Fissures of Light

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. I love the blushing colors of the trees as they prepare for the oncoming winter, the cool mornings glittered with frost, the brilliant blue skies on clear days and the eerie mists that float low over the ground shrouding the night in mystery. It’s the time of All Hallows Eve and the transition into shorter days and longer nights, lit by the pumpkin glow of harvest moons.

My body transforms as well, lifting itself out of the comfort of mild summer days and dipping its toe into the frosty waters of a colder season. The mornings are a little more difficult, the joints a little stiffer. The air holds a new nip that reminds me that the soothing dry days of summer are behind me. My hands are a little hotter, my fingers more swollen. There are more hot baths, more nights with the heated mattress pad, a little less activity. Motivation for exercise is a more challenging, even though it’s more necessary than ever to keep my joints limber and warm. But even in the face of increased symptoms, I am not distracted from enjoying the harvest of my life.

I had the pleasure of contributing to a book on living with rheumatic disease with a dynamic group of advocates and autoimmune warriors. This book was released on October 12, for World Arthritis Day. It was a milestone moment to hold a book containing my words and story. I started my writing journey five years ago and I have enjoyed every step of the creative process from editing, rewrites, rejections and publications. I am looking forward to continuing with more ambitious projects. One of those ambitious projects is returning to my dance roots by having the incredible opportunity to choreograph a holiday pantomime for a local theater company. This project is extra special to me because partial proceeds from this show will go to Cassie and Friends Society, an organization that supports children and families living with juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. I can only imagine how different my childhood would have been if I had to grow up battling rheumatic disease. These kids have more strength and stamina then I could ever hope to achieve, and yet by taking on this task, I hope to show them that anything is possible. I never thought I would be able to return to my dance world and yet, here I am teaching routines to a group of talented kids and adults as if I’d never left the studio.

In the darkest part of the year, I am encouraged by fissures of light. My family, my friends, my work life, my partner, my advocacy community and my creative world are the forces that inspire when the clouds close in and dark rainy days bog me down in the mire of disease. I used to think RA made my world smaller, but every year I look back and am surprised by the infinite trail I’ve left behind. Each step forward, no matter how small, leads me to another door and coaxes me to push just a little bit harder to open it.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy All Hallows Eve – may you find the light of hope and wellness in the transformation of a new season.

 

 

No Comments

  1. Rick Phillips on October 29, 2017 at 6:29 pm

    Thank you for writing about the book. I agree with you, my life is bigger today as the result of RA. No, it’s not a great reason to have it but it is a great reason to have more hope while I have it.

    • J.G. Chayko on November 16, 2017 at 2:27 pm

      I am still trying to find time to read it. I am looking forward to learning about everyone’s journey. Maybe I’ll have time to settle down after the show I’m involved with is done. Stay well. 🙂

      • Rick Phillips on November 16, 2017 at 2:37 pm

        LOL I have not purchased one yet.

  2. Phil on November 7, 2017 at 11:35 am

    J.G.
    How cool that you were part of the book. I have always enjoyed reading what you so eloquently put in print and really love the fall that we have in upstate NY, but suffer from it more than I would like. It was years ago that I was in Vancouver, but I do remember how pretty it was and what great parks that you have. I hope the rays of hope and light continue to shine on you. Cheers Phil – Syracuse NY

    • J.G. Chayko on November 16, 2017 at 2:26 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, we had a lovely fall this year – so many colors, unusual for us 🙂 I hope you are doing well and I hope rays of hope and light shine on you too. Cheers.

Leave a Comment





The information on this site are stories based on my personal experiences and is not intended for medical advice. All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. All content is original and owned by the author and shall not be used or duplicated without express and written permission.

If You Like What You See

Some people have inquired if there’s a place to donate on my blog. This is for those who would like to offer extra support for my work and I thank you for this.

A bigger thank you to all my readers who offer ongoing support simply by stopping by for a visit. I enjoy writing and interacting with you.

About me

J.G. Chayko is a writer, actress, and international arthritis advocate who’s been involved in theatre for more than 30 years and has published poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction.