It is a slightly overcast Saturday morning in the bosom of South Derbyshire. I awoke around an hour ago (I gave myself a lie in until 9.30 as a treat), showered, made my bed, tidied my room, made a cup of tea and then sat down with my laptop to write. You see, the reason I’m noting this down is because it’s not just any Saturday morning. Oh no, this is a special Saturday morning – it’s the first one I’ve had in recent memory where I have absolutely no plans for the entire day. 

Well, I hear you ask, what’s so special about that? Plenty of people use their weekends to do nothing and relax, do they not? I hear you, dear reader, and I understand your hesitance, but it is a little bit different for me. I spent years doing absolutely everything I could to avoid my own company, the idea of being left with my own thoughts terrifying the life out of me, to the point where I would ensure that my schedule was packed every day, even if it were with events or people I didn’t even particularly like. 

I don’t want to dwell on the past, however, especially since I’m sure you’ve all heard it all before. No, what I want to say is how nice it is to be faced with the prospect of a Saturday all to myself and actually relish the idea. Admittedly, I have absolutely no idea how to spend my time alone, since I am still very much getting used to it, but just the simple fact that I am actually excited at the prospect, as opposed to horrified, is in itself enough to make me extremely happy. 

Just think of the possibilities I am faced with. I could write a blog (as I appear to be doing now, apologies for having to endure it), I could read a book, I could go on a long walk, I could play some video games, I could go to the driving range, I could visit a museum or a National Trust site, I could go for a coffee, I could visit some charity shops, I could read the newspaper (The Times, darling, obviously The Times), I could go for a run, I could go to the gym, I could listen to a podcast, I could watch a movie, and so on and so forth. The point is, with my newfound healthy mindset and genuine lust for life, the possibilities are endless. 

So, dear reader, I don’t want to keep you for too long. I just want to say this – I am so glad I made it through the darkness, I am so grateful for your friendship, and I am so glad I finally learned to love life, love what it has to offer, love the people around me and, ultimately, love myself. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.