How a life in lockdown has inspired joy: we meet writer, public speaker and celebrant Dr Rebecca

By Helen Bowman

When lockdown hit back in March of last year, many of us spiralled into a bit of a panic: what to do? How to cope? Where to turn?

But in the chaos that was the first few weeks of unfamiliarity, Dr Rebecca Williams Dinsdale stood out to those who knew her as a beacon of positivity, hope and joy.

Having suffered from chronic illness since the age of 17, Dr Rebecca is no stranger to lockdown scenarios. But her unique outlook on life has been the very lifeblood of optimism for those around her.

How has this impacted your career?

I was determined not to be put off achieving my dreams, but even the modules of my degrees at Sunderland University were chosen so that I could park nearby to lectures. But I became incredibly efficient at studying – I spent a fraction of the time my fellow students did on assignments, but came top of the group at the end of the year. I went on to study a Masters and a Doctorate, all the while developing my Lifejoy strategies to help myself and others cope in the face of adversity.

My lecturers invited me to speak to my fellow students as a motivational speaker and I’ve since gone on to become a self-employed writer, speaker and celebrant, taking over 1,000 funeral services over the past decade.

You’ve written a new book in lockdown – how did that come about?

When lockdown hit, I couldn’t meet my lovely families and lead funeral services anymore. But I wanted to contribute and still bring hope to those who were finding this new reality particuarlly tricky.

I’m a member of a business club called Mint and I started writing a daily ‘Lifejoy’ in our group to help people hold on to the small joys of life. I also recorded a video of Sunday Lifejoy and it really seemed to help others. The book followed quite naturally.

How can we get hold of a copy?

It’s available to buy through the shop on my website, along with my first book, Lifejoy, your manual for resilient living.

I’m also working on my next book: Inspiring Ivy: Courage and care in China and beyond, which is about my Grandma and her incredible life as a nurse. I hope that will be available from November 2021. Beyond that, I’m working on a Lifejoy journal to help my readers express themselves through journaling – and Your Lifejoy Year part 2!

To find out more about Dr Rebecca and her work, visit her website, Facebook or Instagram