johndabell Hope Doesn’t Arrive Built – You Assemble It
We often talk about hope as if it’s something that turns up on its own like sunshine breaking through clouds or a sudden feeling that everything will be alright. We…
The Real Hunger Games: Life on a RIG Feeding Tube
People hear the phrase feeding tube and imagine nutrition, support, recovery — something clinical and straightforward. A medical solution. A helping hand. What they don’t imagine is hunger. Yet being…
The Alchemy of Words
I own a book of magic. You probably have one too. You’ve certainly used one before. It sits quietly on the shelf. No glowing cover. No ancient lock. No warning…
The Shelter You Don’t Realise You’re Building
There is a strange misconception about resilience that it is loud, heroic, or dramatic. We imagine resilience as speeches, breakthroughs, or moments of visible triumph. In reality, resilience is usually…
There Is Nothing Normal About the “New Normal”
After a major health scare or a life-altering diagnosis, you will often hear medical professionals talk about finding your “new normal.” It is a phrase I find infuriating because there…
This Is Not A ‘New Normal’: Life Through A Tube
I’ve been nil by mouth for over three months now, and I won’t dress it up: I don’t dislike it. I hate it. Not being able to eat or drink…
200 Reasons Why I’m Here
I’m not here to…… I’m not here to complain, I’m here to contribute I’m not here to wait for optimism, I’m here to create it I’m not here to hide…
10 Ways Cancer Improves Your CV
Let’s be clear from the start: no one wants cancer. And it certainly doesn’t belong on your CV next to “Teacher” or “BA (Hons) First Class.” Cancer is the ultimate…
When You Hit a Purple Patch on the Cancer Journey
The cancer journey has no shortage of grey days but other colours are available. Some you have to mix yourself. But grey days tend to dominate. These are the ones…
Be a Force Multiplier: Empower, Uplift, and Upgrade the World Around You
We all carry within us the potential to do more than simply get through life. We have the power to leave a mark, to elevate others, to multiply good in…