February Highlights: Speaking, Connecting & Making Impact
- Michele Roys
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Hi friends,
I don't know about you, but February came and went like a whirlwind. It was a short month that felt surprisingly intense — my body certainly made sure I knew it.
With a compromised immune system, I tend to pick up colds and sore throats regularly, and this February really took it out of me. But despite the challenges, there were beautiful pockets of connection, resilience, and joy that I want to share with you.
A Healing Escape to Malta (Even While Sick)
I was grateful to travel to Malta with my family for a small break. Even though the sun wasn't there the whole time, just being in a different place helped me reset. Looking out at the ocean and taking in the distinctive Maltese landscape was a beautiful way to ground myself.
Truth be told, I was so sick before this trip that I didn't know if I'd make it on the flight. My whole body was screaming in pain, and the trigeminal neuralgia shocks had intensified. But I made it — and that was the important part.
Walking into Valletta city felt like being transported in time. The tall walls surrounding the old city are magnificent. I sat at one of the cafés, drinking freshly squeezed juice while the sun warmed my face, listening to street musicians play. These are the small ways I find presence — choosing to be fully in the moment, even when pain is there, even when it's not easy.
Being fully present is key to finding joy in the journey.
Speaking from the Heart: Resilience & Resolve
February also brought a couple of incredible speaking opportunities.
I was delighted to be part of the panel for Cliona's Foundation breakfast morning on the theme of Resilience and Resolve, alongside Sarah Lavin (Irish Olympian) and Declan Hannon (former Limerick Hurling Captain and 4-time All-Ireland winner). The room was packed with over 200 people, and feeling their engagement as we shared our stories was truly memorable.
For me, the challenge wasn't just the content — it was being out of the house at 6:30am and finding everything inside of me to show up fully present and speak from my heart.
When I sat in those cream-colored chairs on the stage, something shifted. This is where I come alive — where I can feel and empathize with others, sense their struggles and pain, and offer encouragement. My role is to serve, to remind people that regardless of what they're facing, they have everything they need inside of them to keep going.
The secret? Choose gratitude today. Reach out to someone. Be a help to others. That's truly how I find my strength to keep going.
After the event, several audience members thanked me for sharing my story and highlighting invisible illness — the struggles that many face not only at home but at work with their teams. This is an area I'm passionate about helping with, especially supporting leaders so they can better support their employees. People can "look just fine" but in reality be dealing with insurmountable challenges.
When we support each other with kindness, we create a ripple effect that makes a real difference.
Connecting with My Tribe: The Facial Pain Association Virtual Conference
I was also fortunate to speak at the 2026 Facial Pain Association Virtual Conference on February 28th (which coincided with Rare Disease Day) and March 1st, where I had a breakout session.
I spoke and read from my book to the audience, and what really stood out was this: in that virtual room, I was speaking to people who know exactly what I'm facing. The pain. The challenges. They get it. That depth of understanding means everything.
The Q&A time was beautiful — they shared their stories and we connected even deeper. Hearing their gratitude, knowing how much it means to them to hear my story and see the work I'm doing to break barriers around invisible illness and shine light on trigeminal neuralgia — but most importantly, how to find joy when pain won't go away — is so impactful.
I told them that hearing those words inspires me to keep going. Because the road is not easy. There are days when I think, "What's the point?" — when my body is screaming at me and I still want to show up. Write the email. Connect with someone. Record that weekly podcast. Be available for speaking opportunities. Do my part to make sure others feel seen, loved, and encouraged in their journey.
These beautiful souls poured love into me and thanked me for the work I'm doing. That's what I store inside — what I connect with during the challenging days. And February had a lot of those. But it also had beautiful pockets of reflection, nurturing, and deepening connection.
Featured in Irish Medical Times
Just before the month ended, I received incredible news. The Irish Medical Times featured my patient perspective on living with trigeminal neuralgia and invisible illness, published on February 27th — just ahead of Rare Disease Day.
I'm deeply grateful to have my story shared with healthcare professionals across Ireland. If even one doctor reads it and truly listens to their next patient with invisible illness, it's worth it.
You can read the full article here: Irish Medical Times - "But You Look Just Fine": A Patient Perspective
The Learning Process: Pacing & Grace
It's all part of the learning process. I have to go at my pace, not the pace I was used to before. I have to remind myself: this is enough. Keep going.
I was hoping to record my audiobook in February so I could launch it alongside celebrating one year since my book was published (March 28th). But guess what? It wasn't meant to be — that sore throat made sure of it.
Despite it all, I'm proud that I still showed up. I was fully present. I gave my best. And I connected with so many beautiful people through these speaking engagements. That is something worth celebrating.
Each step, every tiny step — I'm doing what I can with what I have.
You Are Amazing Too
My friend, I pray you're also giving yourself credit for all that you've done these last couple of months. You are amazing — I just want you to know that.
I'd love to hear from you: What's something you're grateful for that happened in the last two months? Just hit reply and let me know!
With warmth and light,
Michele
✨ PS: In case you missed it, here are some of my latest podcast episodes — please leave a review or comment, it really helps others find the podcast!
✨ PSS: 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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