You never know what kind of sacrifices a person has to make to lead the semblance of a “normal” life.

Here at Chilled Chicks we have had this conversation too many times to count. One never knows glancing at another in passing, what their inner battles might be. Some people suffer in silence with depression and anxiety. The very thought of pulling it together to show face can be overwhelming and exhausting. There are no words for the sheer energy expelled to lift yourhead off the pillow and put on the false face of normalcy.

Then there are the growing number that we are struggling with; chronic pain, FMS and a host of other physically debilitating, misdiagnosed ailments. Your head and your heart want to get out there, connect, socialize, celebrate, create or just be able to do the day to day mundane things that need to be done.Here’s the price that you know you might pay though and it’s pretty steep. You have to knowingly choose to live a life knowing that one day of shopping, running around and a dinner will undoubtedly lead to the following day feeling like you need to be in traction and that with every beat of your heart,  the pain marches to a more chaotic beat. It may also leave you sweating, grunting and breathless.

Whatever your struggles, do you stop living or do you push your way through knowing that you’ll feel like you’ve been kicked in the ass the next day? Some things are worth giving yourself permission to live in the moment. Get up and go out, have some fun, let your loved one take you to supper or a show, knowing that thenext day you may be on your on the couch. Honor yourself in as many ways as you can.

Give yourself permission to chill your ass out the next day with no regrets. Inform your tribe that they need to pick up some slack and show some understanding. Share your pain, accept help, take a stand for your own wellbeing and most of all  – Give yourself permission to live well and have fun.