Corona birthday

So it turns out I’m now 45! I’m pretty proud of that!

Today I am happy to be alive; it wasn’t always so. Today I delight in my body, its health and strength and adaptability; it wasn’t always so.

But I’m not really looking back at past darkness. Nor am I extending my hopeful vision into the light of the future, when the current pan(dem)ic will have eventually exhausted itself through the mixed blessing of global herd immunity….

I’m just here at home, enjoying my day. If my birthday isn’t all about me, when is? So I’m unashamedly joyful, happy to celebrate myself and my life. It’s not a fancy day, but it’s special to me and by global standards it’s incredibly luxurious. Lucky, lucky me.

I was given coffee in bed by Hubby and sung to enthusiastically by my parents over the phone. I went for a 5km run in the sunshine when I felt so alive and full of energy. I said hello to everyone I passed and gave them a big smile; I have an excess of happiness and contentment to share. Then a short workout and stretch at home before I hopped onto a call with my in-laws who also sang to me and gently laughed at how red and sweaty I looked. Lots of jokes about how the Brits don’t shower enough. I’ve heard it all before…. so I just enjoyed how my new second family have also developed family jokes to tease me and make me feel I belong with them!

I had brunch in our garden (so hungry by now!!) and then a beautiful walk across the fields near our house, full of spring flowers, laughing all the while with my Hubby. The one thing I really wanted on my birthday was sunshine and I got it!

Back home Hubby made pizza dough while I had a video call with my mum and dad and opened my presents with them. All the careful preparations: yeast and flour held back for this day after weeks of limited shopping possibilities and my super-prepared parents having mailed presents just before lockdown a month ago.

Now I’m tucked up on the sofa full of pizza and champagne, reflecting on my day and all the warmth and love I’ve felt from others and afforded myself.

I hope everyone reading is safe and well.