🌿 This Week Has Been Hard
This week hasn’t been “hard” in the sense of too many tasks or endless to-do lists—it’s been hard because of the feeling of overwhelm. You know those weeks where everything feels heavy, even if the schedule itself doesn’t look too bad on paper? That’s been me.
The days have felt longer than usual, and by the end of each workday, I’ve been completely exhausted. And yet, life keeps moving. We still go to the shows we’ve planned—this week included Beauty and the Beast and now the Charleston Symphony. It’s a reminder that no matter how drained we feel internally, the world doesn’t stop.
💢 Living with Chronic Illness & Pain
On top of the fatigue, my body has been aching more than usual. My upper back, arms, and neck feel stiff every morning, no matter what I try. It finally hit me that I had run out of my turmeric supplement, so I’ve stocked up again and am hopeful it will help.
Living with chronic illnesses like Ehlers-Danlos, Fibromyalgia, and suspected POTS isn’t easy—it’s unpredictable, and it can be exhausting to constantly explain how you’re feeling. I get tired of saying, “I don’t feel well” or “I’m in pain.” It can feel repetitive, even whiny, but the truth is—it’s my reality. What helps me through it, though, is knowing I don’t have to face it alone.
🛠️ The Tools That Help Me Through Hard Weeks
Even in the middle of a tough spell, I’ve leaned on some powerful tools:
- My husband and friends – Their understanding, patience, and support are everything. Having people who just get it makes all the difference.
- My planners – Staying organized when my energy is low helps me feel less chaotic and more grounded.
- My writing – Putting words to how I feel not only helps me process my own emotions but also allows me to connect with others going through similar struggles.
These simple things—support, structure, and expression—have carried me through. I’m grateful for every bit of them.
💬 Your Turn
What tools, people, or practices help you when life feels overwhelming or when your body just won’t cooperate? Do you have rituals or go-to strategies that ground you on hard days?