I’m writing this post at 5:30pm and… guess what? It’s still light out! After a March characterised by cold snaps it’s a relief to feel like spring is finally on its way. Here’s a very brief round up of a rather quiet month.

One thing I’ve learned this month is never ever write that you’re having a good patch with your health and then post it on the internet. Your body will KNOW and it will punish you.

March has been difficult but I have consoled myself with the fact that the absurd weather is probably primarily to blame. Extreme temperatures are renowned for setting off symptoms, so I’ve found myself spending a lot more time in bed with my pain meds, rewatching Grey’s Anatomy and talking to the television (“don’t take Alex’s place on the plane, Arizona!”; “tell him you love him now – you’ll be dead soon!”)

On the plus side, I finally got a date in the diary for my appointment for the M.E clinic at the Royal Free…. but more on that in June. 

March has seen me picking up some new training at The Mix, working on their online classroom to run training for Digital Connectors, who volunteer remotely to respond to web chats from young people, offering emotional support and helping them to figure out the best next steps. I’ve also been working with a new cohort of Helpline trainees which has been a lot of fun – this course seems to have flown by with the final session running this weekend.

I’m now starting to think about what comes next, as I’m sure the end of my contract in May will be here before I know it. As always, if you or anyone you know has any upcoming projects and could use freelance support do get in touch!

Enforced rest has (Grey’s Anatomy aside) meant that I’ve had quite a lot of time on my hands to work on creative projects. I’ve been spending a lot of time experimenting with illustration, something I want to explore further when my health improves.

I’ve also had a fresh burst of energy with my novel, thanks to my amazing writing friends and community. After weeks of feeling stuck, I now know exactly where I’m going with the next part and have been so enjoying taking my story forward. I’m determined to try to keep my one resolution to finish the first draft this year and I’m pretty sure I can manage it if I keep up the pace. It’s such a good feeling to be enjoying the process again.

Slowly but surely, I’m feeling brighter and I’m hopeful for what April has to bring.