Medical Musings With Sam
My Medical Musings
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I'm a blogger, writer, and founder of online support Group, Medical Musings With Friends. I'm also the author of "My Medical Musings, A Story of Love, Laughter, Faith and Hope."
Before becoming chronically ill, with a rare bone disease, I was an Executive Manager with a passion for change management, coaching,and developing my team. Medical Musings With Sam is all about connecting with others, who are trying to live well with chronic illness, in the midst of difficult challenges and hurdles. Come on a journey with me as I share my experience of living a life of faith and hope with my disease.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
19 hours ago
A "Newsy" Episode...We Never Thought We Would Do This!
In this latest podcast episode
, I tell the full story of why we have needed to fund raise. I discuss the overall experience of stepping outside of our comfort zone and the varying reactions of others.
Plus, the meaning behind a simple phrase, told to me by a dear old lady when I was sweet 16, that connects this entire new journey.
There are some things in life you never thought you’d have to do….like setting up a Go Fund Me account!
However, chronic illness and life circumstances sometimes create avalanches, and a helping hand is needed.
Chronic illness and financial stress are not a good mix.
This is the position my husband and I find ourselves in.
I realise there are times in our lives when we simply need to ask for help from a “village” of people, who are each able to assist just a little, so we can raise just enough.
Every day since we launched the page, we have received the most generous of donations, encouraging messages of support and our page being shared by others in an effort to help us achieve our fundraising goals.
"You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:19, MSG).
Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. You are all amazing and such a blessing.
https://gofund.me/b59d3c62
Talk soon
Sam xx ❤️
www.mymedmusings.com
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Sep 12, 2023
It Takes A Village
“It Takes a Village” is such a familiar phrase for most of us, isn’t it.
What does it really mean though? I hazard a guess that its meaning is slightly different for all of us depending on our circumstances and the people in our lives.
In this episode, come with me for a walk in my village. You'll even get to meet my husband.
I hope we can discover together we all have a village, each different and unique to us and to our needs. We just need to have eyes to see it and a heart to find it.
Take care
Sam xx
www.mymedmusings.com
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Aug 24, 2023
My Epiphany Letter
Sometimes, life with chronic illness can be overwhelming. It’s not always because of your disease either.
It’s often all the appointments, including doctors, allied health professionals, equipment trials, dealing with government departments, routine tests and procedures, etc. It can become a full-time job. Your body becomes your business, your place of work, and you can quickly feel as if you are losing all sense of illness/work/life balance.
In fact, you wake up one day and realise you no longer have a life, and each days agenda is being determined by anyone and everyone, but definitely not by you.
This was my epiphany when I woke up the other day. I had a list of upcoming events, life changing events in many regards, running through my mind.
In this podcast I share with you the epiphany moment I had resulting in a life changing letter where I draw a line in the sand and take my life back!
www.mymedmusings.com
medicalmusings@bigpond.com
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Aug 15, 2023
Wow! A Huge Podcast Milestone..4000 plays
I'm so excited that "Medical Musings with Sam" has reached 4000 plays.
This is a huge achievement for a small podcast with a unique genre. I'm also in the top 10% of podcasts globally, according to Listen Score.
I can not thank my listeners enough. You are all amazing, and I am beyond delighted to know I am not talking to myself, and I do have a loyal podcast community supporting my vision.
To celebrate this milestone, I've included the very first episode I recorded on the podcast, which is simply my.."My Story".
Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart,
Love, Sam xx
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Aug 12, 2023
An Interview, A Signed Book Sale, and Frequently Asked Questions
This is a slightly different Podcast episode....you could say it's three for the price of one!
I'm introducing you to an amazing podcast ,"Inspired To Be," hosted by two beautiful, inspiring, and talented young ladies, Sammy Wynn and Elise Ingegneri. I was honoured to be a Guest on their show, and as promised, here is the link to the interview which was published this week:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7jgnGSXev5tu9ALurJGgN8?si=IunBjDPzR3q4PvaRmXl0_g
The second part of this Podcast is a Virtual Book Launch by way of a special Signed Copy Book Sale. All the details are in the Podcast but for basic information here is a link from my blog:
https://mymedmusings.com/2023/08/10/dont-miss-out-on-our-exclusive-signed-with-a-special-message-from-sam-book-sale/
Lastly, but not least I answer some Frequently Asked Questions I have received over the years since I started blogging and had my book published. I hope you enjoy this segment. I mentioned a particular blog post as part of this FAQ segment called "A Case of Chronic Illness Overload" and I promised to link it here:
https://mymedmusings.com/2020/01/11/a-case-of-chronic-illness-overload/
Thank you for listening everyone. I really hope you enjoy this very different episode.
Take care,
Sam xx 😘
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Aug 4, 2023
The Real Picture When I Say I'm Good
Chronic Illness is difficult enough without us making it more complicated. Yet, my inbuilt professional persona began to surface as I looked at the phone next to me on the bed. It was inevitable. I would answer this call with a bright and upbeat greeting, no matter the real picture of searing pain and chronic disease."
This podcast episode is a chat about why we feel the need to say we are good and sound bright when someone phones us, and how can we be true to ourselves and our situation when we want to sound "normal"!
Hops you enjoy and I really hope it helps you feel less alone.
Lots of love, Sam xx
www.mymedmusings.com
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Aug 1, 2023
What Does a "Chronically Ill Contented Life" Really Look Like?
I know there will be tough moments followed by good moments. As I’ve accepted my chronic illness diagnosis and consequential life changes, good moments are more than enough for me. They mean so much and are so precious.Rather than expecting a perfect life filled with halcyon days, I choose to love and cherish the moments of my life where I can engage with some of the activities I enjoy. I choose to live for moments of happiness, creativity, community, love, and moderate pain. I choose to hold on to hope for bright moments to follow tough ones.
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Aug 1, 2023
The Winners Are Announced!
Congratulations to the winners of the Birthday Month Book Giveaway Competition!
In this very short episode, the winners are announced, and I also let you know how you can buy my book in a limited signed copy book sale (within Australia and postage included)
Take care everyone.
Sam xx
www.mymedmusings.com
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Jul 22, 2023
Podcast/Blog Party Month, A Book Giveaway (Ch 38 Climbing Mountains With My Chronic Illness Friends)
July is my birthday month, and I’m very excited to announce I’m running a competition on my podcast and the blog to give away a copy of my book:
“My Medical Musings, A Story of Love Laughter Faith and Hope, Living With A Rare Disease “.
All you need to do is listen to a podcast episode and leave a review or comment on either Spotify for Podcasters, Apple Podcasts, or Audible.
If you listen through a different podcast app, please leave a review there, and just DM me to let me know, and I’ll still include you in the book giveaway competition.
There are three episodes/posts throughout July, each giving an opportunity for you to enter the competition. This is the last one of the three.
Here’s the link to my blog: www.mymedmusings.com
If you are not a podcast listener, you can also leave a review in the comment section of this blog post, and you will also be added to the competition draw at the end of the month!!
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Jul 13, 2023
Podcast/Blog Party Month (Book Giveaway Competition).- Episode 2
July is my birthday month, and I’m very excited to announce I’m running a competition on my podcast and the blog to give away a copy of my book:
“My Medical Musings, A Story of Love Laughter Faith and Hope, Living With A Rare Disease “.
All you need to do is listen to a podcast episode and leave a review or comment on either Spotify for Podcasters, Apple Podcasts, or Audible.
There will be three episodes/posts throughout July, each giving an opportunity for you to enter the competition.
If you listen through a different podcast app, please leave a review there, and just DM me to let me know, and I’ll still include you in the book giveaway competition.
If you are not a podcast listener, you can also leave a review in the comment section of the blog post at www.mymedmusings.com and you will also be added to the competition draw at the end of the month!!
So, without further ado, here’s the second excerpt from my book: Chapter 2, A Full and Fulfilled Chronic Illness Life
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Jun 30, 2023
Podcast/Blog Party Month - An E-Book reading from my book... Chapter 21, A Drive Down Memory Lane.
July is my birthday month, and I’m very excited to announce I’m running a competition on my podcast and the blog to give away a copy of my book:
"My Medical Musings, A Story of Love, Laughter, Faith and Hope, Living With A Rare Disease "
All you need to do to enter the competition is listen to a podcast episode and leave a review or comment on either Spotify for Podcasters, Apple Podcasts, or Audible or your usual Podcast listening app.
If you are not a podcast listener, you can also leave a review in the comment section of the blog post at www.mymedmusings.com, also being published today, and you will also be added to the competition draw at the end of the month!!
So, without further ado, here's the first e-book style excerpt from my book:
Chapter 21, A Trip Down Memory Lane
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Jun 19, 2023
My Podcast Party Month Is Coming Soon
July is my birthday month, and I'm very excited to announce I'll be running a competition on my podcast to give away a copy of my book:
"My Medical Musings, A Story of Love Laughter Faith and Hope, Living With A Rare Disease ".
All the competition details are in this Podcast episode.
I can't wait to give one of my listeners a free copy of my book.
Love, Sam 💓
#spotify #audible #applepodcaster
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Jun 12, 2023
What Would You Like To Do For The Rest of Your Life, Despite Chronic Illness?
When we live with chronic illness, the concept of continuous improvement seems almost ridiculous doesn’t it.
But is it?
Our lives, while significantly impacted by our diseases, don’t need to be completely dictated by them. We can make changes which will catapult us into a new future. We can see our new circumstances as a time of opportunity, rather than a time of retreat and despair.
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Jun 3, 2023
What Day Is It? Does It Matter If Every Day Feels Like Sunday When You Live With Chronic Illness?
I’ve decided one of the hardest things about being medically retired is working out what day of the week it is!I have always loved Sundays. In our home it’s usually a quiet and reflective day. I say, usually, as I’m married to an Anglican clergyman, and Sundays were far from quiet in the past. It was actually the busiest day of our week!! They have always been reflective, though.
Thankfully, he is retired now, as my carer, so we can definitely reclaim Sundays as a quiet day.
Some days still feel like a Monday or a Thursday if I have medical appointments to attend, and they are extremely difficult days for me physically. Other than those odd, busy days, I can pace myself.
It should be like this as it’s why I’m medically retired, to care for myself, manage my disease, and find a new quality of life.
However, the biggest battle with embracing every day like it’s Sunday is with me.
In this podcast episode, I discuss what it means to embrace your chronic illness in order to…
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May 17, 2023
Chronic Illness Just Doesn't Run To An Agenda!!
I love life’s little challenges. I love problem solving and turning obstacles into opportunities.
I love putting a positive spin on what could otherwise be a negative experience. I’ve always done this, both in my personal and professional life.
So, chronic disease really wasn’t going to change my approach to finding a way to overcome an obstacle. It’s just another challenge. Right?
Well, not entirely right! It’s probably one of the more difficult challenges life has thrown at me, and it often requires “out of the box” strategies.
One thing I have learned over the years is, "Chronic Illness just doesn't run to an agenda."
I hope this episode helps you navigate difficult days when your chronic illness creates an avalanche of symptoms and disease flares and your calendar is full of hopeful plans.
If you like what you hear today, you can also follow me on my blog, "My Medical Musings", for more tips on how to live the best life possible, living with a rare disease.
www.m…
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Apr 16, 2023
My Hospital "Oops" Events and Other Anecdotal Incidents.
There is nothing like the feeling you get when you arrive home from a long hospital stay. Especially if there were multiple concerns about your overall health when you were admitted or you were having major surgery.
Life is short. It’s precious, and it’s fragile while being incredibly resilient and strong. My home is my safe place, and I’m convinced because I love it, and I love my husband, it’s the place that helps me heal in a way I never do in hospital.
I am heading in the right direction, and even though I have a long road ahead, I can feel that sense of healing harmony.
Join me for a health update and a few funny, or perhaps mortifying, stories from my hospital stay!
Thanks for listening
Sam xx
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Feb 19, 2023
The Wound Doctors Podcast, Upcoming Surgery, and The Beginning of Blossom!
47% of Australians live with a chronic disease, and I'm one of them. The Wound Doctors Podcast recently talked to me about how I manage my wounds, how I stay positive, and how health professionals can better care for people with long-term conditions. The full podcast interview can be heard at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/51iEbnyKgkRuDaA6QZ1pEx?si=Uk54HF2OQSSE0j2Df_97Ug In this Podcast, I'm also sharing my latest Health Update, including major surgery in two weeks and the re-siting of my stoma. Life is throwing me new, massive challenges, and I'm finding ways to deal with them holding on to hope and faith....plus finding an uplifting name for my new stoma. It's the beginning of Blossom, and as the name symbolises, I'm hoping my future will flourish and thrive post surgery. In the meantime, I'll be missing in action for a while as I prepare for surgery and then take the time needed to recover. Take care, Sam xx
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Jan 2, 2023
Our "New Year" Life Tapestry
2023 is here!
A new year awaits. Will it be a good year, a difficult year, a happy year, a sad year?
One thing is certain, none of us really know.Have you looked closely at the back of a tapestry? Generally, they are full of threads in a bit of a jumble. It’s hard to make out what the image is from this viewpoint.
Turn it over and it reveals a perfect picture. It makes sense. The chaos of all those jumbled threads at the back is only half of the story. They are necessary to reveal something beautiful.If you’re sitting at home as the New Year approaches, feeling like you can’t see ahead, don’t lose hope. You are not alone. Chronic illness can feel all-encompassing and does place huge limitations on our lives.
It doesn’t have to make us a prisoner, though. We do this to ourselves if we only dwell on what we can’t do, rather than what we can do.
Chronic illness is a part of our life, it’s not all of our lives. I hope this first Podcast episode of 2023 helps you focus yo…
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Dec 16, 2022
Have Yourself A Merry Little "Chronic Illness " Christmas
As Christmas Day fast approaches I imagine most of us, in the chronic illness community, are musing about what we want to realistically achieve over the holiday period.
For those of us with chronic disease it can be an incredibly overwhelming time. Just trying to be happy for others, when your body is screaming at you, is enough to make you want to run and hide.Even for those of us who don’t suffer mental illness, the lead up to Christmas can be a melancholy time. It’s important to acknowledge all those feelings. They are real, important and very normal for the chronic illness sufferer.
If you are feeling a little melancholy…….you are not alone.
I will have a lovely Christmas but it will not necessarily be a season of constant joy. It will have moments of delight, moments of extreme fatigue, moments of excruciating pain and then moments of relaxation and rest.
This is the reality for those of us with chronic illness and pain.There was no big family gathering on the first Ch…
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Sep 27, 2022
PART TWO.....My Interview as a Guest on "I Am Not My Pain Podcast", with host Melissa Adams.
I am so excited to share part two of my interview with Melissa on her podcast, "I Am Not My Pain Podcast". In part two of my chat with Melissa, I talk about the practical steps I took to find a new purpose in my life. I talk about the process I followed to enable me to begin to accept my new life. I share deeply personal things about my story, my faith and how I found a way to find hope, in a completely hopeless situation. In case you missed part one, which includes my introduction to Melissa and how we met, here is the link to my blog post containing everything you need to know, including the Podcast link to the first part of our discussion together: https://mymedmusings.com/2022/09/21/my-interview-as-a-guest-on-i-am-not-my-pain-podcast-with-host-melissa-adams/ I've also included below, the direct link separately for you to my Podcast episode of Part One: https://anchor.fm/m…
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Sep 22, 2022
My Interview as a Guest on,"I Am Not My Pain Podcast"....With Host Melissa Adams (PART ONE)
I’m so excited to share with you my interview as a Guest on “I Am Not My Pain Podcast.
This is part one, of a two part interview. I was so honoured to be invited by Melissa to talk about my health story, my blog, my book, my forum and even more importantly, how I have found “Acceptance” and “Purpose”, with my chronic illness.
If you would like to know more about Melissa Adams, here’s a great article on her own chronic disease story and how she copes.
It really is an inspirational read: https://heroescircle.org/2022/05/meet-melissa-a-warrior-for-pain/ Every week Melissa shares interviews with different chronic pain warriors. They are from all walks of life and each story is precious and inspirational.
I hope you enjoy Part One of my interview, and I hope you’ll find Melissa’s Podcast is one that will be permanently on your Podcast listening app. Here is the…
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Sep 14, 2022
"Grief Is The Price We Pay For Love" (Queen Elizabeth II)
My Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
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Aug 14, 2022
What Sam Did Next......... plus A Special Happy 80th Birthday Message to My Husband
I'm taking time to take stock of my life and this episode is all about the process I'm following.
When you own a shop you need to do regular stock takes. What stock do you have, what’s profitable, what’s not selling, what new products are available that would add value to your business?
It’s a similar process when reviewing our lives. The questions will be slightly different but it’s the same concept. If I have finished a particular chapter of my life, I like to ask myself a few simple stock taking questions to see what, if anything, I should do next.
My Life Stock Taking Questions
1. What’s working in my life?
2. What am I enjoying?
3. What is mostly draining my energy?
4. Are there new opportunities I would like to persue?
5. Should I cease or change any of my existing commitments/initiatives?
These questions need to be given time to answer. If…
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Jul 26, 2022
Catering Chronic Illness Style
How many times have you wanted to invite family or friends over for a coffee but the thought of catering has just been too much? You may be surprised at how little effort it takes! For the purposes of this Podcast episode, I want to focus on how to cater in a way everything looks like it’s fallen out of a “Home Beautiful” magazine and you’ve been able to do it.
Why bother you may ask? Simply because many of us in the chronic illness community love to create and enjoy special catered morning, or afternoon teas, brunches, or lunches and we don’t want our disease to take this pleasure away prematurely. Remember "Chronic illness is a part of our life and not all of our life"
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Jul 19, 2022
My Medical Musings
A Blog, A Book, A Podcast and Support Forum. My Medical Musings has something for everyone. Please subscribe, follow and join to be part of a community of friends walking a similar path as you. We truly care and want you to know you are not alone. Chronic Illness is a part of your life, not all of your life and My Medical Musings can help you find new purpose, meaning and passion for life, despite your disease. So grab a cuppa and find a comfy chair to sit down with your new friends who will truly give you a warm welcome.
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Jul 18, 2022
Seize The Day
SEIZE THE DAY
"Don't feel like you are being selfish. If you are like me, you are likely rarely able to do something just for you. You likely save your energy moments everyday to do things for others."
#seizetheday #birthdaycelebration #countrydrive #chronicillness #chronicpain #hope #moments #makingmemories
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Jul 7, 2022
Driving Miss Sam!...plus introducing Melissa Adams Podcast, "I am Not My Pain"
You've no doubt heard of the movie "Driving Miss Daisy", well here is my own life changing story "Driving "Miss Sam" and finding a new way of having legs, when my own have failed me. I hope you enjoy xx ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡I'm also introducing an exciting Podcaster to you. Melissa Adams interviewed me this week on her Podcast, "I am not my Pain". Melissa, who has her own chronic pain story and ongoing journey managing extreme pain and disease symptoms, shares the same mindset as me that "chronic illness is a part of our life, not all of our life". She is a naturally inspiring lady and I encourage you all to check out her Podcast on Spotify or Apple. Melissa publishes interviews each week with other chronic pain warriors and each interview is so eye opening, raw but full of hope and encouragement. Melissa will be airing her interview with me sometime in September. We talked together so much it will be a 2 part interview. I'll keep you p…
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Jun 13, 2022
A Podcast Pause Announcement. The Virtual Book Tour Postponed.
In this episode I'm announcing my reason for postponing my Virtual Book Tour for a while. I'm leaving you with 2 readings from the book, A Poem from Betsy Riley and a Love Letter to Peter. I hope you enjoy xx
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Jun 6, 2022
"My Medical Musings" Virtual Book Tour...Week 2
In Week 2 of our Virtual Book Tour, I'm reading Chapter 18 (When All Else Fails Just Cancel The Day), from my book, "My Medical Musings". I am also announcing ,"new" competition rules to give you the opportunity to win a signed paperback copy of my book. The competition will run until the end of July.
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May 29, 2022
My Medical Musings.."Virtual Book Tour" - Week One
Join me on my Virtual Book Tour as I share with you readings from my book, "My Medical Musings, A Story of Love, Laughter, Faith and Hope; Living with a Rare Disease", plus you can have the opportunity to enter a competition to win a signed copy of my book. Today I'll be reading you the beautiful "Afterword" from CEO, Arthritis Queensland, Emma Thompson. Plus I'll be sharing with you the online volunteer work I love to do for Arthritis Queensland.
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May 25, 2022
Announcing My Podcast"Virtual Book Tour"
I’m really excited to announce I’ve decided to do a “Virtual Book Tour” of sorts, through my Podcast, Medical Musings with SamIf you want to be a part of my Virtual Book Tour and not miss an episode, the best way to ensure you are with me “on the virtual bus”, (so to speak) is to follow both my blog and Podcast.
You can also like and follow my Facebook Page, My Medical Musings, as I’ll be sharing each Virtual Tour episode there.
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May 23, 2022
A Virtual Book Tour and Being Authentic
As the “My Medical Musings” brand expands, keeping it all authentic and keeping my own integrity is paramount to me. Join me in this episode as I review my motives, check my integrity is in tact and announce my plans for a Virtual Book Tour on my Podcast!!
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May 13, 2022
The Horrors of My Health and The Wonders of my Writing Career!
I recorded this earlier on a Spotify only podcast as I wanted to include a downloaded song. I didn't want my followers who listen on other apps to miss out, so I've re published with the downside being you have to put up with my signing 🎤😅
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May 5, 2022
Becoming an Author and Reflecting on Resilience
As my book "My Medical Musings" is set to officially launch on May 20th, I share with you my excitement at achieving a lifelong dream of becomingan Author....and more importantly I encourage my listeners to not give up on your own hopes and dreams. I also share some of my recent interview with Authority Magazine on what it means to be resilient and my thoughts on what are the characteristics of resilience. These are exciting days at Medical Musings headquarters and this Podcast has given me the opportunity to thank my listeners, readers, my admin team and my publisher. I truly love you all 🥰
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Jun 14, 2021
You Look And Sound So Well!
Should I sound “sick” on the phone? Should I dress as if I had just got out of bed or don’t care about my appearance? I have severe pain and fatigue and sometimes I do lose my voice as a result, but generally I can talk. I often look drained throughout the day but if I’m seeing someone a lot of planning has happened prior to seeing them to ensure my pain meds are at their maximum effectiveness. Why would I want to sound terrible or look dishevelled if I’m able to do?When we have chronic illness, our minds are quickly programmed to think about all the things we can no longer do.
Don’t get me wrong, there is lots we can’t do when living with a chronic disease. My list sometimes seems endless and can cause me to feel as if my disease is in total control.
Is it though? Or am I at risk of allowing it to take over more than it should?
I ask myself this question constantly.
I don’t want to be a prisoner to my disease. I want to scale whatever heights I can safely push, and…
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May 24, 2021
Self Talk….”It’ll Do” And Other Chronic Illness Chat Lines
If I was ever going to accept my change in life circumstances, I needed to start with changing my self talk chat lines.
No longer could I talk to myself as if I could conquer all. I could and can conquer a lot, but definitely not everything. No mind over matter, no cheerleading squads, no pushing through despite pain, is going to be suffice to achieve goals, like basic daily housework.
Should I just give up? No, it’s not in my DNA to give up but it is in my DNA to find solutions. I might have to give up my perfectionism but I can still hang on to my “problem solving” passion.
It all starts with self talk. Not the kind I used in the past but a new kind. I’ve created, new and appropriate, self talk chronic illness chat lines.
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Mar 19, 2021
My Interview on the ABC World Today Radio Program
I was very honoured to be interviewed about the COVID-19 vaccine and how important it is for those of us living with chronic illness.
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Mar 19, 2021
My 2 Minutes Of Fame
This story is all about an ordinary day becoming just a little extraordinary.I woke up this morning with no great expectations of what my day would hold. I had no plans, no appointments and was not unhappy about what many would consider a boring day ahead.
My day started like any other.
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/worldtoday/covid-vaccine-keenly-sought-by-people-with-medical-conditions/13262342
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Feb 24, 2021
Dealing With A Fork In The Road
Sometimes the path ahead in life can seem a little unclear.
Sometimes we are faced with a range of life choices, almost too many, which often complicate matters and require a great deal of thought….too much thought!!
Sometimes we have limited choices, none of which are particularly helpful, so instead of moving forward we feel paralysed.
Add in chronic illness, and the restrictions often surrounding our diseases, complications are taken to a whole new level when we are faced with which path to take.
So how do we deal with forks in the road, a change of direction, a smorgasbord of opportunities?
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Feb 6, 2021
Straight From The Heart (or...Ramblings 0f The Fatigued)
There are times I yearn to write but words fail me.
Is it because I am overthinking?
Is it because I’m too tired and in too much pain?
Or is it because if I wrote what I needed to write, it may be too raw, too much for my readers and even too much for me?
While tiredness and pain definitely impact my writing ability, I think what is stopping me today is my need to write straight from my heart, however it might unfold.
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Jan 1, 2021
You Don't Have To See The Whole Staircase
A new year awaits. Will it be a good year, a difficult year, a happy year, a sad year?
One thing is certain, none of us really know.
This time last year, none of us knew how challenging 2020 would be. I doubt a rampant, infectious virus, creating a global pandemic, was forefront on our minds. The year has read more like a movie script rather than real life. The kind of script you feel relieved is fiction.
I love this quote from Martin Luther King Jnr;
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, you just have to take the first step”
That’s it! I just need to step into the 1st January 2021 and take each day one at a time, step by step.
The details, the plans, the hopes, dreams, twists and turns will unravel as I go.
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Nov 23, 2020
Tuning Out Until After Christmas
Every now and again it’s really good to stop and take stock.
The end of the year, and the lead up to Christmas, is a perfect time to let go of a few things and make some space to slow down a little.
So, I thought I would lead by example and take a step back from Blogging, Writing and Podcasting until after Christmas.
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Nov 17, 2020
A Pushing And Pacing Approach With Chronic Disability
I have a “Now or Never” philopsophy to life that sometimes gets me into trouble.
Well, let’s face it….always gets me into trouble!
Living with a physical progressive disability involves a lot of pain, lack of mobility and extreme fatigue every day. This kind of disease is constant. It doesn’t ebb and flow with flares. It’s there all the time, slowly worsening.
The sensible approach to this kind of chronic illness life is to pace all activities, listen to your body and lower all expectations.
Generally I do. I advocate pacing, live and breathe it actually. Partly as I don’t have a choice, plus I know it helps enormously with pain management.
The problem is, despite living with a severe disability for 5 years, my mind still seems to disconnect from my body on occasion. I can still visualize myself jumping out of my chair and cleaning up the kitchen, dusting the shutters, wiping down the bathroom tiles, making the bed, getting dressed, doing hair and makeup and looking like…
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Nov 16, 2020
Decking The Halls And Creating Comfort And Joy At Christmas
Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la” 🎵🎶
Is it? Do you feel jolly or do you feel exhausted, stressed?
Do you feel overwhelmed by your chronic illness, which refuses to understand Christmas is fast approaching, and you really could do with feeling healthy for the festive season?
We can dream can’t we of halcyon days, but the reality is our chronic diseases are generally here to stay. So we need to find new ways to live well during a holly, jolly Christmas time.
Let me share with you, some of my simple ideas for creating Comfort and Joy at Christmas at home, despite chronic illness.
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Nov 4, 2020
What Could A COVID Christmas Look Like?
Perhaps COVID is giving the world a Christmas gift. The gift of time. Time to stop. Time to get out of the rat race for a season. Time to reconnect with what really matters in life. November is a great time to set your realistic Christmas expectations. You can then head into this “most wonderful time of the year”, relaxed and ready to enjoy a very special and achievable Christmas…..one that’s just right for you, despite COVID, despite chronic illness.
You never know, this may be your best Christmas ever!
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Oct 27, 2020
Right Now I'm Thinking.......What If
How would you answer the question "What if?"
"What if my health gets worse in the future?"
"What if I run out of money?"
What if I contract COVID-19?
A what if question tends to ignite our anxieties first, taking us on a scary roller-coaster ride of emotions.
Asking "what if” can be paralyzing, even soul destroying. It can cause you to worry about a future scenario which may never happen. It can cause you to miss out on the joys in your life today.
When you flip a “what if” question into a “what is” statement, your
life can change for the better.
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Oct 22, 2020
An Interview with Kaye South, sharing her story of complex health, a Leadership career, love & life.
AN INTERVIEW WITH MY LONG TIME FRIEND AND WORK COLLEAGUE,
KAYE SOUTH.
HER AMAZING STORY OF LIVING WITH A BENIGN BRAIN TUMOUR, BEATING BOWEL CANCER AND SO MUCH MORE, CAN'T BE MISSED!
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Oct 16, 2020
Moving To The Beat Of My Own Chronic Illness Drum
Pain needs to become my friend so I can live as well as possible with it. A strange concept I know. How can pain be your friend?Will pain be my best friend? Of course not but it doesn’t have to be my enemy, and this is what I mean by accepting pain as my friend. I don’t want to make it worse than it is. If I stop looking at it as an enemy, it reduces its power over me. It disarms it!
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Oct 13, 2020
An Interview With Shannon Moss, sharing her inspiring health crisis story of courage and resilience.
I'm really excited today as I'm joined by a another beautiful
friend ,with a twist. So what do I mean by a twist? Well,
today’s guest is not only one of my best friends, she’s also my
daughter in law. Shannon is the partner of my husband’s
youngest son and the Mum of our gorgeous 3 year old
Grandson.
Shannon also has an incredible story of experiencing the
sudden onset of a very scary disease and fighting her way
through to remission. I know our listeners will be truly
inspired by Shannon’s resilience and determination to
overcome.
The other twist to our relationship is we have never met in
person. My health prevents me from travelling, Shannon was
battling her own health issues as we were beginning to form
our friendship and then our Grandson came into the picture ,
plus of course COVID-19 restrictions.
Despite not ever meeting in person, we have developed the
most beautiful relationship through daily messages, videos
etc. I can’t imagine my life without Shannon in it. She h…
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Oct 10, 2020
An Unexpected Trip Down Memory Lane
Memories are strange things. They can arrive when you least expect them.
They can bring amazing joy or they can startle you.
Life has an amazing way of evolving, reinventing itself, no matter our circumstances, especially if we don’t lose sight of who we are.
Chronic Illness is just another chapter of my life. It’s not my whole life. I am still a Leader. I always will be and I will always want to care, coach and nuture others. Chronic Illness hasn’t taken my passion, my calling away. It has just re-directed it.
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Oct 8, 2020
Morning Fog Lifts And A New Purpose Emerges
I’m not talking about the weather, it is the most glorious day outside. I'm talking about clearing a foggy brain and musing about my future. I need to refuel.
I need to reassess.
I need to revise my priorities.
So I’m taking some time to muse with my 3 R strategy…..
“ Recover, Reassess, Revise”….. actually maybe 4 R’s.
“RETURN….with new purpose and vision.
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Oct 5, 2020
An Interview With My Dear Friend Nik, Sharing Her Story Of Living With Lupus & Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I'm really excited today as I'm joined by a dear friend and co-administrator of my online support forum, the amazing, vivacious and very down to earth, Nik. Nik has lived with severe Lupus from an early age, and later in life was also diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Her story is definitely one to be shared and I know you will be both inspired and motivated by Nik. I really hope you enjoy this first interview on my Podcast.
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Oct 5, 2020
A Case Of Chronic Illness Overload
You know how it feels to be watching a really sad movie, or reading an emotionally charged book, and you just need a break from it…..well, at the moment, I feel the same writing and talking about chronic illness.
In particular, I’m sick of my own sickness story.
I need to push pause, change the channel, read another book.
Not forever, just for a moment.
I’m clearly having a case of “Chronic Illness Overload” and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.
So I need to solve this if I’m going to be effective in my desire to help others and not lose myself in a chronic illness cavern.
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Oct 4, 2020
Looking Back To Look Forward
If you have travelled a complex chronic illness journey, I’d encourage each of you to record your voice. Tell your own health journey story. You don’t have to share it. It can be just for you.
It will likely be an emotional journey for you too. Don’t be surprised if the tears flow. Let them. Its healing.
If we can look back, we can look forward. We can see how far we’ve come. We can see how strong we’ve been. We can see how we were able to overcome each and every hurdle when, at the time, we thought we never would.
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Oct 3, 2020
Everyone Has A Story, We All Need To Be Understood
Every life, every person has their own story. It’s never simple. Even when someone appears to have everything and have it all together, they will still have layers of untold stories. If you are faced with animosity or misunderstanding from someone as you go about your daily life, try to stay calm and think about what might be going on in their lives. Ask them if they are ok? It’s the perfect starting point.
It’s amazing how conversations between two strangers, or friends and family, can evolve, full of genuine understanding, when we decide to turn our focus to caring for the other person.
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Oct 2, 2020
This Is My Story of Faith, This Is My Song
Years ago, when I was much younger, 22 to be precise, I was involved in the restoration of a historic church building. It had been left derelict for years. To see it returned to its original glory,as a place of worship, was amazing. At the end of the day I would stand in the church, all on my own, and sing out loud my favorite hymn:
"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, Thus saith the Lord!”
As I sang that song with complete faith, believing God would be with me every step of my life, I had no idea what I would be facing 26 years later. I sang those words with such conviction, not realising they would have even more meaning to me as I lost my mobility, my career, and my life as I knew it on so many levels. This is my story of faith, this is my song!
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Oct 2, 2020
Healing Can Come In Many Forms
When we think of healing, generally we think of getting better. We expect a person no longer has their disease.
Healing can absolutely come in this form and it’s something to be celebrated when it does.
What about diseases with no cure and no treatment? As a Christian I believe God can heal and does completely heal some people of all kinds of diseases.
Why some and not others? I don't have all the answers but I do think it's because healing can come in many forms, and can sometimes be missed if we are expecting it in a particular package. In this episode, I'll try and explain what I mean.
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Oct 1, 2020
Taking A Professional Approach With Your Medical Team
While I can’t organise what my body decides to do in terms of my health, I can be organised with managing the consequences, from prescription management, doctors appointments, regular testing reminders etc.
The key though I think, to staying on top of a complex illness, is building a really good working relationship with your medical team .If nothing else, remember this last point……you are employing your Doctors. You are the Boss!
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Sep 29, 2020
Caring For The Carer
Sometimes, despite our own needs, we need to take off our “Chronic Illness Hat” and put on our “Carer’s Hat”.
So what does that mean? How can we when our disease is all-consuming?
I’ve found a number of simple ways, over the past five years, to let my husband know I appreciate him, by creating opportunities to become his “Carer” at times during each day.
My tips are designed to help you think about what you can do to support your Carer. In what ways can you become their Carer each day?
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Sep 27, 2020
The Day My Femur Broke
A story like this should start something like…
It was an ordinary day…..
The day my femur broke was anything but ordinary. It was supposed to be a day of celebration and excitement and it certainly was heading in the right direction.
Every now and again I allow my mind to return to that day. To remember, to ponder about the circumstances surrounding that moment. It has its own story and it’s about time I told it!
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Sep 27, 2020
My Stoma Story
Grab a Cuppa, Get Comfy…
It’s not a short story so if you are interested in listening definitely make a cuppa or pour your favourite drink and find a comfy chair.
So many twists, turns, tears, complications, plus a happy ending! This is the full story of why I have a permanent colostomy and my medical retirement journey.
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Sep 26, 2020
Hair Loss...It Matters (Even If It Doesn’t)
I stare in the mirror in disbelief. I have to believe it though. It’s real. Not a matter of maybe it’s thinning or a worry about going bald.
It’s here, its happening to me. I’m not reading it in a text book. I’m looking at it on my head.
You know what? I don’t like it. Not for one minute. I’m being brutally honest because I’m pretty sure 95% of women would feel the same.
I think hair loss does matter, even if it doesn’t. It is really important to feel we are looking the best we possibly can, especially when health is compromised. So what's the solution? Let me share my hairloss journey with you and maybe, together, we can work it all out!
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Sep 26, 2020
A "Weighty" Conversation
How do we manage living with chronic diseases and find ways to adjust to the physical changes accompanying them? How can we embrace our new image when we really would prefer to have a slighty better version? If your weight gain or weight loss is outside of your control, the time has come to embrace the new you. Join me in this episode as I share with you my "Embracing The New Me" plan. I hope I can help you realise just how beautiful you are.
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Sep 25, 2020
Loves and Losses
You would be forgiven for thinking this is a Valentine’s Day post given the title I’ve chosen. Please rest assured it’s not.
It’s a continuation of my musings from my last episode, about acceptance being the gateway to a new life. Acceptance is not a sad resignation, it’s the pathway to peace, happiness and freedom from prolonged grief.
I have a particular grief model I liked to use when I worked as a Change Management Consultant. It’s a little less clinical I think than some models. It’s called the “5 G’s of Change” and in this Podcast episode, I'll share what those 5 G's are all about and step you through my own grief/loss process.
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Sep 24, 2020
Is Acceptance Just Resignation?
A friend recently posted a question in a Facebook Group, about ways to gain freedom in life, so you can choose how you want to live it.
“What has most helped you to gain freedom in your life to choose exactly how you want to live it?”.
My response was one word.
Acceptance.
Of course I had to follow through with a short sentence because I really can’t stop at one word!
Acceptance brings me peace and freedom.
After posting my response, I pondered about whether acceptance was just a state of resigning myself to living with the shackles of my chronic disease. Or was it more than that?
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Sep 23, 2020
My Leadership Musings....It's Not About You, It's About Your People
Not long before I realised I had little choice but to listen to my body and medically retire, I was asked to speak at a Women of Influence networking breakfast on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
A few months prior I had been awarded “Leader of the Year” by the Bank where I was working and my speaking invitation was on the back of this award.
My career was at an all time high. I have often reflected, in some regards it was terrible timing having to say goodbye to it all but I was leaving with so many wonderful memories. Maybe there was no better time to walk away.
Here I share my Leadership style and a little bit more of what I was doing in my working life prior to medically retiring and starting my blog, my support forum and my Podcast!
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Sep 22, 2020
Chronic Illness Catastrophe Days....How Can We Survive These?
Ok, so the title probably sounds a little more dramatic than where I’m going with this…..but maybe not!!
My regular listeners will know I generally have a positive outlook on life, despite my disabling pain and crazy bone disease.
Every now and again though, I wake up to a “Chronic Illness Catastrophe Day”. In this episode I'm sharing my 3 day strategy, to survive the onslaught of a disease flare, and hopefully begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
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Sep 20, 2020
Standing By You While You Wait
Those in the disabled and chronic illness community often have a “waiting list” which seems never-ending, with or without a global pandemic.
Waiting requires us to dig deep to cope, now more than ever. It’s a difficult time for everyone at the moment. The freedom to do as we like, when we like, has been snatched from us thanks to COVID-19 pandemic. For many people adjusting to this new norm, of being in a permanent state of waiting, life is now almost unbearable.
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Sep 19, 2020
Home Sweet Home - My Chronic Illness/COVID-19 Sanctuary
As we enter a new world, dictated to us by COVID-19, my chronic illness life and the lives of so many disabled with chronic disease, may now be better understood. I want to reassure everyone, in particular those who are living with severe chronic illness, a fulfilled and happy life can be found in the confines of your home.
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Sep 18, 2020
Managing The "Great Expectations" of a Medical Appointment
It happens to all of us with chronic disease. We look at our calendar and see an appointment looming in the future. It offers such promise. We feel a little excited at the prospect of what may come from it.
Hope. It offers hope.
Specialist appointments are par for the course when living with any kind of ongoing illness. We need to develop coping strategies to help us through the difficult ones, as you can guarantee they will happen.
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Sep 18, 2020
I Love My Phone! It's My Chronic Illness Lifeline!
A physically active life is now no longer possible due to my chronic diseases and disability. The life within my phone opens a whole world for me that is exciting. So many Pros but are their any Cons to consider?
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Sep 18, 2020
A Full And Fulfilled Chronic Illness Life
How do you continue to live life to the full when your health limits everything you do?
How do you cope with waiting for a reprieve in symptoms when, the reality is, no reprieve is coming? In this episode, I share how I have lost so much through chronic illness, but have found ways to reinvent my life into a full and fulfilled one, thanks to a little patience and a lot of purpose!
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Sep 17, 2020
My Story
What better way to start my Podcast than to tell a story. This is not just any story. This is my deeply personal story, of being diagnosed with a range of diseases, culminating in a rare bone disease diagnosis. It's my story of transitioning from enjoying a successful career as an Executive Manager in a major bank, to suddenly living with a crippled body due to the onset of my disease. It's a story about finding a new and different way to live a fulfilled life, with the reality of constant unknowns being around every corner. It's a story of hope and faith, love, tears and laughter. I am sharing it in the hope of reaching out to others, who find themselves facing an uncertain future and need to hear there is a way to overcome the insurmountable.
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Sep 16, 2020
Medical Musings With Sam (Trailer)
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