Blogging Off Until 2023…But First A Look At My Writing Year In Review

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.

After all, it is supposed to be the season of “Comfort and Peace”, as opposed to what can often be a time of trying to do too much and feeling stressed.

Stress is the last thing those of us with chronic illness need. It only enhances our pain and symptoms.

Taking The Lead

So, I thought I would lead by example and take a step back from blogging, writing and podcasting until after Christmas.

I have so much content from throughout the year, I can still share appropriate articles I’ve written, but a proper writing break overall will do me good.

I want to give my focus to my Forum during the lead up to Christmas and over Christmas. We have many members globally, who are often isolated and unable to attend family functions etc, due to their diseases. Plus many are still impacted by COVID and need to be careful not to contract the disease.

My team and I will be spending Christmas online, around the World, playing Christmas games and just being available to chat and provide genuine support to our members. I can’t wait and I think this will end up being a very special Christmas indeed.

So, if you have a chronic illness and are looking for a place to be surrounded by people, who really care and understand, please join us at Medical Musings with Friends.

Thank You

Thank you everyone for supporting my blog and podcast throughout the year. It means so much to me and I can’t wait to get back into writing and broadcasting after Christmas.

But before I blog off, I would like to leave you with a review of my writing year.

My Writing Year in Review (Including My Published Book!)

Ultimately this blog post is simply to say “Thank you”!

Thank you for reading. Thank you for listening.

Thank you for sharing my work on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook, Instagram etc.

Thank you for reaching out with your comments of encouragement.

Thank you for sharing with me your own insights and life experiences.

Thank you for your love and well wishes throughout my chronic illness journey.

2022 was extra exciting for me from a writing perspective as my Memoirs, based on this blog, were published in May. Writing a book was a dream come true and My Medical Musings, A Story of Love, Laughter, Faith and Hope; Living with a Rare Disease is now available globally, through major bookstores. Just writing those words still seems so surreal!

Please don’t forget there are plenty of blog posts to read here at My Medical Musings and my Podcast, Medical Musings with Sam , also has over 60 recorded episodes for you to listen to….if perhaps you get bored over Christmas!!!

So, without further ado, I’d love to share with you my top blog posts, articles and podcasts for the year, as voted by my followers.

My Top Three Blog Posts

Chronic Disease Management Plan

Body Image..A Love Hate Relationship

Your Ticket To A New Life

My Favourite Published Articles

When Trying to Act ‘Normal’ With Chronic Illness Leads to ‘Running on Empty’ ( as seen on The Mighty)

My Interview in UK Online Magazine The Table Read

An all time popular extra article to share with you….my love letter to my husband To the Amazing Husband Behind This Chronically Ill Wife

Three Popular Podcasts

I was so honoured this year to be invited as a Guest to be interviewed by Melissa Adams, host of Podcast ” I Am Not My Pain Podcast”.

We got on so well the interview became two episodes. Here is Part One:

Part One of my interview on “I Am Not My Pain Podcast” with Melissa Adams.

Part Two of the Interview delved more deeply into my story of health challenges, my faith and my views on healing (which may be different to what you expect):

Part Two of My Guest Interview on “I Am Not My Pain Podcast “.

Our Life Tapestry…I’m Back

Lastly, my first podcast for 2022 tells my story of an incredibly difficult 2021, with the passing of my Dad, to a long hospital stay and 3 months of being completely bedridden.

A Special Collaboration and An Exciting Editing Opportunity

I’m very excited to share a new book with you, being released on December 6th. Effie Koliopoulos, chronic illness blogger and vlogger and wonderful patient advocate, has collated 119 stories of people living with Arthritis from around the world.

I have had the honour of being the Editor of the book for Effie and ImagineWe Publishers . It’s been a huge journey, a lot of work, but so worth it to see it come together.

The stories are so diverse, raw and very real. I’ve read the stories so many times throughout the editing process, but they have never grown old. Each time something new has touched and inspired me.

If you know someone living with arthritis of any form, or caring for someone, this would make a great Christmas gift.

See You Next Year!

I hope my readers and listeners have a very special lead up to Christmas this year. If health is an issue, or distance from family and friends, I really hope you find new and unique ways to have a very Happy Christmas. We don’t always have to do things the same way to enjoy Christmas. New can be exciting!

So, I’ll sign off, or blog off, for now…..but I’ll definitely be back just after Christmas in time to welcome in 2023 with you all.

Lots of love

Sam xx

Medical Musings with Friends

If you’re looking for genuine support, care, understanding and friendship, you are so welcome to join my closed Facebook support forum, Medical Musings with Friends . It’s a safe place to connect with others living with chronic and complex diseases, who truly understand the daily challenges. A warm welcome awaits.