The Sunshine Behind
The Clouds
2021 was another challenging year. I cried many times while driving, in toilets and whilst sitting in a university student bar. I had Crohn’s disease stomach pains and flareups; trapped wind issues; CT scans and ultrasounds to investigate bone cysts; and went through week-long dizzy bugs. It was an emotional time as both a supportive, loving family friend, and a super, gentle grandma passed away in the year. They will forever be in our hearts. I have said it before, grief is never easy, and I still think about my dad every day since he passed away in April 2020.
Going into 2021 I knew it was going to be another tough year. This is why at the start of 2021 I did not set myself any resolutions. Well, aside from one. I hoped 2021 was going to be a better, kinder, happier year than the one which came before it. I hoped it would contain some joyful, normal times together with others. To some extent this happened because June 2021 was the first time in over sixteen months, I visited my cousins. I was able to travel around the country more including going to parks, outdoor museums, rose gardens and restaurants. I also shared some fun times with friends by playing poker and pool with them. I additionally recited my poetry on Radio Verulam; and performed at a creative writing open mic night at University of Hertfordshire.
I started to capture the normal things which had been lost due to the coronavirus pandemic and the aftermath of grief. I understood that it is okay not to be okay; it is important to look ourselves and others; and friends, family, loved ones and all of you are so important to me. So, thank you.
Resolutions for 2022
As I write this article in the very early stages of January 2022, I am trying to remain hopeful. I am hoping some of the dark clouds that have appeared over the last couple of years slowly drift away, and the sunshine bursts behind them. With this in mind, I would like to set myself a few resolutions for 2022. These include:
› To complete a challenge for charity. This may involve taking to the skies once again but in a different way compared to my tandem skydive for Crohn’s and Colitis UK and Dyspraxia Foundation in 2018.
› To explore more of the world. I had an amazing time travelling to lots of countries in 2019.
› To continue writing and raising awareness of hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. This includes living with Crohn’s disease, dyspraxia, anxiety and depression. This could be on the radio or through writing.
› To spend more time with friends, family and loved ones.
› To remember those we have lost along the way.
› Ultimately, to be happier and to feel healthier.
The last few years have taught me life is so unpredictable. With this in mind, if I manage to achieve the above goals for 2022 then great, but if I do not achieve all of them, that is okay too. Remember to look after yourself, and thank you. Let us hope sunshine comes out from behind the clouds very soon.
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| Let us hope sunshine comes out from behind the clouds very soon...Copyright © 2021- Jake Borrett. All rights reserved. |
