Turns out I wasn’t sad… I just needed to go outside. 🥹☀️ Okay, maybe it’s not quite that simple. 😂 But one thing I’ve learned during this season of chronic illness is just how much getting outside and moving my body (even a little) can help my mental health. Y’all know this has been an incredibly difficult season for me. Between endometriosis, ongoing health issues, appointments, unanswered questions, and waiting for some kind of treatment or path forward, the unknown of it all can feel SO heavy. And I think that’s one part of living with chronic illness that doesn’t get talked about enough: the mental toll. I truly thought that after my endometriosis excision surgery in April, I would finally start feeling like myself again. Instead, I’ve found myself dealing with even more symptoms and wondering when (or if) I’ll get back to the version of myself I used to know. I miss lifting heavy weights. I miss intense workouts. I miss being able to trust my body to do the things it used to do. But lately, I’ve been reminding myself that movement doesn’t have to look the way it used to in order to count. 🤍 Sometimes it’s just a slow walk outside. A little sunshine. Fresh air. Moving my body for as long as it allows me to that day. And every single time I do it, I notice a difference in my mood. So while I’m stuck in this season of waiting for answers, I’m trying to focus on what I can control: getting outside, moving when I’m able, soaking up the sunshine when it’s not approximately 900 degrees 😂, and finding little ways to make life feel beautiful again. If you’re navigating chronic illness or a difficult season too, this is your reminder that the little things still count. 🤍 What’s one small thing that always makes you feel a little more like yourself? LTKdayinmylife LTKootd LTKActive