Nelly, a chronic illness activist and a beloved member of our Care+Wear community, has a way of naming the experiences many patients carry quietly. As the holiday season approaches — a time that can feel overwhelming, exhausting, or emotionally heavy — she’s choosing intention over pressure and compassion over expectation.
Her reflections offer a grounding reminder that healing is nonlinear and honoring your body is an act of courage.
Continue reading to hear Nelly’s story in her own words.
Choosing Rest Instead of Holiday Pressure
This year, I’m giving myself permission to honour my body first. Instead of trying to keep up with holiday pressure, I’m building my days around rest
and gentle pacing. I’m letting things be smaller, slower, and softer, while trusting that the people who love me will understand.
This shift feels huge for me. I’m realizing that I don’t need to match the pace of everyone around me to make the season meaningful. I’m finally allowing rest to guide me instead of guilt.
Learning What My Body Truly Needs
This season taught me that my body needs consistency, not urgency. It needs nourishment in the ways I can give it, even if that looks different from everyone else. I learned that listening to my body is an act of survival, not selfishness, and that respecting my limits actually gives me more moments of presence.
I’m holding onto this lesson tightly. When I stop trying to rush or push through, I actually feel more grounded. It’s helping me show up with more clarity and honesty — not just to others, but to myself.
Releasing Expectations and Embracing Intention
Last year, I pushed myself far past my limits trying to show up the way I felt I “should.” I ended up missing out on more because of how much it costed me. That taught me that protecting my energy isn’t withdrawing, it’s choosing the parts of the season that truly matter. This year, I’m approaching everything with more intention and more compassion for myself!
I’m learning that intention is everything. I don’t want to spend another season recovering from the pressure to perform. I’m choosing softness, presence, and honesty instead.
Carrying New Habits Into the New Year
I want to carry a habit of checking in with my body before I commit to anything, even tiny things. Asking myself, “Do I have the physical or mental energy for this today” before committing to anything. Working very hard on honouring my body by respecting my boundaries is super important to me.
This practice feels like a form of self-protection I wish I had embraced sooner. I’m finally learning that pausing before I say “yes” is not only allowed — it’s necessary for my wellbeing.
A Reminder for Anyone Navigating Their Health
I hope everyone remembers that healing isn’t linear, progress isn’t always visible, and rest is not a setback. There is strength in slowing down. There is bravery in softening. And there is so much worth in the gentler version of you that is emerging, even if the world can’t see the full story behind it.
I’m holding onto this truth for myself, too. Resting doesn’t make me weaker — it helps me stay connected to who I’m becoming. And I hope others feel less alone in that journey.
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