Year in Review

It's hard to believe that, as I write this, 2012 is only hours away. The last months of my life have been among the most difficult and the most meaningful of my life.

From a career perspective, I am pretty proud of myself. I write for an influential website, Migraine.com, that is helping migraineurs like me every day. I still moonlight as a professional medical editor--that job provides a good outlet for my perfectionistic ways, as it gives me the chance to be nitpicky in a place where it’s actually very helpful to be nitpicky. And, first and foremost, I expanded my business from an online and events-based book selling company to a full-service, brick-and-mortar bookshop on my favorite block in my favorite town. I am indeed very blessed.

When I began writing my then-anonymous blog, The Migraine Girl, many years ago, I never dreamt I'd tell anyone my real name, let alone share the blog with thousands of readers. But as time went on, I got more readers who were grateful to have someone give voice to what they went through each day as migraineurs. Last year when the opportunity to write for Migraine.com came up, I thought working with the site would give me good structure and a steady schedule that would encourage me to keep up with the blog I’d neglected off and on over time. Since becoming a blogger here I've had countless amazing opportunities. I finally met some migraine blogger friends in real life, which was quite meaningful for me. I went to some National Headache Foundation conferences and events and got to connect with migraine specialists and patients alike. I had the chance to advocate for more migraine research dollars in D.C. as part of Headache on the Hill, and my buddies and I got to sit with the incomparable Rep. John Lewis (D., Ga.) while he vowed to do more for migraineurs. I interviewed Cindy McCain and Serene Branson, and I somehow ended up on the cover of the Athens Banner-Herald. Most rewardingly, though, I got to talk to so many friends and strangers alike who have made a concerted effort to take a more proactive role in their migraine care.

Here's to a happy, healthier new year. A year ago today I would’ve had a hard time believing you if you’d had told me what 2011 had in store. I bet this coming year is even more incredible for us all.