The holidays are upon us and I know that I am not the only one feeling the pressures that come with Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pressures like, cleaning the house for family and friends, holiday parties, buying gifts for others, visiting loved ones, and traveling! Not to mention doing all of this while managing a relentless illness like Fibromyalgia! When you live a life with Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue, it can become very tricky keeping the Flares at bay. Especially when we are so worried about pleasing everyone else but ourselves. We end up giving to much of ourselves and giving something that we don’t have to give….. energy and the holidays ramp it all up (if we let it!) I have made a decision this year to follow the joy, to not do anything that would be a detriment to my mental, physical, or emotional health. I choose to put me first this year. To find what feels good and follow it. This will be the first year that I finally feel free from all the conditions placed upon me. I don’t feel the pressures of making sure everyone is happy. I am actually enjoying the season, and grateful for all that I do have. I choose to focus on those things, not the people who love me based on their conditions to be happy in life. The truth is…. we can’t get sick enough, cry enough, or be happy enough to change how others feel and that is ok. You are not responsible for their happiness, only yours!