Hello. Happy Thursday. I hope everyone is ok. Despite lockdown, we managed to celebrate Harry’s birthday yesterday, albeit in a very low key way and he enjoyed his chicken fajitas and chocolate cake!
It’s my friend Sue’s birthday today, so I took her some flowers, knocked on her door, put them on the doorstep, then had a quick catch up from the other side of the garden wall. I also left some flowers at my friend Annemarie’s gate. She fell last week when she out jogging and has badly broken her hand. It’s times like this when we, as a group of friends would step in. We’d celebrate with Sue and we’d visit and help Annemarie. We all agree that the Whatsapp group chat we have with five more of our friends keeps us sane. The daily laughs, moans and support are vital. It’s so important to stay connected by whatever means works best. I bought the flowers when I did the food shop this morning. I did a huge supermarket shop on Monday and already, we were out of fruit, veg and milk. Feeding four adults is no mean feat and I take my hat off to those buying and catering for larger families.
I have a few shoutouts today, all of which are very relevant to the current circumstances.
NHS Rainbow Bracelet
I’d like to draw your attention (photo at the top of the post) to the rainbow bracelet I’ve added to the stack of bracelets I wear every day (when I’m not working in practice). The lovely ladies Helen and Sarah at Wish Jewellery sent it to me and asked me to let you know that for each one they sell, (and they cost just £8), they donate £2 to the NHS Charities Together fund. So far they have raised almost £1500. It’s such a gorgeous, simple way of celebrating and thanking the NHS. They also have bracelets for men and children as well as a lovely rainbow tee.
Why We’re Feeling Exhausted
I had an email from leadership coach Tee asking if I would contribute to an article on her blog Hustle and Hush, to address why so many are feeling so exhausted from all the screen time of late. She published the first part yesterday and it offers multidisciplinary explanations for why we may be feeling more drained than usual. It’s very useful and informative and well worth a read if you’re working from home.
Bird Continues To Soar
I’m delighted that Bird is the first eyewear company in the UK to have been certified B Corp in recognition of their outstanding commitment to sustainable and ethical business. Bird make beautiful, design-led eyewear using high quality and sustainable materials, and for every pair sold they distribute solar light to remote communities in Africa through their Share Your Sun partnership with SolarAid.
Certified B Corporations are businesses that balance purpose and profit, and are committed to prioritising the environment and society in the way they do business. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. The rigorous certification process is third party verified. There are currently over 2,500 Certified B Corporations in more than 50 countries. Bird is one of only three B Corp eyewear brands in the world.
I met founder Ed Bird at 100% Optical earlier this year. He’s a great guy and deserves this success.
Not only has Ed achieved Corp B status, he designed an award-winning pair of sunglasses, The Blackcap, which we shot last year.
Stay safe and remember to clap for our NHS and key workers later this evening x
Notes
NHS rainbow bracelet: Wish Jewellery (gift)
Stacking silver bracelets: Bella Jane Jewellery, Joma jewellery and Annie Haak.
Blackcap wooden sunglasses: Bird, (gift 2019)
