I medically retired in Jan 2014 due to a complex medical history, which can be best summed up as an overarching idiopathic disease.
Living with a disability of any kind can be incredibly challenging. Learning to live life differently and well with a sudden change in life’s direction, particularly due to a disability, can be extremely difficult.
The Simple Things in Life
It can also be strangely rewarding as appreciation for the simple things in life can begin to grow. Simple things like time spent with loved ones talking and renewing relationships. Time to enjoy coffee by the ocean or in the countryside on a good day with your partner or friends. Re-discovering the joy of leisurely reading a book, or listening to music while sitting in the garden.
One of the cheeky things I really enjoy now, is listening to my neighbours all leaving for work at some ridiculously early hour while I’m lying in bed…granted I’m lying in bed in pain on most mornings but it’s still nice not to have to jump out at the sound of an alarm!
Looking Back
I’ve lived life in the fast lane for 30 years with a successful management career in financial services.
I’ve also enjoyed various change management consultancy roles for not for profit organisations.
I loved every minute of those able bodied years and am very grateful for the experiences I have had.
My career highlights include;
- Contributing to creating an award winning customer experience culture in the various Banking and Insurance departments I’ve managed.
- Leading an inspired and motivated team of people, many of whom are now lifelong friends.
- Receiving the inaugural Leader of the Year Award just before I medically retired (such a special parting gift)
- Restoring an historic church building to its former glory,
- Appointed as a management consultant in the Anglican Church, and assisted Senior Church Leaders (Clergy and Lay) to bring about exciting reformative change.
- It has been a lifelong dream to write a book and I feel incredibly blessed for the opportunity, the love, support and encouragement from so many people.
-
The book is currently available in soft copy and can be purchased through my Publishers website, Amazon, Booktopia, Book Depository, Angus and Robertson, Barnes and Noble, Koorong and the list continues to grow.
Here are the links, to some of the bookstores if you would, like to purchase the book:
Looking Forward
My first blog post is all about My Story and the health events that changed my life completely.
My journey is not over. It has really only just begun.
Each day I venture a little further along an unknown path, with my loving husband by my side as my best friend and carer.
I’m keeping my eyes on God’s purpose for my life. He has led me this far and I know He will continue to guide me and give me the strength I need for this next chapter.
In many ways so much has changed, but nothing has changed where my faith and trust in God is concerned. I am resolved to make the best of each and every day I am blessed with.
I am looking forward to taking time out on my good days to do a bit of writing about where this path leads me and share a little of what I learn from my experiences along the way.
Another benefit of a change of life…time to blog!
Take Care
Sam x
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.
If you would like an audible version of my blog, please check out my Podcast, Medical Musings With Sam
I’m also a Contributor at “The Mighty”. You can check out my published articles at My Author Page
I also write @ Blogs by Christian Women
I’m a member of the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network the Grace Girls Facebook Group and the Showered In Grace Group
Please click here to read our Privacy Policy

Patient Leader Hero; Facebook; Instagram; Podcast https://www.wegohealth.com/profile/award
Australian Aspire Awards 2020 Nominee – Awarded Medal of Recognition for Individual Best Achievement Community Advocacy.
Thank you to Arthritis Queensland for the nomination!



WEGO Health Award 2019 Nominee
WEGO Health Award 2018 Nominee
Thank you for sharing about yourself. Very helpful information! ~Kim
LikeLike
Thanks Kim. Thanks for stopping by & reading xx
LikeLike
Sam, I’d like to nominate you for the Sunshine Bloggers Award because you inspire me! If you accept, please follow the instructions at https://reclaiminghopeblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/30/sunshine-blogger-award/
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much Terri, that is such a beautiful surprise. I had a look at the list of bloggers you nominated & they almost mirrored who I would nominate 😀
I’m not doing very well at the moment healthwise so I may not be able to on forward the award but I can’t tell you what a perfectly timed encouragement your nomination has been.
I will though profile you on my FB Support Forum
Thank you & God bless
Sam xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sam, I’m so sorry you’re not doing well. I definitely would not want to add any stress to your life. I’m glad you were encouraged by the nomination, though. You’re an encouragement to me, so I’m glad I could return the favor to you this time. :o)
I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
~Terri
LikeLiked by 1 person
A shame you had to medically retire but how wonderful that you have such a wonderful partner to go on new adventures with.
LikeLike
Thank you. Absolutely, having someone by your side to travel this journey really is an amazing blessing x
LikeLike
Hi Sam… I have given you an honorable mention on a post for Sunshine blogger award. Just wanting to let my followers know what a wonderful person you are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Bree, that is so lovely. You are beautiful 💞💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Its done so you do not have to even think of doing the post ok xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for thinking of me in that way. I really appreciate it xx 💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your welcome xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Sam! I’m excited I found your blog and look forward to your reading more. You have such a positive perspective. I also have a chronic disease and try so hard to be positive. Luckily I have little ones in the house who force me to keep moving. Hugs!
Amy
http://www.fightingtheflares.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Amy, Thanks so much for commenting. I’m so glad you found my blog too. I’m looking forward to checking out yours. I can imagine how your little ones would be a beautiful distraction but also create many challenges for you. Take care xx💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and yes! The difficulties are far outweighed by the joys, though. I kinda joke with my husband that we will have to foster children once ours move out so I have a reason to push past the pain and get out of bed. I love connecting with others who are pushing through their pain. Nice to “meet” you, Sam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how the Lord directs us into new and wonderfully unexpected things when we think we have lost everything. He is always full of surprises and blessings – not always what we would expect or ask for, but He knows us best. I’m glad you’re blogging!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Char. Yes, I love that God’s love and support is always there for us in the midst of all seasons of life. It’s His constant presence that ultimately gives me hope and joy and I get to meet wonderful people like you through blogging which is an extra special blessing xx
LikeLike
💜 Absolutely! This community is such a blessing! Sending hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
A really beautiful & heartfelt post. So true & very important thoughts to share. Thank you. Xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! This is very encouraging
LikeLiked by 1 person