Dear Reader,
I kicked things off this month with the first Craft & Cuppa morning, which was full of laughter, connection, and a bit of frustration too! Some of the ladies found the tiny brick pieces challenging to put together, but we all persevered and proudly created our brick flower creations to take home. It’s always fun and uplifting to be surrounded by people who are open to trying new things, having a laugh, and supporting one another over a cup of tea.

I’m already looking forward to our next Craft & Cuppa morning, where I’ll be sharing my love of miniatures. It’s happening on Monday, August 4th at 10am, and I can’t wait to see what we create together. This time I will remember to take photos! Interested in joining me? You can find the event HERE!

As for my health, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. After being referred back in September, I finally had my first appointment with a psychologist. I often say one of the hardest parts of my health issues is keeping my head in a good space, so I’m hopeful that this will be a positive step toward learning new ways to support myself as I continue navigating the unknowns of chronic illness.

Last week my parents drove me down to Brisbane to have an appointment with a new neurologist. He was very thorough and told me he’s not 100% convinced about my current FND diagnosis. Instead of rushing to a conclusion, he’s taking the time to explore my full history. This means new blood tests, lots of questions, and possibly more visits to Brisbane for further testing. He plans to go through my history and current health with a fine-tooth comb to ensure we’re on the right track. He also said he doesn’t believe I have Trigeminal Neuralgia (which was a big relief) and instead suspects a nerve may have been impacted during my dental procedure a few months ago.

Although my initial appointment with the neurologist had me feeling optimistic, I had another appointment with him today, and I’ve walked away feeling a little uncertain again, which is frustrating when I’d been feeling so hopeful after my first appointment. I’m trying to trust the process, and I appreciate that he wants to be thorough, but I’m also very aware of the growing costs. Between specialist appointments, medications, therapies, and travel, it’s frustrating how expensive it is to keep seeking answers. I know many of you reading this might relate to the emotional and financial toll that comes with managing your health, especially when there’s still no clear path forward.

I’d also come to terms with my diagnosis of FND, and now it feels like I’m almost back at square one with no real answers and no clear path forward. Right now, I’m sitting with a mix of hope, confusion, and exhaustion. In these moments, I have found solace in talking with my husband, reading my Bible, and leaning into my faith. Singing along to music is another way I’ve been able to keep my mind in a good place as well as listening to an eBook. These small but powerful practices have helped me stay calm and comforted.

After my appointment in Brisbane, my daughter and I travelled to the Gold Coast with friends and spent a day at Sea World. My daughter (who is a thrill seeker) went on every roller coaster she could find, some more than once. My friends kindly pushed me around the park in my wheelchair so I could still be part of it all. I even managed to go on two rides myself and loved watching my daughter have such an amazing day. It was one of those heart-filling moments that reminded me what is most important to me. The smile on my daughter’s face, watching her try new things, and seeing her get out of her comfort zone, made me incredibly proud of who she is becoming.

Talking about being proud, another proud mumma moment was when my son started his first job this month. Seeing his confidence grow and how much he enjoys it brings me joy.

Now that I’m home again, sore, tired, but deeply grateful, I’ve been reflecting on how much love and support I’ve been surrounded by. Even in the uncertainty, there’s comfort in knowing I’m not doing this alone.

If there’s one message I want to leave you with this week, it’s this: healing is not linear. It often involves setbacks, uncertainty, and can be frustrating. But just because the road isn’t clear right now doesn’t mean you’ve taken a wrong turn. Don’t give up. Take the next small step, and the one after that. And remember that you don’t have to do it alone.

I’d love to hear from you:
You can either comment below or email me at linda.jhiggins@hotmail.com

• Have you ever struggled with the cost of seeking answers for your health?
• How do you keep moving forward when things feel uncertain or slow?
• What are the little joys or wins you’ve had lately, even in the midst of the hard stuff?

Take care of yourself,
Linda Higgins x