Weekly Round-Up
Welcome dear readers. This week’s blog roundup explores themes of community, resilience, and the spirit of the season.
Dee‘s recent announcement about the closure of the #gyncsm Twitter chat got me thinking about the online communities that have shaped my advocacy journey. When I first set up an account on Twitter (now X) in 2009 I found genuine friendship and support, particularly in the pioneering #BCSM healthcare chat. The #gyncsm Twitter chat came later but offered that same sense of community. It’s so sad to see these spaces disappear. It’s a reminder of how these spaces evolve and sometimes fade away – but I hold onto the real connections I have made over the years through these spaces.
One of those connections was Terri of DiepCJourney and I recently had the pleasure of joining her alongside Sue Robins on Terri’s podcast. We had a fantastic conversation about the highs and lows of patient advocacy. Listen to the episode here.
Carolyn shares a video interview she took part in about women’s heart health, highlighting how women often prioritize others’ needs, especially during the holidays, leading to delays in seeking treatment for cardiac symptoms.
In her latest Substack, Beth, who confesses to being a recovering perfectionist, uses a portrait of her cat, Oliver, to illustrate how she’s learning to overcome her fear of failure by viewing mistakes as setbacks instead.
Connie finds joy in this holiday season in both new memories with her young grandson and cherished ones with her aging cousin.
Suzanne shares a personal and heartfelt reflection on finding joy and meaning at Christmastime.
Despite facing personal losses, living with metastatic cancer, and navigating health setbacks Martha writes about actively practicing gratitude, in her latest Cure blog, finding solace in the support of loved ones and resilience gained from overcoming adversity.
Inspired by holiday candles and the song “One Candle,” Barbara reflects on the importance of individual action and prayer in promoting peace and understanding in a divided world.
In a heartwarming post, Terri describes how receiving a poinsettia from her husband while recovering from surgery created a lasting Christmas tradition for her.
Julia contrasts the joy and loneliness associated with Christmas, offering a message of hope rooted in the biblical story of the shepherds.
As we navigate the flurry of activities and emotions that come with this time of year, may these blog posts offer moments of pause, reflection, and connection.
Until next week,
Yours with much love always
Marie xxx
Thank you dear Marie for sharing my workshop interview with patient navigator (and former cardiac nurse) Connie Jorsvik, who opened our wide-ranging conversation about women’s priorities with this:
“When I was a cardiac nurse, it always seemed like more women than men were admitted after Christmas. Often, these women had been experiencing cardiac symptoms for days – and even weeks. Women tend to put off seeking treatment because we so often put ourselves last on our priority list – and there is no bigger time for everyone else’s priorities than the holidays!”
Connie’s message to all women (rethink your own priority list so you’re no longer at the bottom of that list!) is one that many of us need to consider – especially during busy holiday times.
Happy Christmas, dear Marie!
PS: Would you consider adding a ‘share’ link button to the Blue Sky platform at the bottom of future Weekly Roundup posts? People seem to be joining Blue Sky in droves as they decide to leave X (formerly Twitter).
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