I came across some research recently about resilience and stress, and one thing really stood out to me, something I've been very aware about for a long time... the people around us matter. A lot! We often talk about resilience like it's something we have to find or build within ourselves. Be strong. Keep going. Push through. And yes, some of it does comes from you. I've always been a pretty determined person. But if living with MND has taught me anything, it's that determination will only get you so far. I know what I'm capable of. I know what I still want to do. But without the people around me helping me make those things possible, my life would look very different. Sometimes the thing that gets you through isn't some amazing inner strength. It's the friend who checks in. Someone who makes you laugh when you've had enough. The person who knows when you need help without making a big deal about it. Or just knowing you've got people in your corner. I think we underestimate how much we help each other get through the hard stuff. So maybe resilience is a bit of a team sport after all!! Who are the people in your corner? And whose corner are you in?

For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, spring is finally here!! Already we can sense it in the air... days are getting longer, things are starting to grow again and it feels like a good time to shake off a few of those winter cobwebs. I always think there's something about spring that gives you a little push to start fresh. It doesn't have to mean a complete overhaul of your life. Maybe it's getting outside more, getting back into a routine that's slipped over winter, cleaning out something you've been avoiding, or finally getting started on something you've been putting off. But I know we have community members on the other side of the world too, and you're heading in the opposite direction! Autumn is arriving. The days are getting shorter, things in nature are starting to slow down and prepare for winter. And maybe there's something useful in that too. Not every season needs to be about starting, growing and doing more. Sometimes it's about slowing down, letting go of a few things and making a bit more space. Whichever side of the world you're on, a change of season can be a good reminder to check in with yourself. What do you need from this next season - a fresh start, or permission to slow things down a little?

I'm a positive person. I always have been. But I don't believe that means you have to find something positive in every situation. Sometimes things are just shit! When you're dealing with something hard, being told to “look on the bright side” isn't always what you need to hear. Sometimes you need to be angry. Frustrated. Sad. Fed up. You need to acknowledge that what's happening isn't fair before you can work out what you're going to do with it. I've had plenty of those moments living with MND. For me, having a positive mindset isn't about pretending everything is okay. It's about not staying in that bad place forever. I can have a terrible day and still believe tomorrow will be better. I can be angry about something I've lost and still look for another way to do it. Both things can be true at the same time. I think there's a big difference between finding perspective and forcing positivity. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can say to someone isn't “look on the bright side”. It's simply, “Yeah, this really sucks". What do you think? Can looking for the positive sometimes do more harm than good?

Ok, so someone hands you $50 and there's only one rule: you have to spend it on something that will make your day better. You can't put it towards bills. You can't save it. And you can't spend it on anyone else. It is completely, selfishly, yours. What are you buying? There's no need for it to be sensible or productive either. Maybe it's a great lunch, fresh flowers, a new book, a massage (albeit not a very long one in some countries), something for the garden, a ridiculously good bottle of wine, or $50 worth of chocolate. So, what's your $50 happiness budget going towards? And no cheating by saying you'd save it! My answer is in the comments👇

Tell me, what's ONE thing you've discovered lately that's made your life better? It can be anything. A book you couldn't put down. A podcast worth listening to. A recipe that's now on repeat. An exercise you actually enjoy. A great app. A product you wish you'd bought years ago. A TV show we all need to watch. Or just a small habit that's surprisingly useful. I'll start... Mine is my friends 🥰... on a trip back to my hometown they remind me how much I miss them. I always come back with my cup and heart full and feel so grateful that they make my life so much better. Now your turn 👇 Drop ONE recommendation in the comments - and have a look through everyone else's while you're there. I have a feeling we might uncover a few gems!