Few things beat life in the sun

If you didn't already know, I am a sun lover. Whilst generally I am not blessed in going super brown (as my mum and brothers are), I enjoy the way my freckles make a seasonal appearance and my cheeks go pink as I greedily absorb as much vitamin D as humanly possible. 

I have no doubt that I have a form of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as my spirits can be hugely impacted depending on whether the sun is out or the rain is pouring. So it is with great delight that I write, whilst we are officially still in Spring, to the benefits of sunshine in my life.

In the past month I have been able to:

• Visit Wales 

• Go to the BAFTAs
  
• Go to weddings

• Enjoy being in countryside

• Go see an incredible band (Needtobreathe) and be really near the front!

All of this has been good for the soul in terms of enjoying creation, being sociable, escaping the bustle of London and general adventuring. 

However, I've also undertaken a different kind of adventure too. In April I started speaking to a counsellor. I was finding that it was getting increasingly difficult to move forward when I was clearly carrying baggage from the past. This is an ongoing journey. Quite a few people have asked me how it's going and while I would say that I'm definitely not enjoying it, I am finding it helpful. It's amazing how giving yourself some space and freedom to actually articulate thoughts and emotions can help you to see things for what they really are. Also it's crazy (and a bit frustrating) how having your own thoughts spoken back to you by someone else can completely change your perspective or induce some kind of light-bulb moment. If you are on the fence about speaking to someone I would definitely say go and give it a try. 

I really do feel like I'm in a new season of life and that it's being defined by taking action. For instance - 

• Speaking to a counsellor - I've been thinking about this for about 3 years...easy to put off!
• Applying to be on the Island - QUALITY TV show, everyone go watch on catch up if you haven't seen it.
• Undertaking the massive challenge of cycling 100km in 1 night for the charity I am a trustee of (www.kisumuchildren,org.uk). If you can please do consider sponsoring me, even a few quid goes a long way in terms of motivation for me to keep going. 
• Taking opportunities to be kind. I saw a quote recently that said, "You will never regret being kind" I think a lot of the time I can become a bit self obsessed, getting on with my own agenda - but we are all called to be people who look out for opportunities to love others. 
• Reading a book that is reminding me who to listen to and how to live life fully and with purpose 

Too often I am sucked into believing that everyone is sorted and I'm the messed up one. It's a lie and slowly I am coming to see that. In the meantime I am enjoying life in the sun and all the joy that brings.