What a year!
2019 year in review
Amid the end of the year whirl, it’s useful to take a moment to reflect. So often I think that not a lot has happened and it’s just been business as usual but …
Here are some of my reflections on 2019.
Writing
I’ve always been a scribbler, compulsive journal writer and wrangler of words. My favourite article this year was about the balancing act. Why? Because balance is elusive, not static, so shifting focus from seeking the holy grail of living a balanced life to understanding the balancing act was a game changer for me.
Some new articles on the site this year included:
- “Simple pleasures” food and living
- Becoming the person you want to be
- How to lift your mood
- How setting intentions improves your day
- Catastrophising anxiety
- Why ginger is my desert island herb
- A healthier spring
- A healthier winter
Recipes and thoughts on eating
Don’t make me pick a favourite, I cook them all! But I really love having some fridge fixings on hand.
New recipes and food articles in 2019:
- Artichoke dip
- Braised/poached tomatoes
- Scrambled eggs with a twist
- Classic brown rice and tuna salad
- Green herb sauce
- Festive ‘bark’ (chocolate treats)
- Pickled chard stems (or any veggie pickles
- A summer alcohol-free sundowner
- Colcannon (vegan and omni)
- How to get over carb phobia and eat more fibre
- A month by month guide for seasonal produce
Naturopathic highs and a low
It’s a privilege to work with such a diverse group of clients. Geographically this year they’ve come from across the globe to literally a single block away, from newborns to their 70’s. All have one thing in common, they want to feel better and sometimes it’s a huge leap of faith to consult a naturopath.
Highlight – online herbal medicine dispensing
Working with most of my clients remotely it’s been challenging to dispense and post liquid herbal medicines. While I successfully use a number of companies to send practitioner-only supplements, most don’t offer bespoke herbal remedies. I’ve now partnered with Ariya Health who have a massive range of herbal liquids, dispensed by a naturopath and swiftly dispatch my patient’s prescriptions. It’s a game changer having hundreds of herbs at my disposal.
Lowlight – loss of private health insurance rebates
With PHI rebates ending in April, many colleagues have mentioned this has been a tough year. From a consumer perspective, I believe “extras” are just that – an increased premium on top of hospital cover (which is a mandatory component needed to receive the PHI tax incentives). If people wish to pay a higher premium to be proactive about their health, they should be encouraged rather than disadvantaged.
The 2015 Natural Therapies Review, which led to the end of the rebates this year, was inherently flawed. Fortunately, the government listened to our objections and with incredible speed, set up a new review panel, who have met twice already. We’re quietly confident that (face-to-face) clients will be able to get PHI rebates again in the near future.
The business of being a health practitioner
I split my time between supporting naturopathic clients and mentoring practitioners, though most of my gigs this year have been practitioner focused. On top of individual mentoring and providing online resources, it was an absolute blast to run our third Rest, Revitalise & Inspire practitioner retreat in Bali in June.
It was an honour to be named on the NHAA centenary timeline, for contributions to the profession at our International Conference in March, and run a workshop helping practitioners problem solve and build clinical confidence.
I also presented five practitioner business webinars (four are still available on Health Masters Live), with more in the wings.
It’s a joy to engage with so many awesome practitioners through formal and informal mentoring and I look forward to more of this in 2020.
Personally
I recently hit my six year cancerversary! As ovarian cancer has a distressing 46% five-year survival rate, it’s an incredible privilege to remain well and cancer-free. Accordingly, I’ve stepped up my cancer advocacy and consumer in research involvement. The latest commitment is volunteering with Survivors Teaching Students, an inspiring initiative working with medical and allied health students. It’s been a hugely busy year volunteering but so rewarding. Being at the cutting edge of new research is also an incredible bonus in my naturopathic work, helping people recover from cancer.
You know that I love travel! I returned to camping last spring but unfortunately the current fire season has put that on hold for now. Further afield I went to Bali, Singapore and Europe, and as always, am dreaming of my next sojourn.
Unfortunately it was probably the last ‘big’ family holiday with my dad. Though he’s lives independently in his 90’s, it’s been a big year for him health-wise. I made an emergency trip back to New Zealand in February and road-tested Skyping from my childhood home, which went smoothly. In fact, the internet connection was better than my Sydney NBN! While hoping to not to have to do this too often, it’s a relief to be able to work remotely when required.
Thank you
I couldn’t do this without you, so thanks for all the clicks, comments, likes, shares, consultations and recommendations of my services to your friends and family. If you have any suggestions for resources and ways I can best support you in 2020, feel free to send me some feedback.
It’s been a pleasure working with you. I hope you’ve had a meaningful and rewarding year.
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