This has been a challenging month in many ways, and the last few days have felt particularly trying. Last week in the UK we had a referendum to decide whether or not the country should remain in the EU. You’ve probably heard about it…
Since the victory for the Leave campaign was announced, there has been a lot of anxiety, hate and general dickish behaviour, particularly on the internet. I prefer not to talk about politics online and I’m not going to start now, but the last few days haven’t been the most cheerful, which makes it hard to think about things that I’m grateful for.
All the more reason to persevere with this list!
1. The right to vote
Regardless of the outcome of an election (or referendum), the quality of the campaigns leading up to it and my feelings about some of the political class in this country, I’m incredibly thankful that I have the right to vote as part of a democratic system, because so many people don’t.
There may be arguments on social media and bitching over the outcome, but at least in this country we can cast our vote without fear of the repercussions. At university, I had a lecturer who had been a political prisoner in Malawi, and I was always struck by how happy and cheerful he was, despite the hardships he had been through.
It’s easy to take the vote for granted, and forget the people who fought for us to have it. There are times when I don’t want to vote, when I feel my voice doesn’t matter and none of the options available represent me. But I will use my vote, because I’m grateful to have it.
2. Some time off work
Last week I took some holidays from work, and it was nice to have a bit of downtime, although it ended up bring quite a busy few days.
We managed a couple of days out and I decorated the spare bedroom (I’m not grateful for that though, I forgot how much I hate decorating!)
3. A little bit of mindfulness
As part of a spoken word show we had on at work recently, I spent a bit of time with the artist, as she put together my ‘Perfect Day’.
We sat down and she listened as I rambled through what I would do on my perfect day, before reciting it back to me in much more eloquent language, as I sat with my eyes closed, letting the words wash over me.
It was one of the most relaxing things I’ve experienced in ages, and I’m excited to receive a recording, which I can play back whenever I need to destress.
4. Private healthcare
One of the reasons I decided to take some time off work was because husband had a knee operation last week. After an accident a couple of years ago, he tore the medial and cruciate ligaments in one of his knees and had to have a major op to put things back together.
But he never got back to full function and needed a second operation to tidy things up.
Thankfully he has private healthcare through work, which makes the process much quicker and more efficient.
But I’m especially glad that the operation went well and he was home the same day with no major drama.
5. Booking city breaks
And saving the best for last, I booked us a trip to Prague in the autumn, and one to Budapest in the run up to Christmas!
We haven’t been away much this year yet, as it didn’t feel fair after getting a dog, but now she’s settled and we have steady babysitters in grandma and grandad, I think we’re ready.
I can’t wait for some time away exploring!
So that’s a few of the highlights from the last month. What was the best part of your June?
CaptainKirt says
I take my right to vote seriously and have never failed to exercise it. It’s a duty I have instilled in my children and something I talk about passionately to anyone who will listen. Whatever my thoughts are about the Brexit Referendum the turn out was amazing, I can only hope that these people have realised how easy the process is and continue to participate in their democratic right.
As I always say… “You can’t complain unless you were involved in the decision”.
Natalie K. says
Yep, that’s why I stopped discussing politics online. People get so obnoxious and it just takes the fun out of it! It’s actually quite frustrating. I used to enjoy civil discussions about Russia-related stuff, and I’d love to have a normal discussion about the recent EU referendum. (Because honestly, I can kind of see the situation from both sides, not that I’m an expert at all on this matter!) I’m glad you were able to take some time off work. It sounds like you’ve been working hard recently so it’s always nice to have a break.
Amy Lord says
Thanks Natalie, it was definitely good to have a break, although I made the mistake of decorating our spare bedroom – not the most restful activity!