I was once told by a friend that life is like a train ride.

We get on, we ride, and we get off. We get back on and ride some more. There are accidents and there are delays. At certain stops there are surprises and some of these will translate into great moments of joy, some will result in profound sorrow.

How many times have we said to ourselves, “I could never do that” or “I won’t try that, I’d just look silly”? I know I’ve done it more than once. But if we don’t try, we’ll never discover our full potential. You might find you’re great at something new, or you may simply fall in love with it.

In a world that often feels fast paced and disconnected, it can be easy to overlook the power of genuine care. But the truth is, caring enough to make a difference—no matter how small—has the potential to change lives, including your own.

As I write this today the 25th Anniversary of the 24 Hour Mega Swim concluded yesterday! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that a swim I started in February 2001 would still be running 25 years later!

Most of us spend years immersed in study, especially if we attend university. By the time we graduate, the last thing many of us want to do is open another book. However, as we grow into our careers and lives, one of the best decisions we can make is to actively pursue growth.

Courage is a word we often hear but rarely pause to define in our own lives. Even I speak about the courage to take a chance on change and step into the unknown. Yet, for many, courage feels like a distant goal rather than an accessible choice.

Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Whether it’s in sport, work, or life, progress comes from stepping into the unknown, facing challenges, and pushing your limits. Challenges test our abilities, expose our weaknesses, and demand that we rise to the occasion.

Adversity, failure, and obstacles are inevitable, but I’ve always believed there’s something positive to uncover, even in the toughest moments.

When I think back to my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis in 1998, I could never have imagined how my life would unfold from 2011 to 2025. What an incredible 14 years it has been!

I believe that too many times in life we are looking for the magic in something special that we do. But I think we need to look at those ordinary moments in our life that already have magic in them!

I have written a lot about this year, 2024, so I won’t bore you with the details again! Suffice to say, it wasn’t the best of years, but it was one that filled me with immense gratitude. As the year draws to a close, I encourage you to take a moment to look around at the people in your life who have given of themselves to you this year. Be grateful for them, because what would life be without the people who love and support us?

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the excitement of children awaiting Santa Claus and parents rushing to finalise shopping and prepare festive meals. Yet, for many, this time of year can be a stark reminder of what they don’t have—financial struggles, or the absence of family, can make the season a difficult one.