Finding joy in…
The blackbird hopping along the wall, turning its head to look at me as I rise from my seat.
A member of staff completing her first fundraising application for much needed charitable funds.
Sheepview introducing me to a different view of the Faroe Islands.
The first broad beans poking and seemingly struggling to get their heavy heads above the soil line.
Trustees at a virtual board meeting putting personal difficulties aside to focus on how our charity can best help local people.
My Mum, who is shielding, taking part in a digital nature walk with Nature 4 Health.
Hot strong coffee with the full warm sun on my face under the blossoming cherry tree.
Charity funders loosening their restrictions and trusting charities to put money to the best use in our communities.
Google photos reminding me of a family canal trip in Cambridgeshire three years ago.
The more I look the more I find, believe in joy and you are halfway there...
Milk and beer appearing on my doorstep from a kind neighbour.
Seeing the whole street banging pots and pans on a Thursday night.
My daughter being top of the Klingon league on Duolingo.
My son building a BMX through home deliveries.
My wife baking bread and the waft of it through the house.
Zoom calls with charity leaders, fraught and exhausted, but still finding time to support one another, share information and offer emotional and practical support.
In spending time with hundreds of families living with dementia over the years I am reminded not of the dementia, but of the moments of joy. June in her garden smelling her flowers, after taking over an hour supporting her to get dressed to make the short shuffle outdoors. Brian and I laughing our heads off in the toilet as I was doing my best to assist him with the most personal of care tasks. John holding my hand and not letting go for over 5 long minutes as we both sat in silence, no need for words.
Joy is there in different guises. Isolation and exhaustion are defeated by it. Try and find some today.
Google photos reminding me of a family canal trip in Cambridgeshire three years ago.
The more I look the more I find, believe in joy and you are halfway there...
Milk and beer appearing on my doorstep from a kind neighbour.
Seeing the whole street banging pots and pans on a Thursday night.
My daughter being top of the Klingon league on Duolingo.
My son building a BMX through home deliveries.
My wife baking bread and the waft of it through the house.
Zoom calls with charity leaders, fraught and exhausted, but still finding time to support one another, share information and offer emotional and practical support.
In spending time with hundreds of families living with dementia over the years I am reminded not of the dementia, but of the moments of joy. June in her garden smelling her flowers, after taking over an hour supporting her to get dressed to make the short shuffle outdoors. Brian and I laughing our heads off in the toilet as I was doing my best to assist him with the most personal of care tasks. John holding my hand and not letting go for over 5 long minutes as we both sat in silence, no need for words.
Joy is there in different guises. Isolation and exhaustion are defeated by it. Try and find some today.
