I cannot believe I am saying this already, but this is my final blog post for the year 2021. As I think will now become a tradition on Me, Myself and Chronic Illness Blog, my final post of the year is going to be a review of the last 12 months and what a 12 months it has been.

Life in Lockdown

This last year has been essentially another year in lockdown for myself and I know many other people with chronic illnesses. Firstly, due to Covid and not feeling safe enough in public spaces especially once face masks become non-compulsory (although at time of writing this they are to be worn again in certain situations), and secondly because chronic illness life is filled to the brim of symptoms and flare-ups that keep me restricted in most aspects of life.

Last year I wrote in my 2020 review (find it here) that I hoped people would start to become more mindful when it comes to the lives of the chronically ill/disabled after experiencing lockdown themselves – and I can safety say from my own experiences that hasn’t been the case. People were only bothered when it affected them and now that it doesn’t again they really couldn’t care less about anyone else around them. Of course this isn’t everyone, but unfortunately in my experience there are a higher number than not.

If I really allow myself to think about how chronically ill/disabled/vulnerable people have been treated this last year, it breaks my heart and fills it with fear all at the same time. It makes looking to the future scary, but nevertheless looking to the future we must do. It reminds me of a quote I heard about the sun always shining after a storm – and I believe and hope that there are better times ahead for us all.

My Personal Health

This year my health (as always!) has been very up and down. I have received a few more health updates which I have yet to discuss on my blog, and even as we speak am due to have blood tests this week to confirm something else. I am taking it in my stride though because what else can you do?

I must confess this year has been a bigger struggle with regards to my mental health. I have good days, not so good days and everything in between. The problem is I often forget to take my own advice, but I am working on it and for the most part I think it is turning out well.

Me, Myself and Chronic Illness Blog

2021 has seen 32 new blog posts and although this is less than last year, I feel I have got into a better routine with blogging. In my early days of blogging I felt like I needed to post weekly and got too bogged down with how many people – if any – were enjoying my content.

It was then that it dawned on me that whilst I want people to read my posts, it isn’t the be all and end all if people don’t either. I don’t receive any income from my blog work, so it is important I take control with being realistic on what I can comfortably produce.

Now that I blog fortnightly I am able to give myself a break away the blog to focus on other things, and as a result produce better content that isn’t too repetitive – hopefully!

I am really happy to say the blog now has 112 followers which I am really proud about. This may not be huge in comparison to other blogs, but I am truly grateful to each and every follow as it inspires me to continue and reach out to others in the same boat as me. As cliched as this sounds if my words can resonate with even one person then it is worth all the effort.

So, to anyone old or new to the blog, even if you only stumbled here today – a big, big thank you for taking the time to visit my little corner of the Internet and for reading this post and any others you may have read. I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Christmas and an even better new year.

Lots of love – see you in 2022!

Sarah xx