This is a more personal note than I have written before. This year I had great plans to put into action in January. What I did not realize, and could not plan for, was the sudden death of my Grandfather. It was quite a shock. While I grieved for my Grandfather, I also grieved for his wife, my Grandmother who died 4 years ago.

Then I was surprised with grief related to my chronic illness. Chronic illness/disability grief does exist and it often comes at a surprising time. I also believe that my immune system was impacted by all this grief because I got a particularly bad cold that aggravated a lot of my symptoms. I don’t mind saying that I was depressed. My plans for this month were thrown out the window.

One day I will write a more in-depth note about chronic illness/disability grief, but for now please know that this can come on very quickly for people and it can be very hard. Please make sure to check in with your friends.

The start of a new year can be very difficult for people. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. Remember to take small moments for yourself and that self-care is not selfish.