Appreciate the New Version of Good Days

How do you define a “good day?”

I remember the “good days.” Those days when I used to wake up with a spring in my step, my favorite song playing on the radio, basking in the beautiful sunshine. When I had one of those days, I was totally unstoppable. On those good days, I had an extra smile for everyone I met and everything seemed to go my way.

What is my new version of a “good day?”

I must admit that I am a bit sad to say that I don’t really remember the last time I had one of those days. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t have any good days, it is just that my definition of what a good day is, has changed. The spring in my step is gone and replaced with only a slight limp, my smile might waver a little more, but it’s still there. And while I’m not totally unstoppable, I’m up and moving, so that’s always good news.

What makes it difficult to appreciate the new version of good days?

We live in a world of comparison. We compare and analyze how much money we made this year compared to last year, weight losses and gains. We compare ourselves with others. So it’s only natural that we compare our pre-PsA days with our post-PsA days. Simply comparing my life this way makes it very difficult for me to really appreciate the new version of my good days.

Good days can be hard to find

One of the things that allow me to make the most of good days is that they seem to be few and farther between sometimes. Whereas I used to have a few a week, now I only have a few a month. Because those good days are fewer now, I cherish them and do my best to make the most of them. I run with my kids more. I take them on more outings, and make extra time to chat with friends.

Accept the new good days

Some days I struggle to count my blessings and accept the new good days for what they are. I try very hard to find balance. I try and do a little of what I really NEED to do and a little of what I WANT to do. I spend too many of these new good days are spent trying to catch up with my life that falls apart while I’m busy having a flare.

Doing that may be good for the piles of laundry, but it can take its toll on your soul. Balance those needs and wants on those new good days and you will develop a whole new appreciation for your new version of good days. Be sure to use that time to catch up with friends, not just the dishes. Hang onto the things that are good and make the best of what you.

Lists are awesome

During your next flare, make a list of the most important things you would like to do once you are blessed with a good day. Make the list manageable (after all, you don’t want to overdo it and end up right where you started). Be sure to include some fun things, and some must do things in order to keep the anxiety at bay for your next flare.