It was my Birthday the other day.

There were a lot of comments saying, “it might not be the birthday you were hoping for this year”, “I hope you still manage to celebrate under the current circumstances” …

I did! I did manage to celebrate in my own perfect way & it was just what I wanted. 😌

I wasn’t planning anything huge. At the beginning of the year I’d asked a couple me and the boyfriend are friends with if they fancied doing something and we were most likely just going to head down to theirs over this weekend in London. As well as this I would have seen my parents, sis and boyfriend, maybe to go for a meal, but something nice and quiet.

Around February time (maybe beginning of March) government measures for Coronavirus were in place but things hadn’t escalated yet. I spoke to my friend and asked if they fancied going to Bamburgh or somewhere on the coast. I love being on a beach and by the sea – it makes me feel happy 😌 I knew it was probably something I needed that would be good for me!

We went to Bamburgh last August and it was my first time there. We went in our camper and it rained pretty much constantly, other than a few perfect hours both evenings we were there. There was barely anyone on the beach, it was so quiet. One of the only things you could hear was the sea and we saw a beautiful sunset (one of my favourite things). The dry hrs only lasted about 2 but they were lovely, especially after a day stuck inside the camper.

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As the days went on, I spoke to my friend as we realised we most likely wouldn’t be going, so rather than wait to find out we just cancelled. Turns out that just after that the restaurants, bars, gyms and any public areas were closed because of the virus. Social distancing had been put in place as well.

Rob and I did consider going away in the camper, but the campsites were also shut. Police had started doing road blocks, making sure any travel people were making was necessary.

So, it got to my Birthday and the measures from the government had become stricter. We’re only allowed out once a day for exercise, or to go to a supermarket or for medication, or if we were helping someone with food etc.

Despite the circumstances, my boyfriend and I made the most of our day. I wasn’t too bothered about not doing much but I was disappointed not to see my parents and sister.

We got up and went out for a nice long walk. Rob bought me a cake, Charlie The Caterpillar 🐛🎂. We had brunch I guess around midday.

I painted my nails with my gel kit I got at Christmas, had a shower, did my make up, and we got dressed up as if we were going out somewhere.

We had pizza, garlic bread, cake and a bottle of wine, which I think was the last bottle we brought back from France in 2018. I didn’t have much as it was probably the second drink I’ve had this year 🍷).

We made our own fun! I think my boyfriend just humoured me with the whole dressing up thing but I loved it and it made me happy.

It was great to do my make up (I haven’t really worn any for just over 2 months) and I wore a new dress and new shoes which I hadn’t had chance to wear yet.

It was lovely to get a couple of gifts through the post from my parents and sis and cards from a couple of friends and family.

I also felt very grateful for the messages on facebook, texts, WhatsApp messages and posts on social media.

THANK YOU!!! 😘

Reflection

Turning 38 has been a bit of a strange birthday and so far 2020 is a year I’ll never forget. Covid-19 is happening, the world has stopped for many in lots of ways, but has carried on for so many key workers (we are all so thankful) and people are finding alternative ways to run their businesses so we still feel a sense of community. 👍

Suffering a stroke in Jan was so unexpected and a huge shock. In a split second my life changed – not disimilar to how everyone in the world might be feeling right now. Even though I am not suffering any physical disabilities, it did happen. It’s affected me and probably my life going forward in many ways – again just as many other people are feeling at the moment.

The biggest thing is probably uncertainty which is difficult to get your head round. When will things get better? When will things return to normal? What is normal and should we want to rush back to it? Questions I’ve asked myself since my stroke.

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For a lot of us it’s important to remember and hope that it’s temporary. There are still a lot of positives and things to be grateful for, no matter how big or small they may be.

Life is strange at the moment and for me, the only way I can describe it is surreal, in more ways than one. I am realising more about what’s important and feeling grateful that I’m here to have celebrated my 38th birthday. I’m lucky to have so much support, to have my family/friends, to have a roof over my head, food, water, and that I live in a place where we can enjoy the fresh air and lovely scenery.

Life is what you make it! ☺️ Enjoy and make the most of what you have and what you can right now!

Every new day is another chance to change your life

Stay In, Stay Home, Stay Safe ! 💗🌈💗🌈💗🌈💗🌈💗