I met a man at the farmer’s market today who bought a piece of land near here that was always lush and green and always seemed to get rain. But then our drought came (70% of Queensland is currently drought declared) and he hasn’t seen a drop of rain since they moved in.

Instead of the understandable sighing I expected, he chuckled and said, “But today we’re one day closer.”

One day closer to rain.

I love that. I love his attitude towards a very difficult and potentially dangerous situation. It came at such a good time for me as my doctors continue to search for ways to ease my pain and heal my chronically ill self.

I do get very discouraged sometimes, and I know that’s OK. Pain hurts and chronic pain hurts all the time. It wears down the body and spirit. But I love when I have encounters like this that make me smile and remind me that today, I’m one day closer.

One day closer to understanding.
One day closer to healing.
One day closer to thriving.

In the meantime, I try to make the hard days special so they become something to look forward to instead of fear.

Whenever I have to go to the doctor, I turn it into a Grand Day Out.

I know ahead of time that it’s going to be emotional and exhausting so I make allowances and plan for moments of quiet, reflection, and spoiling.

I go to my favorite cafe for breakfast, cozying into the comfy gold chairs, surrounding myself with books, journal, and favorite new pen.

Lorraine's Cafe AlloraI love it here. The staff make me feel so welcome and no matter what restrictive diet my docs are having me experiment with, the staff happily bend over backwards to make me something delicious.

This week they made me fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, hash browns and my go-to-comfort-drink: Butterscotch Latte with lactose-free milk. Delicious.

gluten-free breakfast

I had a picnic and reading time at a wonderfully shady table (it’s outrageously hot here right now) and spent happy hours sequestered in the blissfully air-conditioned library, finding all sorts of audio and paper books to fire my imagination and inspire me for various projects.

I also had a special companion with me. A gift from my friend Marie. His name is Sir Domenic Frederick (we figured such a small bear needed a very big name) and his sole job is to accompany me to doctor’s appointments to remind me that I am always loved and never alone.

little felt bearWhat things do you do to make your hard days easier? xo