Having a regular word with yourself is about making time each day to ground and reflect on the small wins that often go unnoticed. As I start thinking about what 2026 might bring, I find myself looking back on 2025. In this blog, I want to share the milestones that shaped not only my personal journey but also our community’s collective progress. This isn’t about bragging; it’s about practising what I encourage others to do, which is to recognise how looking after ourselves can also ripple outward, touching those around us and those in the broader community, so here are some of my highlights…
Recognition
- I was shortlisted for a national award, a moment that underscored the value of my work and the trust senior managers placed in me – you can learn more about that HERE
- The Harm Reduction Enforcement Pathway I had been championing for years was recognised as best practice and formally incorporated into the City’s Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), a significant step forward in safeguarding vulnerable people.
Community and Recovery Initiatives
- After years of lobbying, a strategic group to oversee multi-agency working in the City Centre has been established, which will help strengthen the existing operational partnership working initiatives.
- Led the first Inclusive Recovery Cities Roadshows, consulting with the public, which will help continue to shape the future of Sheffield’s recovery campaign.
- Organised the Recovery Month Recovery Advent, elevating the voices of over 20 people in recovery, proudly displayed in the cathedral.
- Revived the Help Us Help Christmas Cabin, which returned as a huge success, bringing hope and support during the festive season.
Writing
- Completed and launched my memoir, celebrated with over 200 family and friends at Sheffield Cathedral.
- Contributed to international projects, including a book published in America alongside 364 other voices.
- Contributed to the Women’s Pathway in Recovery book.
- Shared poetry in a collaborative anthology, amplifying women’s lived experiences.
- Invested in my own website and blog, continuing to share reflections and insights with the broader community.
- Made a start on a free Have A Word With Yourself workbook [To be launched 2026]
Family and Friends
- In February, I took some time out to go on an impromptu retreat abroad with my best friend. I later convinced my mum, [ after being plagued by health challenges], my sister and stepfather to return to the same holiday in November.
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- As a family, we welcomed my first granddaughter after years of heartbreak and perseverance.
- Watching my daughters strengthen their bond and support each other has been priceless, reminiscent of the bond my sister and I share.
While this year has been full of milestones and external achievements, what matters the most are the internal wins. However, I’m not gonna lie, this year, striving for so much inevitably took its toll on me.
Five months ago – For months, I’d been dealing with stomach pains, bloating, and indigestion. I even went to the doctor, who prescribed antacids, but the discomfort lingered. Then, in late October, I was jolted awake by excruciating pain that wrapped around my back. Anticipating a long wait, I packed my journal and laptop, determined to write through the pain and headed to the Northern in search of answers.
After being given Oramorph, blood tests revealed high amylase levels, pointing to pancreatitis or gallstones. I was immediately placed on “nil by mouth” orders in case surgery was needed, and kept in for further tests. My family worried, but I stayed calm, reminding myself that whatever the outcome, it wasn’t life-threatening, and I would get through it. (Of course, the Oramorph may have helped with that calmness.)
Following an overnight stay and more investigations, doctors concluded it was likely a gastritis flare-up. Their advice was simple: watch my diet and avoid social drinking. I had planned to return to work the following Monday, but my kids insisted I take the entire week off, something I hadn’t done in years. And do you know what? That enforced break turned out to be the best gift I could have given myself.
Hindsight Is a Wonderful Thing – That hospital visit became the wake-up call I didn’t realise I needed. It forced me to stop, reflect, and recognise that while I had been achieving professional goals and showing up each day, much of it was surface-level. I hadn’t truly paused, gone deeper, or permitted myself to rest. With hindsight, I can now see how vital that pause was.
Over the years, I’ve come to believe that everything happens for a reason and that the health scare reminded me of a truth I can no longer ignore. I cannot afford to neglect my own well-being.
Time to Turn Inward – Life isnt all about external achievements, the real work is internal growth. To guide this, I have leaned into the CHIME principles: Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning, and Empowerment. For me, CHIME has become more than a framework; it’s a lived practice woven into my daily routine.
Each morning, before the external world rushes in, I take time to “have a word with myself.” This ritual isn’t just about planning tasks or preparing mentally for the day ahead. It’s about checking in with myself spiritually and emotionally, creating a space to reflect more deeply. As I look back on 2025, I want to explore how each principle has shaped my mental and emotional growth.
Connection – This year, I’ve made loads of new and exciting connections while strengthening existing ones. Attending international working groups with women who are on the same page as me has been transformative. That feeling of being alone, of feeling like I’m the only one, has faded. It’s allowed me to believe in myself more, which has opened the door to deeper relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.
Hope – Through my morning routine, I’ve learned how important it is to regulate my nervous system. This practice has helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed, allowing me to pace myself and create space for optimism. The feeling of optimism has become not just a feeling but a daily habit, one that keeps me open to new opportunities and reminds me that even small steps forward matter.
Identity – This has been a BIG one for me. The imposter syndrome still lingers in the background, but it no longer dominates my thoughts and feelings. I’ve grown more comfortable in my own skin, less concerned with titles, and more focused on authenticity. Most importantly, I can confidently say that I’ve claimed my identity as a writer. I no longer feel like a fraud, and I now wear that title with pride.
Meaning – I’ve written about this before in my previous blog, but this year I finally feel like I’ve found my purpose. For so long, the universe seemed to be nudging me in a direction without showing me the destination. Now I see it clearly: my mission is to empower people [especially women] to live authentic versions of themselves. By sharing skills and tools that have helped me, I hope that they can help others find their own path, not by telling them who to be, but by giving them the confidence to discover it themselves.
Empowerment – The final piece of CHIME is empowerment, and this year has shown me how much strength comes from owning my journey. Empowerment isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting myself enough to take the next step, even when the path isn’t clear. By leaning into connection, nurturing hope, embracing my identity, and finding meaning, I’ve discovered that empowerment flows naturally. It’s the quiet confidence that I can shape my life, and the courage to help others shape theirs too.
All my external achievements only tell part of the story because the more profound transformation has been internal; doing the work on myself has allowed me to grow, mentally and emotionally. It’s allowed me to shed old doubts and step into a more authentic version of myself.
As I move forward towards 2026, I will carry these lessons with me: connection reminds me I’m never alone, hope keeps me open to possibility, identity grounds me in who I truly am, meaning gives me purpose, and empowerment fuels the action to keep going.
This year has been about more than milestones; it’s been about becoming. And that, to me, is the real achievement.
My Goals for 2026
• To continue making myself a priority
• Launch the Have a Word with Yourself Workbook
• Delivering workshops in London and Belfast
• Launch my book ‘Blood is Thicker Than Alcohol ‘in Scotland
• and also launch the second book, called Whispers from the Heart, alongside Mulka Nisic.
As I step into 2026, I carry the lessons of the past year with me, and I am reminded to pause, go deeper, and nurture both external progress and internal growth. The journey is ongoing, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
I’ve shared a little about my 2025. Now I’d love to hear from you:
Reflection Prompts for You – Take a moment to pause and ask yourself:
• What did your achievements look like?
• What surprised you about yourself, and what did 2025 teach you?
• What lessons are you carrying forward into 2026?
Love Fordy
AKA #UnapologeticWriter
Remember – I don’t write for financial reward. I just want to help share my lived experience with others, hoping it helps. Plus, I love to write, so if you fancy getting the occasional email (NO SPAM) with the most up-to-date blogs from yours truly, please feel free to subscribe at the bottom of the main page.