03/28/2026
Two days ago, life threw an unexpected challenge my way. While getting ready to visit a friend I hadn’t seen in three years, I had a stumble—not due to FND, just sheer clumsiness. I landed hard enough to break the laundry basket behind me and clipped the dog ramp with the bottom of my foot, trying to catch myself before I went down. The whip movement my head and neck endured caused pain in my neck and shoulders. Yet, amid tears, I stood up, took deep breaths, and headed out.
With the nostalgic tunes of 90s music playing in the car, I managed to ground myself and spent a few precious moments with my friend. But soon after, my body spoke up, demanding attention and rest. Thankfully, my partner understood, and we headed back home.
The drive back painted the evening with disorienting lights and nausea from the pain, adding to the discomfort. Yet, the fleeting moment with my friend made the discomfort worth it. The warmth of a hug and sharing “I love you” were powerful enough to lift the pain momentarily. Once we arrived home, surrounded by familiar softness, I realized how impactful the fall was.
Self-awareness hit hard: taking it easy initially would have saved me days of recovery.
Moral of the story: Listen to your body. When it signals imbalance, pay attention. Your body knows what it needs, even if the message isn’t what you want to hear. Through FND, I’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential and part of our journey. ✨️