Hey Reader.

Still Recovering (Because Apparently I’m Not Invincible)

If Thanksgiving wiped you out, welcome to the club. I spent Wednesday through Sunday basically fused to my mattress. Not in a cute “self-care” way — in a “my body shut down and I survived on sheer willpower and stubbornness” way.

Socializing + sensory chaos + holiday expectations = my own personal boss battle. If you’re still recovering too, you’re not dramatic. You’re human.

December Is… Complicated Here’s something I don’t talk about often, but it matters this time of year. My near-death motorcycle accident — the one that led to the TBI, the amputation, the whole plot twist — happened on Christmas. Nine years ago. And even after therapy and all the rational understanding in the world, my body still remembers. If that’s you too: I see you.

Yesterday (Dec 1), I heard a couple Christmas songs and saw a few decorations… and my entire nervous system said, “Nope.” Instant shutdown. I could barely keep my eyes open driving home. Collapsed the minute I walked in the door.

Not tired — triggered.

PTSD doesn’t always show up as flashbacks. Sometimes it’s your body hitting the off switch because it thinks it’s keeping you safe. If you feel “off” this season for reasons you can’t articulate, you’re not alone. Your body keeps score even when your brain has moved on.

This Month, I’m Choosing Pacing — Not Pushing

Old me would’ve powered through, pretended I was fine, and wound up in a full autoimmune crash. New me is pacing, even when it’s inconvenient, unglamorous, or makes me feel like the “boring one.”

And honestly? It’s helping.

So if your body is already overwhelmed, overstimulated, or vaguely malfunctioning, here’s something that might help you too:

Accessible Travel Tip

• 🍗 You’re not doing Thanksgiving “wrong.”
• 😡 You’re not ungrateful.
• 😴 You’re tired — and that’s allowed.

Some holidays feel full. Others feel like a lot. Gratitude can be small, quiet, messy, or late. It doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s.

If all you can manage today is breathing, hydrating, and hiding in your bedroom for a bit… that counts.

Accessible Travel Tip

If this season is already overwhelming your body or your brain: Create a “minimum energy plan.”

What’s the smallest version of your day that still meets your needs? That’s the baseline. Everything else is optional, not mandatory.

Your nervous system will thank you.

Takeaway

😴 You’re not wrong for needing more rest this time of year.
⛓️‍💥 You’re not broken for reacting to things you thought you’d moved past.
⭐️ And you’re not falling behind because you’re pacing instead of pushing.

Your body remembers what it survived, and sometimes it asks for gentler footing. Give it that.

Question for You

How are you pacing yourself this month? Reply — I’d love to hear what’s helping you stay grounded.

💙 Phoenyx