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August Favourites
For a new blog installment I'm going to try sharing my monthly favourites with you. I'm extremely behind with blogging so I may not keep up with this every month, but I want to give it a red hot crack. (That's Australian slang for 'giving your best effort', for my American friends.)
I intend to make these posts a bit of a social media/life catch-up, along with anything that has made chronic illness suck less. This will be a place to share all the things that ''spark joy'' for me each month. Hopefully, you'll find something that sparks joy for you too.
Let's go...
Favourite photo
I love this beautiful moment in nature captured by Tanya from My Fruitful Home and the story behind it she shared on her Facebook page.
''I was sitting on our front step waiting for an Uber because my van was still in the shop. I was feeling a bit frustrated about a few things going on in my life and all of a sudden this butterfly landed next to me. I watched it flutter from flower to flower before it landed. It dawned on me that if my van hadn't still been in the shop I would of missed this opportunity of being still and waiting.''
Favourite new Netflix release: Diagnosis
Image credit: Netflix
This fascinating docuseries is based on Dr Lisa Sanders' successful column in The New York Times, Diagnosis. It follows the stories of seven patients with mind-boggling symptoms on the quest to find answers and relief. They are some of the world's biggest medical mysteries that many doctors have dismissed and thrown into the ''too hard'' basket, or worse - the ''it's all in your head'' basket.
It's basically a real life Dr House show in which Dr Sanders solves complex cases with the help of crowdsourcing, proving that there truly is power in numbers.
Dr Sanders is compassionate and humble in her approach. It's such a comfort to know doctors like her exist. We need more of them in this world.
The stories are eye opening and heart-wrenching, reflecting how important it is to have a name for your beast. There were so many moments throughout the series I was like: WOAH. I didn't know that could happen. How awful.
The resolve, courage and perseverance of the patients is astounding. I rejoiced and cried along with them when they finally received the answers and treatment they had fought through hell for, because I know how important a diagnosis is - it's everything.
I felt overcome with gratitude after finishing the series because it helped to put my tough days with chronic pain into perspective; it was a stark reminder that things could be so much worse.
This docuseries serves as a powerful reminder that there is always hope, and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Favourite purchase: An adorable brooch and knit from Princess Highway.
I went shopping with my sister who introduced me to Princess Highway. Now it's my new favourite clothing store. They have such cute stuff! I'm so happy I scored this knit and brooch on a Kmart budget.
Favourite video clip: Therapy chickens in nursing homes.
Sometimes it's the ''most idiotic and stupid'' ideas that turn out to be the best ones.
Favourite article: You Can Write Your Way Out of an Emotional Funk. Here's How.
Image credit: Shanna Baker/Getty Images
This is an excellent read on how writing improves physical and mental wellbeing. Without writing I wouldn't be able to cope as well as I do with the myriad of ways chronic illness has changed my life.
Favourite Scripture: Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Favourite achievement: Persevering through bad pain and anxiety to go to church.
I did my makeup and had a lovely dinner with church friends after the service. It's so nice to look glamorous when I feel so far from it. Makeup is the best.
Favourite song: Praise You In The Storm by Casting Crowns.
This song has been a source of comfort for me lately. I hope it encourages you too.
Favourite quote: I found this quote from Ben Vereen all too relatable.
I've experienced this in my ''journey'' (I hate that word) with chronic illness too. Pain has changed my life in such a profound way. I've grown and morphed into a completely different person - so much so that when I get my health back, returning to my old life will not work. My life will never be the same.
Favourite funny: I can't stop laughing at this truth.
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