This has been a season of false starts and stops here in Calgary. We thought summer was done and fall would begin, but then we had summer weather again. And then a couple days of fall, and then back to summer. This week we might even start deep winter with the coming weeks predictions. As a fall person, I am thrilled. Being able to walk outside while the trees still have their leaves on them while changing colour and it is not cold out is a magical feeling. There is something so rejuvenating about fresh air.

These false starts and stops to different seasons can be related to chronic illness in many ways. On the journey to get a diagnosis, in your condition in general and the cycling of symptoms, in feeling “normal” or having a flare, or in how you feel about yourself. Chronic illness is never static or stable. It is constantly changing and moving. This is often very frustrating and why the answer to “how are you doing?” changes every day. And, like these false starts and stops to the season, does not have a set pattern, nor any rhyme-or-reason. The changes can come quick or be prolonged but can never be predicted. With this in mind, be kind to yourself, you are learning to deal with uncertainty and you are doing great.

Remember, it is okay to take a rest. It is not selfish to care for yourself. It makes love and joy so much easier to give when you first have given yourself that same attention. Love yourself and take care until next month.