Milestone #1

The Oxford English dictionary defines a milestone as "a significant stage or event in the development of something". So, I guess that means you're celebrating whatever is significant for you. Whether it's your birthday, anniversary, or that time you finally managed to keep a plant alive for more than a week.

When cancer comes along, it adds about 10 more to the calendar.

Today, I'm throwing confetti and popping champagne (figuratively) because it's been 2 months since my surgery. Two months of navigating the rollercoaster of recovery, where some days feel like they're on fast forward and others like they're stuck in slow-mo.

Surgery wasn't just a physical battle - it became a psychological showdown with Cancer, the uninvited guest crashing my life party.

But amidst all the ups and downs, there's been a sprinkling of joy in my life lately. I've become the queen of daily walks, finding solace in the simple pleasure of putting one foot in front of the other. And don't even get me started on my newfound appreciation for a perfectly brewed cup of Yorkshire Gold tea.

I had an amazing weekend with my best friends, had some quality family time, and even caught Jimmy Carr's show with my sisters. (I'm still stuck in the middle, debating whether to laugh or cry at his joke about bowel cancer! Life's full of tough choices!).

At Christmas I was sent a box of M&S brownies - let me tell you something, the best brownies ever. So, last week, I sent myself a little love letter in the form of a letterbox M&S brownies treat. Because self-love tastes like chocolatey goodness, am I right?

I had grand plans to lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement this weekend, eager to reclaim my pre-surgery stride. But guess what? My body had other ideas. Instead of stubbornly pushing through the pain (guilty as charged in the past), I actually listened to what my body was saying. Revolutionary, I know. Turns out, there's wisdom in those cramps.

So here's the tea - more like the Yorkshire Gold - let yourself get lost in the moment, savouring every second that brings a grin to your face. Sure, there might be a few unexpected twists and turns along the way, but those moments of pure joy? They're the golden tickets worth chasing after! Life's too short to force yourself into spaces that don't feel right. If it doesn't spark joy (to quote Marie Kondo) or make you happy, you don’t need it in your life. And as for those moments that bring a smile to your face, cherish them like rare treasures.

Here's to celebrating the little victories and savouring the sweet moments.

Cheers to us, my fellow milestone-makers. Let's keep writing our stories, one milestone at a time. ✨