Choosing joy: saying yes to life's opportunities

There's part of me that feels as though my life has been on hold since the beginning of the pandemic lock downs. Life as I knew it stopped and became very different. At the end of July 2021 when covid restrictions were finally lifted here in Britain I was diagnosed with breast cancer and so my life was restricted further by months of treatment. Just when I thought things were getting back to normal I found out I would need more surgery. There followed almost 18 months of NHS waiting list limbo while I waited for both surgeries to take place. Now, here I am, recovering beautifully and finally looking forward to being able to say yes to life.
 
It's the little things like being able to book a cheaper non-refundable train ticket knowing I won’t have to cancel my trip at short notice. Being able to say yes to an invitation without the rider of “but if I get a surgery date…”
 
It feels so good to say yes that I’ve found myself saying yes to things that I might not have in the past. I’m going to my first ever black tie do in June. It’s the Summer Ball celebrating the 10th anniversary of the founding of Victoria’s Promise. A wonderful charity that supports women who are diagnosed with cancer aged 50 and under. They were such a vital support to me when I was diagnosed. I attended appointments and treatment alone because of covid rules. Wearing masks and sitting at least two metres apart made it virtually impossible to make any meaningful connections with my fellow patients. Often I was the youngest person in the chemo ward or waiting room by decades. Having this online group of women and being able to attend virtual coffee mornings and workshops really helped me to face everything happening to me.
 
So, not only am I going to my first ever black tie event I’ve also agreed to sing in the Victoria’s Promise choir at the event. I’ve bought my dress but I realise that I’m going to have to learn to walk in heals again as it’s so long!
 
I’m also going to Womanifest again this year. The women’s empowerment and well-being festival has become a highlight of my year. Last year I was lucky enough to give a talk and this year I’m leading a workshop – Who am I now and what’s next? Meet your inner mentor. Not only that but I’ve also said yes to walking the catwalk in the fashion show on the Saturday. I can’t wait for the event I love it so much. It’s all happening on 6th and 7th July.
 
Here’s what their website has to say about it:
 “In true festival style, hosted at the fabulous Cherry Orchard Farm in Oakmere, Cheshire, this two day extravaganza will bring together like-minded women for fun, entertainment, education, well-being and empowerment. The event is designed to help women to live the happy, fulfilling & successful life they deserve and inspire the next generation of young women through an amazing line up of activity."

You can see the full line-up of what's on here.

I've been every year and it’s got better and better. Don’t worry if you haven’t got anyone to go with as it’s the kind of atmosphere where women just get chatting and you have new friends before you know it.
 
As a speaker I have some tickets left at a reduced price. Currently on the website there are weekend tickets for £89 plus a booking fee. NB this price does NOT include accommodation. I have a small number of weekend tickets available for £80 and no booking fee. If you would like one or more of them please hit reply and let me know. Be quick because it will be first come first served!
 
I have a diary full of things that I’m really looking forward to – events, meals out, parties to celebrate big life events and I couldn’t be happier. And yes, I will be more than a bit nervous the day of that Summer Ball but I know I’ll have a ball! And yes, as I stand in that tent at Womanifest waiting to see how many women decide to attend my workshop I’ll be nervous too. But on both occasions I’ll remind myself that nerves and excitement feel the same and I’ll choose to lean into the excitement.
 
I’m loving being able to say yes to life. Where are you saying yes to life? Could you be saying yes more? Remember you get to choose and you can re-choose at any time!