As we start looking toward a brand new year, I’ve been thinking about how powerful it can be to choose one word to guide us. Not a long list of resolutions. Not a complicated plan. Just one simple word that sets the tone for how you want to show up in 2026. Choosing a word for the year is like giving yourself a little anchor to come back to when life gets busy or messy. Instead of trying to juggle a whole list of goals, one word helps you stay focused on what really matters and the kind of person you want to be. It keeps you grounded, reminds you of your values and gives you a bit of direction when you start to drift off track. It’s simple, low pressure, and a lovely way to build resilience and intention throughout the year. My word for 2026 is Persistence. Who else has a word for the coming year? And if you’ve never chosen one before, is this something you’d like to try?

We Welcome new members @Kim Scanlon @Julie Thompson and @Jenny Spencer to the Resilience Academy. Take time to explore the posts in the community chat.Also under the Classroom tab start your resilience journey in the road map and check out the 7 day Resilience Reboot. Taking even small steps will make a difference to your life. Please leave your comments below how you found it.

One thing I’ve learned, especially since living with MND, is that feeling awesome doesn’t just come from what we do for ourselves. A big part of our wellbeing comes from the people around us. Human connection really is one of the most powerful resilience tools we have. And the holiday season tends to amplify that. For some people it’s joyful and full of activity…for others it’s a bit quiet, lonely, or emotionally heavy. Most of us feel a mix of both. That’s why this time of year is the perfect reminder to be proactive about connection. Not just waiting for someone to check in, but choosing to reach out first. Sending a message. Making plans. Asking someone how they’re going. Even a quick 'thinking of you' can completely change the way someone feels in their day. Connection isn’t only about what we receive, but it’s also about what we give. And honestly, contributing to someone else’s sense of support or joy often boosts our resilience just as much as theirs. This is a reminder to message someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, invite a friend for a walk or a coffee, check in on the people who might find this time difficult, offer help if you know someone has a lot on, share a laugh, a story, or something small that brightened your day. These moments add up. They strengthen our relationships and remind us that we’re not meant to do life alone. And the funny thing is, the more we give, the more connected we end up feeling. It's important to make connection a conscious part of how we show up. Not perfect, not forced… just genuine, simple moments. Who’s one person you’d like to reach out to this week?

Alright team… we all know a good belly laugh can be one of the best resilience tools we’ve got. It resets your nervous system, lifts your mood and just loosens everything up a bit. But it got me wondering… where do we actually find the fun these days? Because life isn’t meant to feel heavy all the time. And look… I love a cute dog or cat reel as much as anyone, but there are only so many you can watch before you start questioning your entire algorithm. I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic for the old Aussie classics... think Kath & Kim, The Comedy Company, Full Frontal… the kind of humour that might be questionable these days. So I’m curious…Where do you find fun in your life right now? What gives you those proper laugh-out-loud moments?