Easter - a time of hope and new beginnings

This is my favourite time of year. I love Easter, but this is going to be an Easter like no other.

Usually I love the three days of church services. The sense of community. The joy of the Easter message.

I love spending time with my family – my mum, sister, nephew and close friends. We share food, laughter and fun with none of the pressured consumerism of Christmas.

This year will be very different. Church services will be over the internet. There will be no family meal. No visits from friends.

But that doesn't change the message of Easter. It does not lessen the message of joy, love and hope. It does not change the love that I have for my family and friends. We will find ways to celebrate together just like we did on Mothering Sunday. Netflix party anyone?

I can’t pretend that it won’t be difficult though. There’s a friend who celebrated every Easter with us who died last summer. She is missed greatly. My 97-year-old grandfather is very poorly. No one has been able to visit him in hospital since the lockdown began. My Easter joy will be tinged with sadness.

I think life is like that for most of us at the moment. We’re managing in exceptional circumstances. Our natural highs and lows that are part of being a human are felt more keenly. We need to be kind to ourselves.

I wrote last month that in the midst of all of this uncertainty and upheaval it would be very easy to miss the fact that it’s spring. Easy to miss the display that mother nature is putting on for us all.

I think that it’s more important than ever to look up. To appreciate all that mother nature has to offer. To give thanks for the beauty that is around us, whether a blue sky, blossom or the tulips blooming in my garden.

I’m giving myself the long weekend off. I’ve cleared and tidied my work room and I intend to spend it in there with the Classic FM Hall of Fame countdown playing while I reintroduce myself to my sewing machine. It’s been much neglected over the last two years.

I’m giving myself permission to experiment, to play, to make mistakes and see what I can create.

If the weather is good I’ll take Classic FM into the garden with me and enjoy the sunshine. Headphones on so as not to disturb my neighbours’ peace.

I will video call my friends and family.

I will take time to cook.

I will give thanks for all I have rather than mourn what is lacking and I will remember that this will pass.

Wishing you a very happy Easter however you’re spending it.