Pajama Party

In the 17+ years of living with multiple chronic illnesses which includes psoriatic arthritis, my life has become one big pajama party. Adjusting to this wasn’t easy as I was one of those women who would get dressed up and wear high heels to the grocery store. I used to view people who wore their pajamas to the grocery store or Walmart as lazy and swore that I would never become one of “them”.

Trading fashion for comfort and energy

I will never forget the first time that I ventured out of the house while wearing pajamas. I needed to go grocery shopping and my energy level was extremely low. Painting my face, putting together an outfit, and getting dressed would have zapped what little strength I had and would have resulted in my not being able to go to the store. Instead, I ventured out in my pajamas. To my surprise, nobody seemed to notice and if they did it wasn’t visible to me. Going to the doctor or picking up dinner became a little less exhausting when I didn’t waste my strength on getting dressed up.

Focusing on what is really important

After a while, I was able to accept running certain errands in my pajamas. Don’t get me wrong, I still don’t think pajamas are acceptable to be worn everywhere. However, if getting dolled up means not being able to put food on the table, keep a doctor’s appointment, or pick up medication going out in my pajamas isn’t the worst thing in the world. Of course, the type of pajamas someone wears in public is important. I would never suggest that someone leave the house in a skimpy nightgown or chemise. I personally wear pajamas that I would be comfortable answering the door in. Now when I see someone else wearing their pajamas while picking out produce I no longer view them as lazy; instead, I wonder if they too are living with one or more painful chronic conditions.