Steps to recovery #14 – Do the things that bring me joy!

I heard this track the other day on one of my EDM playlists. And it struck such a chord on my approach to recovery and beyond. Do the things that bring you joy!

So doing my weights and Pilates. I have always found it difficult to build them into a daily routine. And yet I feel good when I do them. So right now I make time to fit them in. Seems crazy when time right now is my friend but I find a way to squander it. The same will be for running when I get there!

These last few days that joy is simple things that are familiar. A call with Gideon. A dog walk with Isaac to the butchers. Loving their presence and seeing familiar faces. A morning cuppa with Mrs R. Letting Ben cook my Saturday evening tea (Chinese pork and it smells divine! 😋). Chatting with Abi and a catch up with mum. Time with family.

Then there’s some special moments with friends. A visit from our lovely Somerset friends. So warm and relaxed – just fab to see them! Last week a visit from my “Somerset chums” as WhatsApp would call them. WhatsApp message about future walks, trips to the pub and dinners out.

Even watching United brings me joy! Even when we are so, so bad! The anticipation before every game, the brief hope when we start ok that is then dashed by another let down. It takes me back to my youth. Listening on the radio or waiting for match of the day. Another poor day for United but I am so glad I care – waiting for the next time and the joy to come!

Tonight Judith is out with she Somerset girls so maybe tonight it’s the joy of a film or a catch up on gardeners world!

And then there the joy of daily life. The dog walk, the gardening , my playlist of EDM, Mod, Ska and New Romantic times. Man I just love Spotify!

And yet on my road to recovery I won’t avoid hard or challenging stuff. In many cases the joy comes from them being tough or hard or challenging (back to watching United ). Maybe my mantra should be “find joy in everything you are doing” or “spread joy” 😃 🤩