Hi everyone!

So here we are at the end of the year 2022, and I'm writing this post to share a few thoughts, hopes and wishes with you all. I apologise in advance if I ramble a little and go off on tangents at any point, but that's just me being me.
Like many previous years, there's been ups and downs. Just like so many other people across the world. The downs are not 'downs' as such, but difficult times that have been challenging. The year started off with saying goodbye to my dear Auntie who is now with my late Grandparents and my Uncle. I'm hoping that I'm making them all proud of me and will continue to do so for as long as I live.

Throughout the year, I have struggled with my health and it has put things on the back burner such as my awareness work. My awareness work is something that gives me focus, helps passes the time and making me feel better about myself knowing that I could be helping at least one person. I feel like I’ve neglected it a little bit which has been hard because I have always been a determined type of person. In the new year, I’m hoping to really get it going again, and perhaps even find someone who could help me with it as I have my Facebook page, my EDS/Disability YouTube channel, fundraising and my online store. It’s a lot for little old me to try and do all by myself especially when I’m not feeling too great. Obviously it has to be someone trustworthy and who is good with social media as well. It’d also be really fun to have someone who I can bounce ideas off with and other things.

Due to my health issues, it makes it harder for me to get out as much. This has made me feel lonely, isolated and alone at times and I miss the companionship of seeing friends. It does make me value my friends even more and also those that I speak to on a daily basis who happens to live far away.

I’ve had a few trips away to Morecambe/Lancaster, Blackpool and to Manchester. It’s always a battle with doing as much as I can and pacing myself at the same time whenever I’m away from home. They were fun times!

My niece made me very proud when I went to watch her in the dance show that she was in at my local theatre and seeing her performing/doing something that she really enjoys, made me happy for her.

I have enjoyed my filming, editing and uploading my videos on both of my YouTube channels. One thing I hope for in the new year is to meet my goals on YouTube as well. I always appreciate it when people make the effort to like, share and subscribe, so thank you!

There have been many hospital appointments, various tests and lots of tears. It can be frustrating dealing with medical professionals sometimes especially when you feel like they’re not understanding what you’re telling them and you have to push on at them to actually help.

On the other hand, one appointment which is definitely positive and that is that I’m getting a new wheelchair!! Woop!! I can’t wait! I have had my current wheelchair since a week after my 30th birthday which was in 2015, so over seven years ago and I don’t fit in it very well anymore. Hopefully I’ll have my new one in a few months time. Keep your fingers crossed! 🤞🏼it is basically very similar to the current one but it has more support for me and they are building arm-rests into the molding which I’m certainly looking forward to!

My best highlight is going to see Blue and meeting them for the second time (please read my last post as I talk more about it there). I’m so thankful for Catherine for taking me and I really enjoyed our time together. It truly made me happy knowing that my favourite member, Duncan, who even took the time to read my post which was in the shape of a letter and a fun little poem.

One of the things that has helped me cope with this past year has been Barrow AFC, my local football team. They have shown me kindness, support and inclusivity. I know that a lot of this is down to the lovely Kelly and I’ll never be able to thank her enough. I absolutely loved the hospitality experience. There’s so many friendly faces that I see when I go to the football, even on social media with the other fans. I’m a part of their Disabled Supporters Trust, even though I’m unable to attend their meetings, I still feel included and listened to if I have any issues. This also lead me to have the opportunity to write an article for the club which I’m proud of. Also being able to meet some of the players and interact with them has been great, although I haven’t met many of the current team, yet. They did have one last surprise for me where their captain had phoned me to wish me a merry Christmas but unfortunately, I was unable to take part (sadly and gutted about it still!). This was a part of the club’s Christmas Giving Week.

Also I’m closer to getting my first book published, hopefully in the new year, as I’m just sorting it out. I need to work on a covering letter and a synopsis to send off to publishers. The few people that have read some of it have said it’s really good which is a relief! I’m thankful to my cousin, Dean for helping me with this. Let’s hope that by this time next year, I’ll be a published author like him! 🤞🏼📕 The first out of many books, I hope, as one will be a collection of my poetry.

My family and close friends have really helped keep me going this year so I’m extremely grateful. I’d be lost without my family and friends. They’ve been there through the highs and the lows.

Now none of us can predict what will happen during 2023 but we can only hope for the best possible, and that it isn’t too rough of a ride, because I want to keep on making memories in the best way that I can.

Anyway, this post is definitely way too long but thank you if you have read until the very end. Happy New Year to you all and I wish you lots of love, happiness, peace and good health. See you in my next post… on New Year's Day 2023!!

Love DinkyKt 🖤