A Journey Through Time: Finding Strength in Love and Adversity

As I sit down to write this diary blog post, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began in the most unexpected of places—a local leisure center. It was there, as a late teen, that I met the person who has been my rock for more than two decades, my beloved spouse. At the time, I was still trying to find my way in life, grappling with the challenges that come with youth and uncertainty, not to mention battling undiagnosed clinical depression. 

A Supportive Partner 

During those formative years, I was not only searching for my path but also wrestling with the profound question of why I had been given the condition of Cerebral Palsy. While I understood the medical explanations, I couldn't help but ponder the spiritual significance behind it. Despite these internal battles, my partner remained steadfast, offering unwavering support and love that helped me through the darkest times. 

Building a Life Together 

In those early years, I trained as a business assistant, during which I encountered the harsh realities and prejudices that people with disabilities often face. Despite the negativity, my partner and I pressed on, eventually buying a house after four years together. Ten months later, we were married, embarking on a honeymoon that symbolized the beginning of a shared journey filled with hope and love. 

Challenges and Growth 

Our home became a place of laughter, learning, and growth over the next 23 years. Though we faced the disappointment of being unable to have children early on, we found joy in each other and in the experiences we shared. I worked as a customer service assistant for three years, a role that brought both satisfaction and challenges. Yet, like many couples, we navigated the early stages of our life together with resilience and optimism.

The Battle with Mental Health 

Life, however, is rarely without its trials. After my stint at the local store, I decided to pursue a career as a business assistant, only to find myself in a difficult work environment that exacerbated my struggles with mental health. At 30, I was officially diagnosed with clinical depression and general anxiety disorder, marking the beginning of another battle—this time, with my mind. 

Through it all, the unwavering support of my spouse has been my anchor. Together, we have faced life's challenges with courage and love, continuously learning and growing alongside one another. This journey has taught me that while we may not always understand the reasons behind our struggles, we can find strength in the love and support of those we hold dear. 

Each day, I am reminded of the resilience that lies within us all and the profound impact that love and understanding can have on our lives. As we continue forward, I am grateful for the journey we've shared and the future that awaits.

Love what is it anyway? Buying valentines gifts for that special person.

 So it is the beginning of February and next week is valentines day. It doesn’t really matter if we have a disability or not as we still have feelings. We can still have a special relationship with that person. There are still things we want and expect.

Leading up to the special day!

ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH IDEAS FOR THE SPECIAL DAY?

I get it you probably think it's completely crazy to think that those with such a disability as cerebral palsy. however, we do want and deserve the same attention to the person who looks like a model.

DON’T WORRY I GOT YOU COVERED WHEN IT COMES TO BOTH FREE AND BOUGHT PRESENTS.

BY THE TIME YOU’VE DONE READING THIS POST YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

1. Have ideas for free treats for the person you love.
2. Inexpensive presents for that special person.
3. Expensive present ideas.

HERE IS THE AMAZING IDEA LIST FOR FREE.

1. A massage.
2. A foot rub.
3. A meal of food already in the house
4. An indoor picnic of snacks is already in the house.
5. A bath with candles etc.
6. Some of the time. Just for them!
7. Homemade sweets that can be made with what you have in the house
8. A homemade gift that you have made.
9. Help them with a physio exercise you don’t normally do.
10. A homemade card.

It really doesn’t matter that they are different from you because they are still lovable. And deserve a romance. Just as much as anyone else.

INEXPENSIVE GIFTS FOR THAT SPECIAL PERSON:

1. A box of chocolates or sweets and a card
2. A takeaway meal at home, such as an international meal and card.
3. A piece of jewellery they want that isn’t so expensive
4. A special cushion that they may need with a cover with their favourite colour on.
5. An inexpensive bit of technology that they might need but haven’t got round to getting yet.
6. A bouquet of flowers.
7. Clothing.
8. Accessories such as a bag they need.

Look here to pick out what you think they may like

EXPENSIVE GIFTS

1. A big box of chocolates or sweets and a large card.
2. A big display of flowers.
3. An expensive piece of jewellery
4. A big bit of equipment that they can’t get from their health provider.
5. An expensive bit of technology that they want.
6. Designer clothing.
7. Designer accessories such as a bag that fits their needs.

Look here to pick out what you think they may like.

SO WHAT NEXT?

The next thing is for you to pick the items you think that your loved one wants for this special day.

I really hope you have an amazingly romantic day with your special one and are spoilt rotten but if you're still stuck on ideas for them then seriously check out the link here to pick up something special for them.

Love and Peace

please be aware that I have used an affiliate link for amazon so if you use my links so I may get a small commission.

It's Valentines day

 Are you alone or with that special person?

I know what it's like to be alone and with that special one.

I really hope you are getting the day you deserve or showing the person you love the best they deserve.

I mentioned in my post last week what you can do for free.

What if you're alone?

This isn't the time to feel self-pity because you are an amazing person and deserve the best you can do for yourself. It might be a shower or bath. Sitting down with a cup of tea or your favourite drink.

No matter it's taking time for yourself and recharging your energy.

This is best done daily but even once a week is a good start.

What happens if you don't do it enough?

If you don't do this self-care you will end up burning yourself out. This could be emotionally, physically or mentally. Perhaps even all three ways. At which point you will be ill and possibly have to take months potentially years off.

Which is not what you want. But doing these self-care things will help you help more people and be more productive with things in your life.

So although you may think that these treats you have are you being selfish. Actually, you are being selfless as you are recharging your energy meaning you can do more.

Being stuck at home during these strange times?

You're home alone on this valentines day and you have no one to fuss over.

You're wrong you are important! Even if you don't do anything special then doing nothing is just as good. Because you are still recharging your energy. And that's a good thing.

Don't worry!

It doesn't matter you are on your own because you need to be able to love yourself before anyone else can love you!

That is often a hard thing to realise. You think that finding someone to love you is the way to feel confident and be worthy of anything.

I often have this feeling because of my disability. I know that I am loved by my family and friends. However the frustration of the inability to do things trigger feelings of failure and unworthiness.

If you have these feelings or similar feelings. Then please know that you are not alone. Even on this supposed special day. Take time to recharge yourself and begin to take care of yourself before anyone else.

Love and Peace

Xxx