Kimmy is a vibrant member of our community who lives with Raynaud’s syndrome. Her story is one of strength, softness, and self-discovery, especially during the warmer months, when many feel pressure to "make the most" of summer. But Kimmy has redefined what that means for her. In doing so, she’s found deeper joy, clarity, and love for herself than ever before.
Keep reading to hear how Kimmy is navigating summer with chronic illness, the moments that have meant the most to her, and what it looks like to truly live fully in every season.
What Living Fully Means to Me
To me, living fully means embracing each and every day—whether I’m feeling my best or not. It’s about appreciating the little things, like simply stepping outside and soaking in the sunshine on my face.
I’ve learned not to take any moment for granted. Sometimes, the most meaningful parts of the day are the ones we tend to overlook—a cool breeze through the window, the sound of laughter in another room, or the comfort of my favorite blanket. Living fully doesn’t always look loud or adventurous. Sometimes, it looks like simply being here, right now, and choosing gratitude for that.
A Moment I Felt Proud of How I Cared for Myself
This summer, there were a couple of moments that really stayed with me.
The first was at my nephew’s fourth birthday party. Every year, our family does a water balloon fight, and for the past three years, I’ve had to sit it out. My body just couldn’t handle it. But this year? I was not only there—I participated. I played, I laughed, I ran around with the kids, and it felt amazing. That moment reminded me that healing doesn’t always happen overnight, but progress is still something worth celebrating.
Another moment that meant the world to me was when my friends surprised me with a celebration—just because they were proud of me. Proud of how I’ve been showing up for myself every single day. That kind of love and recognition, especially when you live with a condition that’s mostly invisible, is indescribable. It reminded me that the work I’m doing to care for myself is seen, even when I think it’s not.
Learning to Release the Pressure of “Making the Most of Summer”
As someone living with Raynaud’s, I do feel the urge to soak in summer while I can. Warm weather is such a gift to my body, so there’s always that little voice nudging me to do more, be more, take it all in.
But over time, I’ve learned to be patient and gentle with myself. Some days, my body just needs rest. And that’s not only okay—it’s necessary. I remind myself that just as there’s summer, there’s also winter. And even if I spend that season cozied up indoors, wrapped in blankets with my dogs, I’m still experiencing it in my own way.
We don’t have to match the energy of the season to be present in it. Rest, after all, is part of the rhythm of life too.
If I Could Rename This Summer, It Would Be…
The Season of Self-Love.
This summer has been about honoring myself—mind, body, and spirit. Self-love, to me, isn’t just bubble baths or good vibes. It’s showing up as my best self, whether I’m having a good day or a tough one. It’s putting myself first when I need to, even if it means disappointing others.
It’s setting boundaries, listening to my body, and walking away from things that don’t serve my health. Most importantly, self-love means being proud of who I am no matter what version of me shows up that day. Because every version—resting, active, joyful, quiet—is worthy of love and care.
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