A Lot Has Happened — Here's the Update I've Been Meaning to Write
- Michele Roys
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
My dear friend,
I hope this last month has treated you well. I want to apologize for not writing sooner. Life has been a roller coaster in the best possible way, and I have been trying to keep up with myself. Today, I want to share some incredible updates that have unfolded recently—moments of recognition, connection, and hope that I have been meaning to write about.
The Book Won an Award
In May, my book But You Look Just Fine won the 2026 International Impact Book Award in the Health: Chronic Pain category. I am still pinching myself. With that came the privilege of sharing more of my story with the media, and the response has been something I was not fully prepared for.
What has blown me away are the kind messages, DMs, and emails I have received from people carrying their own struggles — finding comfort and hope through my story.
"The more open and vulnerable we are to share our stories, the more others can feel less alone in their own struggle."
It is something I keep coming back to: the more open, vulnerable, and willing we are to share our stories, the more others can relate and feel less alone in their own struggle. Particularly when it comes to invisible illness — the battles that nobody can see but that shape every single day.
To everyone who reached out — thank you. You remind me exactly why I do this.
I'm Going to Phoenix!
I am absolutely delighted to share that on the 16th of July I will be heading to Phoenix, Arizona for two very special days.
Day one is the International Impact Author Festival, a gathering of authors, storytellers, and changemakers from around the world.
Day two is the Impact Awards Gala, the evening where But You Look Just Fine will be officially celebrated as a 2026 award winner.
I cannot quite put into words how much this means. A book that was born out of pain, out of years of navigating the invisible, is now being recognised on an international stage.
I will of course be sharing everything as it unfolds — so watch this space! 💛
Speaking at Network Ireland Limerick 🎤
Earlier this month I had the honour of speaking at the Network Ireland Limerick Branch breakfast morning at Delish on the topic of Mind Your Mind.
It was such a wonderful morning. I spoke about the importance of creating space for ourselves — not as a luxury, but as a necessity — and the lessons I have learned the hard way through my own journey with chronic illness.
We explored tools for building resilience, developing mindful habits that support our nervous system, and learning how to move away from burnout before it takes hold — so that we can show up fully in our work, our families, and our lives.
"Creating space for ourselves isn't a luxury — it's a necessity."
The conversation in the room was rich, honest, and full of heart. These are exactly the kinds of mornings that remind me why I love speaking so much.
If your organisation, team, or event is looking for a speaker on resilience, mindset, or navigating challenge — I would love to have a conversation. You can reach me directly at connect@micheleroys.com or through micheleroys.com.
A Black Tie Night to Remember
A few weeks after the breakfast morning, I found myself back at the Savoy Hotel — this time for the Network Ireland Limerick Branch Awards, a beautiful black tie evening, as a finalist.
It meant something extra special to be back at that venue. The Savoy is where I held my book launch last year, so walking back through those doors felt like a full circle moment.
I did not take home the award on the night, but I left with something I value just as much — an evening surrounded by wonderful, inspiring women, celebrating each other's achievements, with my husband by my side.
Being a finalist, in a room like that, surrounded by people I admire so much, is something I will always be grateful for.
Two Dates to Save This Autumn 📅
There is a lot building towards the end of the year, and I want you to have these in your diary now:
🎧 24th September 2026 — Audiobook Launch But You Look Just Fine is coming in audio — and we are planning a virtual launch event to celebrate. More details coming very soon. Save the date!
💚 7th October 2026 — Ireland Lights it Up Teal I am incredibly proud to be bringing the Facial Pain Association's global Light Up Teal campaign to Ireland — shining a light on Trigeminal Neuralgia and invisible illness at a national level. More on this very soon too!
A Note on Pacing
My main priority right now — alongside all of the above — is working with my body rather than against it.
If you know me at all, you will know that overdoing it is my natural tendency! But I am learning, slowly and with intention, to pace myself so that I can show up fully for the things that matter most.
Your support, your messages, and your kindness make that easier than you know.
"I am learning to work with my body rather than against it — so I can show up fully for what matters most."
How About You?
How have you been? How are you taking care of yourself?
I hope you are making time — even small pockets of it — for the things that bring you joy. You deserve that.
I would love to hear from you. Just hit reply and tell me: what is one good thing that has happened in your world this last month?
Love and light,
Michele x
✨ PS: In case you missed it, here are some of my latest podcast episodes. New episodes drop every Wednesday — here are a few recent ones I hope will encourage you:
If you enjoy the show, the kindest thing you can do is leave a comment and share it with a friend.
That is how we grow this community together — one story at a time. Thank you so much. 💛
✨ P.S: If you haven't yet, I would love a review for my book, But You Look Just Fine. You can leave it on Amazon, Goodreads, or Google by clicking these links! Thank you. 💛
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