I have had this post in my head for sometime. It feels right at this time to write it down. — I have had this post in my head for sometime. It feels right at this time to write it down. As I untangled the Christmas lights to hang on the tree in my garden, I struggled to separate a set of white berry lights from a set of red berry…

I’ve spent two nights in my home alone for the first time in over 34 years. — I’ve spent two nights in my home alone for the first time in over 34 years. My wife is away at a family celebration whcih I had to stay away from having contracted coronavirus. I have had some time to think, and in this oasis of silence, I have been…

As I get older, I have noticed that my physical agility and suppleness has decreased, so that some parts of my own body are now out of my… — As I get older, I have noticed that my physical agility and suppleness has decreased, so that some parts of my own body are now out of my reach. An itch in the centre of my back, which as a younger man I could reach by stretching my arm behind…

In recent weeks, I have been focussed on meeting the needs of others, by giving my time generously to famly members who have needed my… — In recent weeks, I have been focussed on meeting the needs of others, by giving my time generously to famly members who have needed my help. I have been happy to be supportive and generous with my time and resources at their time of need. This weekend, I celebrate my…

During the Covid lockdown in the UK, in which we have been contained in our family groups within our homes and our gardens, I have taken a… — During the Covid lockdown in the UK, in which we have been contained in our family groups within our homes and our gardens, I have taken a keen interest in the various visits to our garden of the wild birds. These are not as exotic as you might find in…

I think that I have developed a deeper sense of how courageous I have been in the midst of a life lived in the shadows of my true identity. I have endured in complete silence and without any support from any other living soul, my open life as a family…

I have been fascinated by the recent landing of the NASA probe Perserverance on to the planet Mars. — I have been fascinated by the recent landing of the NASA probe Perserverance on to the planet Mars. It is a technological marvel, a substantial event in the history of humankind. I have read how the planning for these launches and landings take place years in advance and are timed…

In recent months, I have felt strongly the intensity of my emotions. These feelings have been compounded by the social isolation of the… — In recent months, I have felt strongly the intensity of my emotions. These feelings have been compounded by the social isolation of the Covid lockdown; the cold weather; the dark evenings and my long working hours at home alone. Layered on top of all this bleakness, has been an overwhelming…

Overwrought — Overwrought I have honed some skills in recent years which I am drawing on a lot at this time of crisis of heart, to sustain and support my emotional life. I am overwrought, and this feeling of anxiousness is compounded by each receptor in my brain which cannot cope with…