It was around about a year ago where work as we knew it took a left turn into crazy town. Social distancing hadn’t even become a concept then as we were packed like sardines into a room for an urgent meeting to be told ‘in 3 weeks, we will be where Italy are’ in relation to Covid-19. No-one knew what that meant, no-one knew what was coming and no-one would have anticipated at that point that we would still be talking about it and planning around Covid one year on.

February this year is bringing optimism for many people. After a pretty cold start weather-wise, thoughts are turning to Spring and new beginnings as the daffodils and snowdrops slowly start to appear. And with the Covid-19 vaccination programme on track nationally, everyone remains hopeful that, at some point in the future, restrictions will ease and life will start to resemble some form of normal. 

As always, we celebrated Valentine’s Day in February – the paraphernalia was in all of the essential stores which currently remain open, and it was easily accessible online. Whilst deciding on a gift for the other half, my family and friends were at the forefront of my mind this year, probably because I’ve not seen so many people I care about for so long. This month I continued to think of a friend around the first anniversary of her passing, and in catching up with friends throughout the month and hearing what they are currently going through, it was a reminder that life doesn’t always go to plan, or turn out the way you hoped it would. So as full as my heart was, it was also breaking a little for others.

Over the last 12 months, we have learnt that so much can happen in a year and as much as change is a clear constant in life, it is as equally unpredictable. And that’s just in one year so convert that into a lifetime and you have many experiences, plans, relationships, highs, and lows, some easily anticipated and some not; life is full of its bitter-sweet moments. Some change is also conscious – maybe you have to make a change at some point to be happier, to protect those you love, to protect your family or just to protect your own heart. 

And on that note, I will leave you with a little poem I wrote earlier this month when I was feeling conflicted over feeling happy and feeling a little heartache for others. Our hearts can go through so much but it’s important to protect it and look after yourself, whether the decisions you are making to do so are easy or not. 

 Shades of Hearts
 
Some hearts are strong
And shine the brightest of red
Some hearts are fragile
And are easily broken instead
 
Some hearts love hard
With all of their might
Some hearts love quickly
When it’s love at first sight
 
 Some hearts are fickle
Unsure of what they want
Some hearts are ghostlike
And keep returning just to haunt
 
Some hearts are happy
And filled full of love
Some hearts are sad
When they lose the love they speak of
 
Some hearts are stolen
And their love can be misused
Some hearts are lonely
And keep singing the blues
 
Some hearts are open
You may wear it on your sleeve
A kind heart is never forgotten
But it may take longer to grieve
 
Some hearts have cracks
But still let their light shine through
Some hearts learn to love again
When to themselves they stay true
 
Some hearts are vulnerable
Easily unlocked then laid bare
So protect your heart well
And handle it with care

 Laura Carruthers 2021 ©