When Chronic Illness Says, “Not Today”

This hasn’t happened to me in a while, but today I just feel off.

My stomach is upset. I’m congested. I have no appetite, and I feel like I might be coming down with something. For me, these can also be the first signs of a Familial Mediterranean Fever flare.

Most days, my medication allows me to feel fantastic but chronic illness has a way of reminding you that it’s still there. Maybe I overdid it. Maybe I’ve been running around too much. There has been so much happening lately, and thankfully, so much of it has been good.

We got a new job today. We’re getting a new car with a lower payment and saying goodbye to my beautiful BMW—and that’s okay. Mikey is happy at college, Jacob is doing wonderfully and getting ready to begin his junior year, and my heart is incredibly full.

But today, I can’t seem to get off the couch.

I managed to run a few errands, but now my body is finished. My poor husband made a beautiful dinner, and I’m not even hungry.

So what do I do on a day like this?

I lie on the couch—and I don’t feel guilty about it.

I remind myself that tomorrow can be different. Thankfully, my flares are much shorter now that I’m on medication. I no longer experience the long, drawn-out three-day flares and high fevers the way I once did.

Today, my body needs quiet, rest and care. So that is exactly what I’m giving it.

If you’re living with chronic illness, please remember: you don’t have to earn your rest. Listen to your body. Let go of the guilt, enjoy the quiet and give yourself the same care you would give someone you love.

Sometimes resting is the very best thing you can do for yourself.

I love you all. 💛