JOANNA CAREW

I’ve spent the past week alternating between shivers and burning up, with a non-stop pounding in my head, blurred vision, and total exhaustion after engaging in even the smallest of tasks.

At first I thought I had a long hangover – having had a wild Saturday night out in Norwich celebrating now living close to my two siblings!!

As I carried on feeling dreadful I decided I had a cold. Then, after being completely floored for over a week I started wondering if I might have Covid.

Albeit, it doesn’t actually matter what the virus is, I’ve just made sure not to share it with anybody! 

At first I was a bit ‘woe is me’ and stressed out about the amount of stuff I have to catch up on, and knowing this coming week is packed with meetings and commitments. Then I took a chill pill and zoomed out to gain perspective …

… I have just lived through a period of extreme stress: moving house, having a seriously poorly child, furthering my divorce, overhauling the business, recruiting multiple new team members, taking on a volunteer role etc etc. I am run down and exhausted.

Sure, I can take as many supplements as I like but I have been running on empty, and voila I caught a virus, most probably during that fabulous night out in Norwich!! But it forced me to take a week off, something alien as normally I’m one for soldiering on regardless of feeling poorly.

Bizarrely, I’m pleased to have had a forced convalescence as it allowed me to take stock. Sure I have to catch up on stuff, and I am still dealing with fatigue, but it doesn’t matter. Having a fabulous team in place means they kept everything ticking over, and this week I will rearrange my diary to remove social commitments, and instead limit it to work and sleep.

It’s an odd headspace, actually given the crap I have been fielding this past year it’s an alien headspace for me; but right now I am filled with optimism, happiness, and hope.

I feel calm and ready to delve into the problem solving strategies that will transform Carew Dental into a more robust and efficient business and continue our growth trajectory.

I adore my new home and being surrounded by family, with the exception of my precious Alfie, but we speak most days and still see each other several times a month.

I’m delighted to say, regardless of being floored by a virus, life really is very good. Hoorah!