2022 has been a rather stable year, not overly incredible but not overly terrible either. I’ve continued to work hard and develop my skills at Disability Horizons, moved home again and enjoyed a few live music events, new songs, TV shows, films and books.
Here I share some of my highlights and favourite things that I experienced and relished in 2022:
Greatest work achievement of 2022
I would say my greatest work achievement is becoming editor and commissioner at Disability Horizons.
It’s crazy to think a decade ago, I was one of those contributing writers offering to write content and hoping I get commissioned. Now I’ve come full circle and I’m now the person commissioning the content.
I admit it can be tough at times, sending multiple emails to writers with topic ideas, writing feedback and edit suggestions, but once the article is published, it is a great feeling to know you have allowed an aspiring writer to share their stories, experiences and knowledge on our website.
If you’re interested in becoming a voluntary writer for Disability Horizons in 2023, send me an email at emma@disabilityhorizons.com.
Favourite interview of 2022
I didn’t do as many celebrity interviews as I hoped at Disability Horizons this year. However, my favourite has to be with the Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder, who has ADHD and dyslexia. I was rather starstruck interviewing him but we had a great chat and he was very friendly, open and honest.
Read: Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder on being a rockstar with ADHD
5 most popular blog posts of 2022
These are five of my most viewed blog posts written this year:
- Lottie Rapson: A tribute to a beautiful person and an inspirational friend
- Loneliness can be the greatest challenge with a disability
- 5 accessible Alexa skills you may have not considered
- Channel 4 strengthens guidance for the portrayal of disability on TV
- Music Interview: Vanilla Sugar
Favourite gig of 2022
I was torn on which gig was my favourite of 2022 as they were all amazing but I’ve gone with The Killers live in Southampton. I chose this show because it had been on my bucket list since school, I was honouring my late friend Lucy Hale who loved the band and the performance was spectacular and had everything I could have wished for and more. Brandon Flowers is an outstanding singer. So good in fact, that I’d describe him as the Freddie Mercury of the 21st century.
Check out the other live shows I attended over the past two years in my blog – Live Music Reviews: 2020 to 2022
Favourite song of 2022
To be honest, despite being a big music fan, I’ve not been following new music as much this year. I would say my favourite song of 2022 is Will of the People by Muse. It is a heavy, electric, catchy tune with strong guitar riffs, thumping drum beats and powerful booming lyrics.
Favourite sports moment of 2022
Without a doubt – England women winning Euro 2022! 56 years of hurt are finally over and an unforgettable football tournament. We have proven the Lionesses can play way better than the Lions and women players should get equal pay and the women’s game should have equal media coverage. Come on England – World Cup 2023 is coming home!
Favourite book of 2022
My favourite book of 2022 has to be How (Not) To Be Strong by Alex Scott. I felt this book to be the most powerful and moving memoir I have ever read. I learnt so much about Alex’s challenging upbringing and the barriers she faced in her football and media careers. I always thought she was an amazing person before reading her book but now I have even more admiration and love for her.
I was also buzzing to find she managed to squeeze in a final chapter celebrating the Lioness’s victorious win at Euro 2022.
Favourite TV show of 2022
I have watched a lot of incredible TV this year but I think my favourite series of 2022 came in mid-December when the final series of His Dark Materials aired on BBC. I’ve read the books by Phillip Pullman several times so knew a majority of the story but there were still many bits I forgot. It is an outstanding TV adaptation with great acting, emotion and special effects.
Favourite film of 2022
It has to be Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. It was a masterpiece of adventure and magic and learnt so much more about Albus Dumbledore’s past and his family. A must-watch if you haven’t already!
Life-changing event of 2022
The greatest change to happen in 2022 was moving back in with my parents. If you’ve been following my blog for many years now, you’ll be aware I was living in my own house in Alton with live-in care. However, within a few months, I had difficulties with the quality of care and my Mum had to give up her job to care for me.
Over the next four years, I continued to seek and try out many carers but they were either unsuitable, unsafe or unable to work with me on a long-term basis.
In 2021, my family and I made the difficult decision to have me move back in with my parents. After over a year of finding a new bungalow, seeking builders, applying for a facilities grant and waiting for adaptations to be complete, I moved to Waterlooville in June 2022.
I admit it has been a strange transition and I partially feel like my life has gone backwards a bit with less independence and freedom, but I keep reminding myself this is the lesser of two evils and I could be facing more shitty carers or even worse, placed in a care home.
My summary of 2022
In case you missed any of my blog posts this year, here is a recap of the monthly roundups:
- January 2022 summary: Back to life, but another year older
- February 2022 summary: Laughter and music is the best medicine
- March 2022 summary: A night out with BananaMan
- April 2022 summary: Return to the Wizarding World
- May 2022 summary: May the music be with you
- June 2022 summary: A whole new world
- July 2022 summary: Football fever
- August 2022 summary: Feeling hot hot hot
- September 2022 summary: The Circle of Life
- October 2022 summary: Writer turned commissioner
- November 2022 summary: Jungle life and football fever #2.1
- December 2022 summary: Festivities and football fever #2.2
My New Year’s resolution 2023
I have decided my New Year’s resolution in 2023 is to reconnect with old friends and increase frequent contact with current friends, acquaintances, colleagues and fellow bloggers. This may be in-person meet-ups, video chats or simply a text message or email.
After losing two of my closest friends in 2021, I realised life is too short and we should all make the most of the time we have together. Plus, this year I’ve spent way too much time focusing on work and lacking social time.
So, in 2023, I aim to spend more time communicating and connecting with people near and far. If you fancy a chat with me, get in contact via email or social media.
