For Lindsay, summer hasn’t always been filled with sunshine and carefree days. Her health challenges often meant hospital visits, flare-ups, and missed moments. Over time, through reflection, therapy, and self-compassion, she’s redefined what summer means for her—focusing on presence, peace, and honoring her body’s needs.
Continue reading to learn more about Lindsay’s story and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
A Typical Summer Day in My Life
My typical summer day starts with waking up and letting my dog out, feeding him and my cat. Then I do my feeding tube maintenance and morning meds, push an IV Zofran, and set up my fluids that I get through my Hickman central line.
A little moment that brings me peace and joy in my days is trying to get outside at least once in a day. Or if I can’t do that, I try to watch the sunset every night which is a super relaxing way for me to be present and end my day right.
I feed my babies again before doing my night meds and heading to bed. I also love trying to fill out my gratitude journal at the end of the day so I can reflect on my day!
My 21st Birthday Lesson
On my 21st birthday, I celebrated with a few sips of a mixed drink and ended up vomiting and in an ER room bed instead. I was so frustrated that I couldn’t celebrate my 21st like anyone else could without such intense consequence for just trying to have fun.
I learned that I don’t have to be doing what everyone else is doing to have a good time and enjoy my day! I also learned that my body is a “fragile ecosystem” as my doctors put it, and that’s okay. I now know another measure that I can take to help me have the best quality of life possible!
Redefining Summer
I used to associate summer with hospital trips and stress. I have had several instances where the heat and vacation flares up my GI issues, POTS, and seizures, sometimes leading to an ambulance ride to the ER.
Having done a lot of therapy and reflecting I’ve now redefined summer as a time that I can enjoy the longer days and be more kind to myself. Days that might come with more symptoms, and flare ups, but just knowing that I’m doing my best, is all I can do, and that’s more than enough!
Advice for Others Navigating a Different Kind of Summer
The most important thing is prioritizing yourself, your health, and well-being! It’s okay if your summer has to look a little different! Cater and adjust the things you want to do to work for you!
You aren’t alone, and it’s okay to ask for plans to come to you or to be accessible for you. It’s okay to miss out on things here and there so you can enjoy yourself when you are able to do things!
It’s important to not compare your summer to someone else’s—everyone’s lives and situations are so different and that’s okay!
Follow Lindsay on Instagram to learn more about her journey.
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