Being ill can lead to a lot of pessimism, which also seems to reflect outward.
It can be hard to feel proud, hopeful or optimistic when your mind is shrouded in a cloud of fog.
People’s philosophies and worldviews are often an emotional expression of their inner state.
Everything is tarred with the same brush, and who can be blamed? There seems to be a lot to despair at, especially when you’re looking through fogged-out, not rose-tinted spectacles.
But days like VE Day give me such pride and joy, and bring an opportunity to thank, marvel and reflect.
An opportunity to reflect on the freedoms that were so dearly fought for.
The timeless architecture, the patchwork quilt countryside, and the political freedoms we experience today.
All of which were obtained by hard-fought sacrifice.
Just 80 years ago, people my age were wading through barbed wire in the face of machine guns, all so we could have the freedoms we take for granted today.
It’s a rather harrowing reminder, as I sit and share my experiences. I write what I want, living where I want, all without the slightest concern about what I express.
This is not the norm, and as we look around the world, we should remind ourselves just how blessed we are to live in this remarkable place and time.
It’s easy to feel let down by healthcare, frustrated at the political system, desperate for change.
But I also like to take the opportunity to use days like today to feel pride and thanks for what I do have, and to thank those before me who bestowed me these gifts.
Lest we forget.