Part 3: Winter, Rain, and Car Rides (My Body’s Villain Origin Story)

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THE 6 PART SERIES OF LIVING WITH PAIN

M. Pederson

1/6/20261 min read

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp

The winter months are hell for me.

And when it rains? Car rides for any length of time exhaust me.

But this year feels different.

Since TN started tagging in with everything else, it’s like my pain formed a little fight club and decided I’m the punching bag.

It’s the combo that’s brutal:

  • the weather

  • the pressure changes

  • the vibration of the car

  • the fatigue that hits like a brick

  • the way your brain starts bracing for impact before you even leave the driveway

You know what’s wild about chronic pain? You don’t just live in pain. You live in anticipation of pain. You plan around pain. You cancel around pain. You feel guilty around pain.

And then people hit you with:

  • “You should get out more.”

  • “Fresh air will help.”

  • “Have you tried stretching?”

  • “Walk it off.”

Sure. Let me stretch my nervous system into behaving.

Next: Part 4 — The “I’ll Buy Guru Stuff and Travel the World for Herbs” Phase

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist, counselor, psychologist, or medical professional. Everything shared on this site is based on my personal lived experience and is for education, reflection, and inspiration only. It is not medical or mental health advice and is not a substitute for professional care.