Dear Me on the 1st January 2021,

Very few could have anticipated how 2020 was going to turn out; or how everyone’s lives would be turned up side down, some more than others. Everyone experienced highs and everyone had their lows in 2020. I am writing this letter, not to compare with where you were at a year ago, but for a reminder of some of the gentle realisations that came to the fore in 2020, and which you will have to refer back to if needed for the next 365 days and beyond. I mean, how often do you wish you could put your own advice into practice…? There’s no better time to start than than now.

It is Health that is real wealth, not pieces of gold or silver – Ghandi

Work is important but nothing is more important than your health. Looking back at when you were so exhausted and it transpired you were B12 deficient, I have no idea how you made it to work every day. You kept going for your clinical team and to support your NHS colleagues during Covid; but never forget the night where you could hear your heart beating so loud and you could barely stand – you weren’t talking much sense and Tom needed to put you to bed. Who would have thought being deficient in one vitamin could have such an impact on your body? Look after yourself – everyone experiences stress but not all symptoms are stress related, and if taking vitamin supplements daily will help you move towards optimal health then take them – never miss a dose. 

Enjoy any time off and quiet weekends – it’s ok to do nothing if that’s what you feel you need. Sit and watch a film, sit and do some journaling; plan your next adventure for when we do get the green light to travel or simply sit, rest and be with your thoughts. 

Why fit in when you were born to stand out? – Dr Seuss

Care less about what others will think, especially if what you want to do will make you happier on the inside, aid confidence or give you an outlet. You faced up to your Alopecia this year – a daunting but positive step forward and although you wanted to make more progress with this, maybe 2021 will be the time.

You are creative, and not everyone will understand it, but that’s ok. Don’t write for anyone, write for you; don’t sing for anyone, sing for you. Or simply sing for Grandad who is in his 90s, because in your birthday card last year, he wrote ‘Keep singing, I like listening to it.’ 

Spending time outdoors makes you feel great – Elizabeth Hurley

A simple quote but one which is also very true – continue to spend time outdoors this year. You love going for a walk to start your day and spending time walking at the weekends. When going for long walks in the Cotswolds, you love taking photos and capturing views; walking through fields and forests as the sunlight blinks between the trees. It’s peaceful, it’s grounding, and it’s important to get outside for your mind.

You never fail until you stop trying – Albert Einstein

Don’t be afraid to pick yourself up and try again.

Start running again, even if it means starting with Couch to 5K for the third or fourth time. When you tried to do this previously, you didn’t know it but your energy stores were depleted so it’s no surprise you couldn’t sustain the programme. Start small and just put one foot in front of the other. You’ve ran Half Marathon’s before…this may well have been 10 years ago (!) but people in their 80s still run the London Marathon. Your chosen distance is within your grasp. 

This year has also reiterated how resilient you are – it hasn’t always been easy and you have a good support network around you, but keep tapping into that inner strength, because it is there inside of you.

In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take – Unknown

Don’t let opportunities pass you by. Without taking the leap of faith, how will you know if it was a good move? And if it doesn’t work out then you can just learn from it. Don’t be the person holding yourself back, but don’t allow others to hold you back either – you can be in control of your progress.

Life is fragile. We’re not guaranteed a tomorrow so give it everything you’ve got – Tim Cook, Apple Inc.

If we’ve learnt anything in 2020, it’s how easily life can be taken away and you don’t know what’s hiding around the corner; so be present, live your best life now, and with the family and people that you care about. Live like there’s no tomorrow and nourish your mind like you’ll live forever.

Embrace 2021 and everything that comes with it.

With love and kindness,

Your 2020 self.