Have you ever stepped outside at night and felt the sky come alive? The first time I saw the Aurora Borealis, it felt exactly like that — the sky dancing with color right above me. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I had ALWAYS wanted to see the northern lights, and a couple of years ago, it finally happened. Greens and pinks shifted from one color to another. Anyone who knows me knows I’m obsessed with the aurora — maybe a little too obsessed. I stayed outside, staring at the sky until 3 a.m. that night. It was magical, unpredictable, and unforgettable. 

Life with CF can be unpredictable too. Some days are heavy, some are bright, and some are just plain miserable. But we learn to find joy wherever we can. And sometimes, just like the aurora, joy shows up unexpectedly — a burst of laughter, a day of easier breathing, a holiday tradition you still have the energy for, or a kind message from someone. These moments mean so much because the hard days are real. 

Holidays can be stressful, especially with a chronic illness, and finding joy isn’t always easy. Our energy is limited, and cold/flu season adds pressure — wondering if the person next to us might give us “just a cold,” something that could be dangerous for us. But small joys shine even brighter at this time of year. Watching the lights, baking with friends or family, spending quiet time with loved ones (or pets!), or for me, capturing the aurora on a winter night. Joy doesn’t have to be big. It just has to bring joy. 

A simple act of kindness can feel like an aurora. A friend picking up groceries, offering a ride to an appointment, or sending a text to check in can brighten our whole day. Holidays are hard when we’re juggling low energy, doctor appointments, treatments, and medications. So when someone offers to help with baking or decorating, it means the world. It’s not about fixing everything — it’s just about adding a little light. 

I encourage all of you this holiday season to find your own “aurora moment,” or be that moment of joy for someone else. The sky reminds us that even when our days are dark, light still has a way of showing up. 

By: Missy Peterson

Missy is a cystic fibrosis survivor and lung transplant recipient who finds beauty in life’s small, meaningful moments. When she is not photographing the aurora, she is baking, spending time with her dog, Sophie, and searching for joy wherever it shines.