‘We can concentrate on what we can’t have; or make the most of what we can’

Last weekend, my sister Katie threw me a party. Well, a virtual party, I should hastily qualify, lest somebody alerts Liveline.

As I’m just a few weeks away from having my second baby, the original plan – made in the now almost-halcyon days of Level 2 restrictions – was to go away for a night to a hotel locally. Of course, Level 5 put paid to that notion, and while disappointing, it was a small sacrifice in the grand scheme of things.

A box of decorations – including personalised balloons and star bunting – was sent to the house, with detailed instructions for my husband on how and where to hang them

Still, COVID-19 was not going to get the better of Katie. In place of the fancy afternoon tea she had previously booked, she arranged for takeaway treat boxes from a local restaurant, which we ate together, via Zoom video link. A box of decorations – including personalised balloons and star bunting – was sent to the house, with detailed instructions for my husband on how and where to hang them, while I was told to stay upstairs so as to not ruin the surprise reveal. Friends all over the country were invited to send thoughtful cards or emails if they wished.

I predict that I will basically be high on Haribo for the duration of the labour

Other surprises ranged from new pyjamas to a bag of goodies to see me through my hospital stay, as it will be very unlikely that I will be able to have any visitors, bar my husband for the birth itself, due to restrictions. I predict that I will basically be high on Haribo for the duration of the labour.

Of course, I missed being able to be in the same room – or even garden – together to celebrate the day; but the amount of effort my sister went to made it so special in an entirely different way. Like many people, I’ve been feeling a bit COVID-19-fatigued, and while grateful to be safe and well, I really miss human connection. But that day reminded me that there are so many ways to still show that we care; albeit from a distance.

We can concentrate on what we can’t have; or make the most of what we can

I’m going to try and pay it forward myself in the run up to the festive season, even if it’s just a case of taking the time to post proper Christmas cards this year rather than dashing off a text or a WhatsApp message. We can concentrate on what we can’t have; or make the most of what we can. It’s not always easy, but that is one choice that is ultimately in our control.

the paper is packed with positivity

Indeed, in her mindfulness column this week, Catherine Callaghan shares her tips on how to challenge our negative thoughts as winter takes hold, while in our health section, Dr Mark Rowe shares some of his strategies for combatting the “COVID-19 blues”.

And the paper is packed with positivity; from the inspiring stories of our winner and runner-up in the Innovation in Agriculture and Food category at our recent Women & Ag awards, to the heart-warming tale of one man who is determined to give back through this year’s Shoebox Appeal as it goes virtual. But if you’re looking for a laugh, I recommend you check out the final instalment of Mike Magan’s series here.

Wishing you a great week; enjoy the read.

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