One of the unexpected but great things about the events of this week is the reactions of colleagues at work. People have come up to me in the office and hugged me, they have told me how much they appreciate the work I have done and that they cannot understand the decisions that have been made. Others have sent me the most wonderful text messages and emails, others have rung to check I am feeling ok. These little gestures of friendship have made me feel that I am valued by the people who really matter.

Today as the day has gone on I have felt my mood lift. I arrived at work feeling quite low, but today I have been able to laugh, to chat with colleagues to have a one to one with a member of my team and to go to a meeting where people value my contribution and tonight I am feeling quite positive. The fact that tomorrow is my last working day until 2nd January helps of course, but I really feel I have turned a corner. Something good workwise will come my way in the new year, a new challenge. When it arrives I know I will be ready for it.

Meantime there is cleaning to do in preparation for my Christmas visitors, there is food to be bought and I am intending to get myself to church on Sunday and sing some Christmas carols. I will be with my family, the people who care for me most. This year it can’t come too soon. I might not post about nursing and the NHS again until the new year, but then I might, you never know!