Hi Everyone!
I hope everyone found a way to enjoy their day yesterday <3 I had a very bad pain day with my autoimmune diseases. I guess I did wind up pushing myself a little too far the other day. Whoopsies. Still in a lot of pain, but I'm powering through. 
I woke up very happy yesterday. My mood has been slowly improving and I'm grateful for it. I've been working with my psychiatrist (never any shame here) and it's been a huge help, even just to have someone to talk to. We recently discovered that my previous suspected diagnoses was incorrect and I actually have something different. It's opened up my eyes and has broadened my understanding of myself. I've been enjoying learning about myself through what I now know. 
It was also a huge shock at the same time. What this is, is very rare. I don't yet feel comfortable sharing. But maybe one day. I'm still trying to understand it myself. But my doctor has been a huge support to me! Plus, another support system I found was actually some support through online. I found on Tumblr there are people just like me who post all about this disorder. It's been a huge asset to not only help me learn, but as a system of support. 
I did my morning routine yesterday, Dammie woke up early (my long distance partner) so he was texting me while I was trying to get work done. lol! What a butt. It's okay I never mind. Just takes a bit longer. But that's why I'm up early compared to the time I start work. I'm someone who needs that time in the morning before getting my day fully started. 
I didn't feel like working the Amazon Mechanical Turk program at all yesterday. I just hurt too bad to be able to focus. But that's okay. Hopefully today I will be able to play catch up. 
I talked with my partner, listened to music and did some writing in my journal. My journal and I are attached at the hip. It's a huge comfort for me, an outlet I truly enjoy having. 
I wound up getting pretty tired from the pain, so I fell asleep. I wasn't planning on sleeping for more than 30 minutes. But I must have turned my alarm off in my sleep. I didn't wake up until four hours later!! I wasn't expecting that lol. Luckily my virus has gotten better, I'm not really sick anymore. Just a little sniffle aftermath. But my autoimmune diseases are flaring right now, so I've overall been feeling fatigued and weak. But sleeping helped a bit. 
When I woke up I had a message from my friend Frost. They asked if when they got off work at 8 AM if I wanted to go get coffee. I was so excited! I love friend time it's so special to me. So of course I said yes. 
I got up, got dressed, put on the snow boots because a beautiful blanket of snow had come in throughout the night. It was magical <3! Then I headed over to my job to pick up Frost from work. 
We walked in the snow over to get a smoothie from my favorite coffee walk up place. I got my usual 20oz strawberry smoothie with whipped cream. So YUMMY!!! We then headed over to this cafe that Frost had never been to before. I thought they'd like it since we're both gluten-free and they have a lot of gluten-free options. 
I warned Frost before we went in that this cafe has the most addicting Macarons. When they saw them they got four lol. I got one vanilla one. It was absolutely delicious! They're so light and fluffy with a light crisp on the edges. So delicate. I'm in love, worth every penny! 
We sat down, drank our drinks and ate our yummy Macarons. We had good talks about mental health and gender. We're both queer people who suffer from mental health troubles. But we are a huge support to one another. I truly appreciate having Frost as my friend. They're there for me always as I am there for them. 
Came home after I dropped Frost off at their bus stop. Fed the pugs their breakfast, then fed expensive kitty. Made myself some food while I called my Mamma and my Grandma Rosemary. I'm so impressed with how much better my Grandma has gotten since being cured of her sepsis. I'm beyond grateful she survived it. I'm hoping it means I get more precious time with my Grandma. I love her so very much!! I miss her like crazy! But whenever I hear her voice I feel warm. She's one of the most important women in my life. So I make sure to call every single day to talk to my beautiful Grandma Rosemary. 
I was so tired at that point. So I laid in bed talking to Dammie until I eventually fell asleep. It was a good day overall. A difficult pain day, I have the feeling so will today. But my friend made my day very special. Hearing my Grandma's laugh made my day feel complete. 
If I give any advice today it's to rest when you need to rest. Don't push yourself. If your mind and or body says you need a break, please do so. Take time for your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. There is no shame in saying I need to rest. 
Sending love to you all <3

- Salem