Well, life has certainly changed for me at the moment in many different and still emerging ways as I navigate finally living alone again after 35 years of having one or both of my children living with me. 

I am feeling my way into it without expectations because it still feels strange and part of me is waiting for the sound of the key in the door or the car in the driveway. 

On the whole, so far it's feeling peaceful and good and nice to clean and tidy and not have someone messing it up after me!

For the past 4 months or so, there has been a distinct upswing in my health, motivation and energy levels and when these shifts happen, I really do my best to stay in the moment and enjoy it without creating stories or fears about "what if it doesn't last and how will I deal with that?" because as you well know Friend, chronic illness is completely unpredictable. 

But it's meant that I have been able and wanting to get more things done like my podcasts, projects and right now, cleaning up, de-cluttering and reorganising where I live and making it the way I want it to be. 

In the 12 years I have lived here, I have never had the opportunity to do this because of the boys and all their stuff. 

So think, clearing out cupboards, throwing out or donating things that are broken, unused or no longer needed and while there is so much to do, it is incredibly satisfying because its what I have wanted to do for so long but didn't have the energy or opportunity to even try. 

So much of the past 9 years has been spent in either survival, dealing with a new diagnosis or health crisis or recovery mode with good bits and spurts of energy in between. 

I have also been dealing with a potential new diagnosis for about 6 months that was creating daily (and nightly) constant painful cramps, muscle contractions and involuntary movement in my feet, legs, stomach and arms. 

I could literally sit and watch my feet twist sideways, my toes move and twitch, all by themselves and needing to stand and put my full weight on my leg or feet to try and get the muscle to stop contracting. 

It got to the point where it was becoming not only incredibly painful and distressing but also, very debilitating as weird muscle cramps in places like the top of my feet would making walking very difficult and reduce me to tears.

I have been searching for relief and thankfully, have found it for the moment in a mix of electrolytes and potassium, magnesium and calcium supplements and since my return from my trip to Apollo Bay, the painful cramping is now an infrequent event rather than multiple times every day. 

But these are the things with chronic illness, right? New things keep cropping up and once again, you are back to the drawing board trying to figure out how to help yourself. 

I am finding that balance between relief and gratitude that it has eased and fear and stress that it might come back and as much as possible, being present with all of the good things because there are still so many good things in my life. 

When you get chronic illness, it doesn't only change your life.

The impact on your family and partners can be huge, potentially damaging and be the cause of so much guilt, conflict, resentment and division.

A few weeks ago, I asked this wonderful email community to ask your partners what sorts of issues or advice they most needed and Wow! You definitely delivered!

Thank you so much to those of you who emailed me and I know that your questions are the same issues that so many partners struggle with and by your asking, you will help so many others get support. 

In this episode I answer questions like:

• Why does my partner seem so negative now?

• How do I stop feeling so resentful?

• What can I do when I am worried that the unconventional diet or interventions they want to use will make them even sicker?

• Why am I feeling so resentful and tired of hearing about the illness all the time?

All this and so much more in episode 12!

I only have 3 more working weeks for 2023 and my prices will increase from January 2024 so now is a very good time to lock in your program at this years rates. 

Warm wishes