New Year, New Start

So, Christmas is over for another year and now we head full on into a new year. I have been reflecting on what I have achieved, despite the odds, this year. It may not seem like much, but I never imagined that I would accomplish some of the things I have in the last twelve months. I wish for you to reflect on your year. You may feel at this point in time you haven’t achieved anything but when you look closely you may find you have done a lot more than you thought.

This year started off miserably for me. Adjusting to life back at home with my family and feeling I had lost my independence, coming to terms with a relationship breakdown, feeling lost and isolated and most of all in complete and utter pain all the time. I spent the first six months trying to build my strength up, receiving knocks and getting back up again. But I fought hard and finally realised I needed to beat this disease. My family and friends have given me the upmost support and I couldn’t have possibly got through those dark times without them.

My admission to hospital in June gave me a new lease of life. I was determined that after things were so bad for so long, they could only get better. And they did. I went on to regain my confidence, resolve the problems in my relationship and settle in at home with my family being a massive help with my condition. I am still battling, but I am pleased at what I have achieved in my campaign to create awareness. With a TV appearance, several press interviews and a magazine article written about me under my belt I couldn’t be happier that I have reached so many people with a story of hope.

The New Year is welcomed with open arms. There are so many things that I know I can achieve now, with a little help. I intend to go back into work this year, even if it’s just part time. I intend to raise lots of money for charity with my fundraiser in February and I intend to be happy and healthy for the duration of 2011... Just try and stop me.

Even though Christmas has taken its toll on me and I am suffering with aches and pains right now (and exhausted from all the festivities!) I had a wonderful time and look forward to what the next year will bring. I am in a good place right now, full of hope and determination (which isn’t a bad place to be). I never thought I’d feel like myself again, but now I feel like a better version of me. I am so thankful for everyone’s support its hard not to feel a bit teary and overwhelmed as a tough year comes to an end.

The New Year brings promises of resolutions, I have a few myself. The main one for me is completely giving up my disgusting habit of smoking. I have tried and failed before but realise its importance to my health now and I don’t want to risk doing anything that isn’t beneficial. I know it’s an utterly stupid thing to be doing even for a person of good health but in the past I have felt hard done by. I mean, I can’t drink (much anyway), I can’t stay out all night and dance till dawn (id give it a go though) so I’ve often thought why should I give up the one thing I enjoy? But it doesn’t make me feel good so cigarettes will no longer be part of my life as of January 1^st. I also aim to do more exercise (our new wii fit will come in handy for this) and eat healthily (blah, blah)... I am sure everyone’s resolutions are pretty much the same but for me, living a healthier lifestyle is more important than ever to stay well. I do not want to spend any more days than I need to in agony because of poor diet and lack of exercise.

So this is me, signing off for the year (I'll be back very soon) and wishing you a very, very happy new year. I hope you can hope to achieve everything you want in 2011. Cheers!