellet stove has become my favorite place to sit all cuddled up under a warm fleece throw while I listen to Christmas carols with our cats keeping me company and providing me with a good "hand warmer" as I gently stroke their soft fur. They provide me with so much comfort and help calm me when I am feeling defeated by my illness and at other times they just remind that life really does have so many beautiful moments and simple pleasures that we will miss out on if we don't take the time to just sit quietly and appreciate them.
My energy levels have been low lately as I continue to process the traumas in my life that has lead me to this place that I am now health wise. I find myself "crashing" more often and go back and forth between not being able to sleep well for days on end and then falling apart at the seams and not being able to stay awake and having to spend the day in bed dozing on and off. Trying to still be there for my family has been my top priority and there are times when I cannot make that happen. I am blessed that they do understand that I am doing everything that I can to try to be there for them, but sometimes I have to cancel out on plans as I did this weekend when I crashed.
For now I will try and just cherish the times that I have been able to spend with them lately. Sharing a big family Thanksgiving together our family combined with Rachel's side of the family, including cousins, being there when Steven had his surgery to have tubes put in his ears, being able to hug and kiss on my two oldest grandsons Bradley and Isaiah, calling and surprising my mom on her birthday, sharing a long hug with our Heather and Chris, and watching Steven enjoy sledding in our front yard with Jaysn and Rachel. There have been phone calls with our Chris calling to check in and tell me about the progress on their new home, messages from our Josh, emails that have touched my heart from my mother, and visits from Rachel, Steven and Jaysn who are right here in town and stop by to see us often.
So yes, I have been taking time for me and stepping back from blogging while I work through things in my past and spend time with those I love most that are in my present. I do hope at some point to get back to posting on a more regular basis, but for now, I will give myself a much needed break and not feel guilty for taking care of me. Be blessed my friends and know that I really do appreciate each and every one of you and wish you all the most joyous holiday season. 😘
We miss you, but you have to take care of yourself. enjoy your warm place and those kitty cuddles. Be with family when you can. Look forward. Hugs sweet lady.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much Cheryl. Much love to you my friend.
DeleteAlso understand. Listen to your body and do what is needed.Don't push yourself, at least that's something I've learned.
ReplyDeleteVery cold here as well but so far we've dodged any snow in the city limits.
Keeping you in my prayers, SJ
Thank you and I am trying. ;) Give Dexter some extra lovies from me. :)
DeleteI have missed you, but I completely understand the cold. I don't tolerate it well either, unless I am working hard. Take care of yourself and hey maybe I should do the same?
ReplyDeleteFunny you should say that. I was just telling my hubby that I have always told my friends to take care of themselves but up until now, have rarely followed my own advice. ;)
DeleteMissed you and check back regularly. Take all the time you need and post when you are able. I have fibromyalgia and a heart condition. This has been a rough year and the cold weather has hit me harder than ever this year. I procrastinate and hem and haw about getting anything done so I learned to just do a bit. Either on a commercial break or after each chapter of a book I read. Little by little it does all add up. Sure there will be lots left to do but what's the rush. This week my adult son ended up in the hospital for several days with cellulitis in his leg. My weeks plans were in a tail spin so I did what I could for him an let the rest go. I usually do dishes 5-10 at a time and fold just 5 pieces of laundry (all like items) and put away at a time. We do what we can and family is important. Take care.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness Crystal, I am so sorry to hear about your son. Praying for him and for you too!
DeleteIt's wonderful to hear from you. I understand the need to step back as I have done that myself. Take as much time as you need to care for yourself.
ReplyDeleteThank you Wendi and I pray you and your family are all doing well. :)
DeleteI'm so glad to think of you all cozy, cuddled up against the pellet stove! I hope the heat from the stove penetrates those bones and you feel better. I know I feel better when I get warm from a stove, vs. a heater.
ReplyDeleteIt finally turned a little cold here--we are having very cold (for us it's cold, you would laugh, I'm talking high 20's, low 30's) nights and bright sunny days. Once the heavy frost is gone, the days are very enjoyable. In between that, we have had heavy, heavy rain, which is more typical for this time of year.
Tomorrow, I hope to get a little sewing done. I've got a couple of projects going and they have crept all over the table, into the little living room, and so forth. I'd love to finish and clean it all up before Friday, when my niece and nephew will come to be with us until Tuesday. So, it will be cleaned up one way or the other. I'm happy to have the kids--their parents are going off for a weekend to see part of their family who live far away, and then their daddy is going to get their Grandma from Florida--so cool that she is coming to spend Christmas with them. It will be a crazy long weekend for us all. It's so special for them, and although that Grandma is not my mother, we all know and like her very much, so are glad to see her.
Thank you Becky. Have a wonderful time with you niece and nephew...I know they love spending time with you!
DeleteHope you get all the rest you need, Debbie. Stay close to that heater and keep warm! And, yes, do take care of yourself. Have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year, too. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteThank you Bless. I was worried about you with those awful fires.
DeleteIt's so wise to step back and to prioritise yourself and your family when you are feeling this way, Debbie. I hope that things improve for you and that you find warmth and peace. MegXx
ReplyDeleteThank you for understanding Meg. :) Have a blessed week!
Delete