Winter is always hard. Christmas is over – it’s New Years Eve – and I am still expecting myself to do more than I am realistically able.

My low back is flaring up. I have multiple structural issues which become a serious problem when there is inflammation. Every movement hurts. Coughing hurts. Laughing hurts. Sometimes even a deep breath hurts.

My neck is always a problem but more so when other parts of the spine are out of alignment.

So yeah – I hurt.

We have a tradition of game night on New Year’s Eve at our home. Family, friends, food and fun – it’s always a good time.

I woke up feeling like I was prepared for the day. Pain started out a little better than yesterday. But then…

I went outside to take care of some things – I bent over to move something and felt my back strain. And it was so cold outside!

I came back in and climbed into bed both to warm up and to rest my back a bit. I pulled a blanket up and knocked my water bottle off the nightstand, onto the bed, water rushing down my back and all over bed, floor, everywhere. I was soaked – even colder now.

So here’s what happens to people like me at times. My nervous system explodes causing increased heart rate, shakiness, tight chest, headache, shortness of breath, shooting pain down my limbs into my hands and feet, pressure behind my eyes, skin crawling, muscles tightening, blood pressure pounding. It’s not your typical fight or flight – it’s an extreme version that’s really hard to calm down.

I have magnesium and taurine injections which help a ton. If I take them every day, I stay ahead of the nervous system explosions. But I haven’t been consistent.

What’s my point?

My point is that sometimes it has to be ok to not be ok. Sometimes it has to be ok to stop what I’m doing and reset the day.

After picking up my water mess (with help from my amazing husband who just gets it), I sat in a hot bath for a while. No – I don’t have time for a bath today. Something else will not get done.

And that’s ok.

Whatever your plans are today, be ready for change. Be ready to change the plans, to give yourself a break, to let go of things, and most importantly, to ask for help.

Get control of your breathing.

Get control of your thoughts and emotions.

Start over. Be kind to yourself.

Happy New Year my friends.