Spring is almost here, and while it brings warmer weather and blooming flowers, it also brings an uninvited guest: seasonal allergies. For me, winter doesn’t officially end until after May long weekend—everything before that feels like wishful thinking. But allergies always seem to arrive early, bringing itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and foggy minds that don’t mix well with creative work like writing, art, or beadwork.

The symptoms are all too familiar: fatigue that pulls you down, headaches that cloud your thoughts, watery eyes that itch endlessly, congestion that makes every breath an effort, coughing, sneezing, and the infamous brain fog. Writing, which often demands focus and clarity, feels like an uphill battle when you’re working against all this.

Brainstorming a topic after a restless night of sleep is a struggle, and when you finally muster the energy to write, your irritated eyes decide it’s time for war. Staring at a screen or working with paper becomes almost impossible. Then come the interruptions—sneezing fits or coughing spells that rudely break your concentration. In a post-COVID world, these episodes are often accompanied by wary stares or the awkward necessity of wearing a mask.

On top of it all, there’s the medication routine. With other medical conditions already on my plate, I’m juggling a steady lineup of meds. Allergy and asthma medications join the roster, creating a symphony of reminders that always seem to sound at the worst possible moments—right when I’m hitting my creative stride. Deep in thought, with ideas flowing effortlessly, and bam—the phone buzzes with a pill reminder. It’s like hitting the pause button on inspiration, pulling me back to reality just as I’m soaring.

Art, my other creative outlet, doesn’t escape the effects of allergy season either. Whether I’m sketching, painting, or working with oil pastels, allergens always find a way to sneak into the process. Watery eyes blur the details I’m trying to create, and itchy fingers turn simple brushstrokes into a test of patience.

Oh, and the mess! Working with oil pastels leaves my hands looking like a rainbow explosion. Imagine reaching to itch your nose or grabbing a Kleenex only to leave pastel streaks across your face. Pencil sketches aren’t much easier—smudged fingers create unintended marks that practically become part of the artwork. As for painting? Let’s just say I’ve walked away with more “abstract masterpieces” on my hands than on the canvas. It’s laughable at times—but only sometimes.

And beadwork? First Nations beadwork is something I deeply love—it’s meditative and rewarding. But during allergy season, threading needles becomes a test of willpower. Watery eyes make it hard to see clearly, and shaky fingers turn precision into guesswork.

One sneeze can send beads scattering across the table and floor, transforming cleanup into an unexpected treasure hunt. Add congestion and fatigue into the mix, and suddenly picking up tiny beads feels like an endurance test. While I adore beadwork, allergy season always tests my dedication—and my sense of humor.

Thankfully, there are tools that ease the burden. Voice-to-text technology has made writing more manageable, though it’s not perfect. Fixing quirky mistakes takes time, but it’s better than battling watery eyes and irritated fingers. Antihistamines help, too, though they only go so far. They let you function, but the lingering fatigue keeps reminding you that a nap might solve everything. And then there’s asthma—the second layer of chaos in this seasonal mess. Allergies wreak havoc on my bronchial tubes, leading to tightness and even asthma attacks. The alveoli in my lungs already have enough to deal with, but add inflammation from allergies, and breathing becomes a battle. The risk of alveoli collapse is an ever-present concern, making this double whammy anything but fun.

When things get severe, it’s often a straight trip to the emergency room. Writing—or creating art or beadwork—feels impossible in the chaos of a hospital setting. Yet, even in those moments, the pull to create never fades. Creativity, no matter how messy or interrupted, always finds a way to thrive.

So, while allergies and asthma might crash spring’s party, they won’t stop me from showing up. Writing through the chaos, splashing paint despite watery eyes, threading beads through watery blinks, and holding onto creativity in the face of frustration—it’s not always pretty, but it’s proof that resilience can shine. Even when pollen feels like it’s out for blood, the urge to create wins every time.