Today I did what I always do when I feel unsure – I went outdoors.

Started the day mucking out a few stables and spending time with my little boy. Then I went for a long walk round the bird reserve in the beautiful sunshine. I sat for a while watching the birds and thinking of how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful part of the world. It was really peaceful.

I went back to the yard to lunge Buddy. Decided to have a play session with him. He wasn’t sure at first, but soon got the hang of it. He can be so brave sometimes.

Then finally did my workout from Michelle.

I’m super grateful that I can do all of those things after weeks in plaster. To those who are you self-isolating, try and get outside (even if it’s just sticking your head out the window). The fresh air really helps to boost your immune system. And we all need that right now. Stay safe everyone.

No words needed I’m sure. I honestly felt like I’d come home. Just walk and a few of strides of trot to test my ankle on my friend’s trusted steed. All good so far!

Today I did something I’ve never done before, I had a cryotherapy session (3 mins of -140 degree cold). I booked it to help my ankle, but it also boosts the immune system so handy at times like this. This quote was on the wall and it really resonated in the uncertain time we find ourselves in.

I haven’t said much about the whole Covid-19 situation. Mainly that’s cause I’m trying to understand it. It’s hard to get your head round it all with so much noise. We all have to do what we feel is right to protect ourselves and support others.

Am I worried about catching it? No, I don’t have any underlying health conditions and I’m pretty resilient health-wise. If I get it, I get it. I live alone so won’t be spreading it about. I had Swine Flu and that was a pretty rough 2 weeks of my life.

Am I worried about isolation? No, I’ve spent most of the year in isolation with my ankle. I know I can cope. I’ve gotten pretty good at amusing myself and am using the time to learn new stuff.

Am I worried about the future? A bit. I’m unemployed and finding work is going to be harder and harder. I’m lucky that I have money in the bank, but it won’t last forever. I have options so am focusing on making those a reality. And trusting it’ll be OK.

Am I sad that this global crisis has brought out the worst behaviours in people? Absolutely. I understand that scared people make bad choices though.

Am I trying to find the good? You bet I am. We’ve been given an opportunity to reflect on the way we’ve lived and make some different choices. Maybe we’ll appreciate the little things (like being able to get toilet rolls) and the people who are sometimes invisible to us (and who are keeping us going).

Maybe that’s the silver lining in this dark cloud. Like all clouds, it will pass and the blue skies will return. For now, we need to learn to dance in the storm. So go outside and have a boogie!

I want to strengthen my ankle and legs so that I’m a bit more riding fit for when I get back onboard. I recently met a PT so got in touch with her to see if she could help. Because of Covid-19, she’s not going any f2f sessions, so she’s given me an online programme specially designed for my ankle. Today was Day 1. It felt good to do some exercise and get my heart rate up a bit (no jumping yet). Thanks Michelle from Adrenalize. I’m looking forward to me next workout.

I did get some good news today. My Mum is out of lockdown and went home today. Hurrah!

Let’s try and share as much positive stuff as we can. 😊

I jokingly said to the man behind the counter that I’d probably get mugged walking down the road with these. That’s the way my year has been going.

Thankfully I made it safely home.

It makes you question the world we live in where people are filling their sheds and attics with toilet roll, pasta and long-life milk. I get it’s scary not knowing what the future holds. That’s no different to any other time. Panic tends to result in bad choices. We will get through this by supporting each other, being compassionate and staying grounded.

BTW I was down to my last toilet roll and the paracetamol are for a friend.

It feels like the world has gone bonkers at the moment. I’ve never known anything like it! So here’s something to make us all smile. We all need to support one another right now. We will get through this and it will be OK again.

It’s feels like the world has gone a bit bonkers right now. I’m trying to stay as grounded and level as I can. It’s hard to keep a perspective when there’s so much noise about. So I did what I always do when I need to get away from the noise, I went to the yard. Normally I’d go for a ride, but I’ve still got a bit longer to wait till I can get back in the saddle. Instead I got to get a different perspective as I watched Lewis from Neric Equestrian riding Buddy instead. He’s looking so good!

From my little Irish boy.

It was such a lovely day here in Norfolk that I didn’t want to stay in the house. So I walked to the yard. It took me 25 mins from my house. It felt so good to be out in the fresh air and feel the sun on my face. I really do live in a beautiful part of the world. Clocked up over 8,500 steps by the time I’d pottered around and walked back. Even gave Buddy a bath. Roll on Summer!