Another new year is upon us… 2025! Its also exactly a year ago since I wrote last years new year post. My plan way back in January 2024 was to reflect on the goals I had set myself to see how many I had achieved. 2024 didn’t go the way I had ever imagined but I am still going to have a look back and reflect.

Goal 1 was to do a walk of more than a mile. It evokes a lot of mixed feelings to know that his simple act for me typically, seemed so far away at this point. But I am glad to say that I have achieved this and that I take a walk every day with my wonderful retired guide dog Willow. More than that I have even started the couch to 5K since being home, and off the chemo.

Goal 2 was to get active, be it at the gym or with my ten pin bowling team. This one has been achieved too. I am starting to slowly but surely build my strength and fitness up, and I have signed up to the next phase of the British Blind Sport Ten Pin Bowling League. So I am bowling most weeks now. I am a little rusty after such an extended break but it is still one of my favourite  things to do.   

Goal 3 was to have a holiday. This one is tricky. I have become quite fearful of being away from familiar places in case I have an adrenal crisis. I am working on this with my therapist however, and a holiday is on of my long term therapy goals. That kind of links into goal 4, working on my fear of going out and being alone. This has improved, a lot, and I am working on it every day to make sure this is no longer a fear.

Goal 5 was more than achieved, because that was to get back on the ready to train list,  well I am not on the ready to train list now, because I have been matched with a dog!!

So actually not bad.

I have talked a lot with my therapist about productivity and success, its important to remind yourself productivity and success look different to different people at different stages. I need to remind myself of this from time to time too. This past year was productive and I was successful.