#MakeMyHeartHappy ♥

To mark turning 50 this July I am going to embark on a Happy Heart Challenge to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, and more specifically the link between diabetes and the heart, in memory of my wonderful husband John.

For the 50 days leading up to turning 50, I am going to spend 50 minutes each day focusing on 'making my heart happy'. This may be very different each day, as I now realise so many factors contribute to a happy, healthy heart.

Thanks to my amazing, talented and knowledgeable friend Simone, I have become increasingly aware over the past year of the link between emotional wellbeing and a healthy heart. So while this challenge will predominately take the form of cardiovascular exercise, it will also include planning and cooking healthy heart meals, time with family and friends, and relaxation.

This has become a necessary priority in my life, though it has taken me a long time to really see how this all works together and how to make it part of my life. It has also taken me a long time to find the right way to honour John, but I now realise that focusing on improving my heart health and happiness has been the most positive decision I have made to keep going even in the very dark days.

John was taken much too soon by such a sudden heart attack. However, he is very much remembered for his warm heart (as well as his sense of humour, laughter and fun, phenomenal musical abilities, love of conversation and debate, and having the quickest, warmest smile). So if you wish to take part for even some of these days, it would mean so much to know you are thinking of him when you are making your heart happy. Any way you can make your heart happy by being healthy, showing love, or having fun feels like part of John's legacy as this is how he lived life.

John would love to see people doing things that make their own heart happy, whatever that may be, so if you feel you want to join in parts of this challenge with me, or on your own, then please feel free to share your own journey on the ‘Make My Heart Happy’ Facebook page with #MakeMyHeartHappy ♥, as well as sharing with friends and family. This can be anything you have done that has made your day, week, month, or year that little bit brighter and made your heart that little bit happier!

#MakeMyHeartHappy ♥ challenge will begin on Saturday 25th of May and end on Saturday 13th of July. Any events and activities, that everyone is welcome to join in with, will be posted on the Make My Heart Happy Facebook group along with any posts shared by you!

https://www.facebook.com/share/X2MSaMGJFJiZCYrw/

Heartfelt thanks, Pamela x

#MakeMyHeartHappy ♥