Our Claire is making plans…

Last week I wrote about my friend, San, who had died. According to her wife, Clare, San wanted people to go dip their toes in the sea. So, last Sunday, my friend Ali and I arranged to go down to the beach and do just that. After a year of having my plans torn to shreds by the pandemic, I have to say it was lovely to see one come to fruition for a change.

I’m reminded that I was also advised to make plans for the future shortly after my husband died. At the time, I didn’t really believe I had a future. So the only plan I made was to go see comedian Bill Bailey with a bunch of friends six months in the future. I went through Hell in those six months but when the time came to go see the show, it made me take stock of all that I’d been through and how I’d lived a life that, six months before, seemed impossible. Ever since, I’ve given myself something to look forward to. It really helps in the bad times and, as I say, it helps me take stock of life.

Plans can be part of life in business and pleasure. In work, though, we’re usually set targets that are often for our employer’s benefit at our expense. That why it’s even more important to schedule in treats for ourself outside of work. To explain what I mean, When Women Inspire lists four reasons why it’s important to treat ourselves as:

• It’ll Boost Your Energy
• You’ll Feel Happier
• It’s Great Motivation
• It Helps Others

I have to admit that, whilst I can understand treating myself is good for me, I didn’t realise it also helped others. However, it makes more sense when you realise a better you makes you a better person to be around, more capable of caring for others and meeting their needs as well as your own.

Another plan I firmly believe in making is a funeral plan. From my own experience, the last thing our loved ones need when they’re grieving is choosing the coffin and flowers and all the rest for your funeral. Plus they can be incredibly expensive! I’ve seen myself how the stress of it all can lead to petty arguments that divide families. I don’t believe it’s the least bit morbid to do all the decision making for them. I believe it’s an act of kindness. So I have mine all set and I’ve even included a few surprises. In a way, I kind of wish I could see it myself but, sadly, I’ll only be there in spirit.

Another set of plans you can make are career plans and, with that in mind, WHISC have a number of courses to help women back into employment. There are two workshops left on the Directions course and The ‘Do It’ Project is set to start again soon as well. For more information about these and everything else WHISC do, please take a look at the What’s On page of this website. WHISC also continue to offer their Listening Ear service. So, whatever it is you want to talk about, please call 0151 707 1826 or leave a message on the WHISC Facebook page with your phone number and they’ll ring you back. Please do remember that, whatever you’re going through, there’s no need to go it alone.