It's been a while, hasn't it so I hope this finds you as well as you can be right now. 

As for me, I have noticed that my overall energy has dropped this year and my motivation to do any of the extra's like podcasts seems to have left the building. 

While it's nowhere near as bad as my worst times of symptoms and fatigue, I feel like I have slowed down and everything feels that little bit harder to do.

I think this is partly getting older (I turned 66 this year) and also partly that I am dealing with two new conditions that arrived this year, gastritis and some dry eye issues.

While these issues are not currently debilitating, they definitely add to the mix of symptoms and as you know, managing symptoms, medical administration and energy is basically another full time job on top of your existing responsibilities. 

As always, it's an ever evolving process of adapting, accepting and processing all of the complex emotional issues that are all part and parcel of life with chronic illness, especially when you gain more diagnoses. 

After a lot of thought, I have made the decision that 2026 will be my last year of work as I will finally hit offical retirement age here in Australia. 

At this stage, I am not sure what that will look like or if it will suit me or not and it still feels a little surreal to think of myself as "an old age pensioner" but for now, it feels like the right next step for me. 

I've been working since I was 16 years old and it's really important to me that I get to use my time and limited energy on the things that I would still like to do. 

I am even planning to go back to school in 2027 and take advantage of the discount available to pensioners on a certificate course that I would love, that is a bit too expensive for me right now and that feels exciting. 

So keep in mind Friend to make the most of my podcasts, blog posts and social media next year because there's so much there that I know will help you and any chronic illness communities you are part of. 

Part of 2026 for me will be identifying all the things I am paying for to run my business and close them down and once I do, things like my podcast will no longer be available after next year. 

It would be lovely to meet you online in the New Year. 

When we come together in community and share our experiences and knowledge, theres so much insight and ideas available and that's exactly what this blog post is all about. 

Click on the image below to read the blog and feel free to share the link with anyone you feel could benefit.