Hello and a happy Friday to you,
It was so lovely to spend time by the sea last week when I did a dog sit in Ramsgate. Looking after other people’s pets is such a privilege and it’s so good for my mental health to have a reason to get up and go outside every day, especially when it involves being near water. I loved catching up with my mum and seeing lots of friends too.
This week, I am looking after a dog and two cats in Finchley, London. The four-year-old spaniel is quite an energetic handful and one cat is quite needy and cuddly while the other was shy for a couple of days but now has set up camp on my bed. It’s nice how well the dog and cats get along. You may remember I had to give an elderly cat an asthma inhaler - well this sit I have to get one of the cats to take a tablet twice a day (hiding it in tuna works) and persuade the dog to let me apply cream to her skin condition (they’ve left me plastic gloves). Maybe I should become a vet.
I had a bit of a nightmare afternoon yesterday as the front door slammed behind me when I went to grab a broom from outside with no shoes and no coat, post-dog walk. I was already having quite an anxious day and had to shuffle round to the next door neighbours in my socks. Thankfully, in between a few tears, a cup of tea and calls to overpriced locksmiths, they managed to get hold of the home owner who’s abroad and a relative came round with a spare key. It’s moments like this when you really appreciate the kindness of strangers and when things are resolved, you realise everything isn’t quite as bad as you thought in the moment. I also find I am learning from each little mistake I make, being grateful it’s not worse and trying to be more compassionate to myself. I am now wearing the house key around my neck for the rest of the stay.
Uplifting News Stories
Photographer captures 'one in a million' double rainbow in UK | BBC
Giant owl not seen for 150 years pictured in wild for first time | The Independent
Pro-footballer Josh Cavallo holds back tears as he proudly comes out as gay | Pink News
Features Worth Sharing
I Used Facebook Without the Algorithm, and You Can Too | Wired
The kittens I foster are tiny and safe in my goalkeeper hands: David Seaman | The i
I Became a Cat Lady During the Pandemic and It’s Pretty Cool, Actually | Refinery29
What I’m watching
Stath Lets Flats – Really enjoyed introducing the first and second series to my pal Sarah in Ramsgate last week. The third series is now available on All4.
Hope you enjoy your weekend,
BB x
This is The Uplift, a weekly newsletter by me, journalist Becky Barnes. If you enjoyed it, feel free to buy me a coffee.
The Uplift will arrive in your inbox every Friday*, featuring good news and self care. I also have a podcast about life advice.
A bit about me: I’m a journalist living in London. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.
*occasionally Sunday or Monday