This quick catch-up post is written in response to the 2026 July Writing Prompts — come join our little online writing community for the chronically ill and disabled, too!
*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice. Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding any new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our Privacy Policy page for more information. Thank you!
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A Quick Catch-up Since Our Last Linkup
I suppose “updating” would be a good word to start with — kind of like a mini catch-up on what and how everyone is doing! A quick catch-up on my end:
- I had surgery for oesophageal diverticulum back in June 2025, and it hasn't really settled down since. So I guess the issues I need to deal with have multiplied instead. I just need to find ways to live with a new issue... again.
- I moved this website from WordPress to Ghost Pro, because I was sick and tired of paying for plugins, and the need to constantly update them. So far, so good, though I'd like to eventually self-host the website. Trying to move towards a $0 model (or as close as is possible) because — you know why 'because'.
- I turned 40 in April, and was a little depressed. Is it just me, or did anyone else felt that way when they turned 40? (Or if you're turning 40 soon.) I just feel like it's a big day where people look back to see what they've accomplished in life in terms of career, family, and all that. And I feel like I'm still a young adult who will never be allowed to adult.
Right, now onwards to what I will be doing this July 2026, and what I have planned on a longer-term scale!
Recommitting to My Studies
I have had to take three semesters of leave from my studies, as I had that stupid oesophageal surgery, which opened the gates to a barrage of new health problems. Then, it was a run-on of more 'minor' issues and flare ups with my various chronic illnesses. You know how it goes — before you know it, you've turned 40, and also missed 1.5 years of your studies.
It's a little depressing, as I will need to befriend new Gen Z-ers when I go back to school. I only had one real friend when I was still studying there previously. I mean no offense if you are a Gen Z reader; it's just that my classmates are young enough to be my kids. So the conversation topics differ quite a bit, as do our priorities and focus in life.
The Limitations Job & Health-wise
I was undecided as to whether I should return to my studies for a spell, as I realised that what I had wanted to do with the degree — language documentation — was quite impossible for me; I would need to further pursue a phD, and the only viable option to do that as a 'real job' is to work as a professor at a university, with language documentation as a 'side gig'.
I'd say that pursuing my studies even further isn't the main issue, but there is no way I could work as a professor or teacher of any kind. It's not just not my thing, but facing a group of students and being responsible for them is physically impossible as someone who's chronically ill and disabled.
Regardless, I have two more years of my studies to go. So I am going to just recommit to the programme, and see it to the end. No more thinking and overthinking — just get it done with, pay off the loans, and I'm sure that there are always opportunities that overlap in my current line of work, and areas of knowledge.
A Triple Bracing — School, Work & Surgery
Yes, I am bracing myself for the return to school, as there will be major changes to my routines and schedules. I am not a morning person by nature, and I also need to wait about two hours for my meds to kick in every day, before I'm somewhat functional. I wanted to take afternoon classes exclusively, but clinched two morning ones that each last for 4 hours at a stretch, during the bidding session for classes (horrible system, btw). That will be tough for me, but I will try to cushion them with 'white space days' in between.
Apart from school, I might also take on a job from a new client. I don't want to jinx it, so all I'll say for now is that I will need to be very disciplined in juggling between work and school, and not overcommit, as I tend to do.
Finally, the soonest thing I am bracing for is a 'minor' surgery to remove some pre-cancerous cells on the 10th of July. So if I'm offline during those couple of days — you know why!
Documenting for Health & Personal Purposes
Documenting My Sleep Patterns for My Psychiatrist
I suffer from insomnia; the unpredictable vomiting episodes at night do not help, and I think I got the night-owl genes from my mum to boot — she is often up later than even I am. I also realise I need about 10 hours of sleep a day to be at my best — whatever 'best' means in relation to being chronically ill. (That is quite an awful lot 😔 What is yours, out of curiosity?)
Thus, my psychiatrist — who helps to manage my sleep and mood issues — has asked me to document my sleeping and waking times, and also how frequently I wake at night. So far, it's been random pepperings of 'normal' 10 hour sleep stretches, alternated with nights where I wake up every 30 minutes to vomit until dawn.
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Documenting My Weekly Reflections
In relation to a more interesting type of 'documentation' — I enjoy drawing a tarot spread for the week ahead. I pair this with a significator card, which I use to set my intentions or to ground me on a weekly basis. I don't use tarot for fortune-telling, but more as a mindfulness tool. Having said that, I need to pay more attention to my reflections, or they're pretty much just pretty thoughts scribbled down 😛
So far, I've gained many interesting snippets of insight every week, when I reflect on each card paired with my significator. Sometimes, a 'bad' card turns out to be surprisingly 'good', when viewed from another perspective; not a different perspective, but a more complete one, in the grand scheme of things.
Question — I want to expand this blog to add on a paid membership plan, simply to cover blogging fees, and hopefully earn a wee bit more. Do you think sharing these insights would be of any interest to people?
Tarot Decks I Own & Use:
Golden Art Nouveau Tarot:
Da Brigh Black Tarot Cards Deck for Shadow Work:
Heaven & Earth Tarot Kit:
Spoiling My Furry Companion & Pampering My Skin
Talisker — My Heart & Soul
Finally, I think I've been spending too much money on my furry little companion, Talisker (so now you know where my money goes to...). But I don't mind pampering him with quality time and treats. He is my world; I don't have any good friends left (maybe just one), as they have all started their own families, or are too busy with their careers — things that I also wish I could have in life, but am unable to.
I don't bear grudges toward them, because I understand that people drift apart at different stages in their lives. Yet, sometimes I wish they would just say 'hi' (and it's not that I haven't tried to keep in touch on my part, either). These are all good, kind-hearted, lovely people. But life has a way of keeping even these angels overwhelmed — perhaps even more so.
Modern Talking - You're My Heart, You're My Soul (Official Video)
The Vulnerabilities Beneath the Skin
I admittedly have also been pampering myself a little in terms of skincare products. Perhaps it's that I'm getting older, and finally realised that ageing is a thing 😆 I think they call it vanity 😉 Perhaps it's also because I have been single for a while, and whether I care to admit it or not — I fear being #AloneForever.
You might be surprised, but many potential partners shun you when they learn that you have a chronic illness — and worse — if you have a physical disability, too. Whilst I wouldn't want such people as partners anyway, that's the cold, hard reality that many people with disabilities face (though not all, for sure).
Having said that, I do believe that there are still good people out there. And I still choose to put myself out there, as I operate on a "don't try, don't know" mentality in all areas of my life.
Beyond Beauty — Face Gua Sha is Surprisingly Relaxing
Whilst gua sha can be used on the face for beauty reasons, I've been doing it more for relaxation purposes a couple times a week before bed. To my surprise, I fell asleep within 30 minutes the first few times I did it (usually I toss and turn for two hours or so).
I've discovered little dots of muscles in my face that ache each time I gua sha them, and each time the spots differ. Interestingly, even the lips and places on your face you wouldn't think could be achy, can be tense.
Here are the three books I've been referring too for a few simple strokes, should you be interested, too:
In Conclusion to My Quick Catch-up This July 2026
So what have you been up to, and will be up to this July 2026? Come share in the writing prompts below. I truly hope to see a few friendly faces and regulars, and can't wait to read and share your entries 😊 Have a good July!
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