Post–July 4th Reflections

Dear fellow sensitives,

I wanted to take a moment to share how July 4th unfolded for me. I know many of you live with chronic illness, sensory sensitivities, or invisible conditions and I hope these reflections help you feel seen, or at least, a little less alone.

I stayed home this year. I didn’t go to the BBQs or watch fireworks. Instead, I spent the evening inside with audiobooks, a warm blanket, and my sweet (and terrified) cat, Georgia.

The smoke in the air gave me a cough and sore throat. The fireworks triggered anxiety and today, I’m moving slowly through the fog of a migraine. It’s not the festive highlight reel that usually fills our feeds but it’s honest. And it’s real.

And yet… there were bright spots.

• I was able to connect with friends and family through text and messages, which lifted my spirits.

• I had quiet time with Georgia, comforting her while also soothing my own nervous system.

• I made space for rest instead of pushing through. That’s progress.

This is what July 4th looked like for me: not glamorous, not pain-free, but full of tiny moments of grace.

If your holiday looked similar, I see you. If it looked different, I’m cheering for whatever choices supported your well-being.

Let’s keep honoring our needs and sharing our stories. Healing doesn’t always look like recovery, it often looks like resilience in the middle of it all.

With gentleness and solidarity,

Lori 💖