22 & Covid AGAIN - September 22
I don't know about you... but I'm feeling 22!
This month I turned 22 and had a Taylor Swift themed birthday party! My mother (who I share a birthday with!) made a beautiful flower cake in the shape of 22, and it was truly the best birthday ever.
As I cut the cake and made my wish, it occured to me that what I wished for is something that most people wouldn't even think of. It's the same pang that hits me when I remember that not everyone knows what being in hospital is like, or that most people don't have to push through exhaustion and pain in order to socialise. Even on the most joyful days, chronic pain still exists. It doesn't detract from the happiness, but it does take up space. 22 marks the age that doctors promised me I would 'grow out of it' or that my symptoms would 'settle down'. It is more than a birthday.
If that paragraph doesn't highlight the delight of finally having my family together for my birthday, it's because I am writing it from a bed of pain, since I have covid... AGAIN! I am almost certain I caught it from going to hospital in London where hardly anyone was wearing a mask, and this is why it is vital to not only wear masks but give chronically ill patients video and phone appointments! The travel to hospital is exhausting, and the risk we take attending appointments in person is so unnecessary.
I am always grateful that I live with my parents, but especially when I am 'normal ill' on top of chronic illness ill! My Dad's honey and lemons and my Mum's soups are the best.
My friend T introduced me to a new YouTube Channel which I have been loving! Leena Norms has plenty of interesting video essays from book recommendations to societal commentary, and as I plan my own YouTube channel, it's been inspiring to watch her. Although this video is from her 'Twenties Toolkit' series, I think this applies to anyone of any age!
Lies you're told about the "news" in your twenties — www.youtube.com
Doom scrolling again? Let's unpack our relationship with the news cycle and work out how to strike a better balance.
July Favourites
☀️ Good News: My power chair finally arrived!!! I knew it would be life changing but I had no idea just how much it would reduce the mental fatigue of planning trips! I am eternally grateful to everyone who donated to my Go Fund Me to make this possible.
🎶 Music: 22 (Taylor's Version)
📚 Book: The Lorien Legacies
📺 TV: Desperate Housewives (I love this show. I will not be taking criticism at this time)
🍿Movie: Tangled
🍜 Food: I made dim sum! I have been using Gousto since August and cannot recommend it enough! Use this link to get a great discount.
Refer a friend | Gousto — cook.gousto.co.uk Get 65% off your first box plus 25% off other boxes in your first two months
