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.  

 

L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N

Life goes on. If you are a fan of Noah and the Whale (they're a band) then you'll know that they sing a song of this title. While I haven't blogged in a while my life has done just that - stuff has happened.

Since January a lot has happened:

• I've moved house

• Been on a work retreat

• Celebrated my birthday 
• Hosted my 4th Arts Showcase
• Finished building my bike* 

* Massive respect and thanks has to go to Bec Lemen-Hogarth for actually building it for me

• Met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Will and Kate)

• Led Spring Harvest 11-14's

• Ate 17 different cuts of meat in 1 night
• Hit the beach

• Had my room re-modelled/designed

 

• Learnt how to play Settlers of Catan

We're now near the end of April and I'm wondering why I haven't blogged until now. I guess sometimes I have felt like I have a lot of stuff in my head but it's hard to know how to articulate thoughts. Then loads of things happened in quite quick succession which meant I didn't really have a chance to process anything properly and so didn't know what to say. 

Loads of people have asked my about the Royal visit and whether I got to speak to the Duke and Duchess - well yes I did. I got to introduce them to residents and young people on one of the estates I work on and then facilitate a discussion where they were able to articulate what they feel about their community and the work XLP does there. Will and Kate are actually really great listeners and asked some solid questions and made insightful comments; that's not just me saying that, they genuinely were brilliant guests to have. 

Now the sun is coming back out I almost feel like my head is coming out of hibernation. I am having loads of thoughts about how time keeps going by and if you don't make choices to do the things you want to do then you will never do them. Post uni I feel like the years have all blurred into one and I don't want to get a few years down the line and still be in the same place. 

I read a quote which said "a year from now you will wish you started today" - I love that. It motivates me to take action where I can now. 

So in practise that looks like:

• having a better work/life balance
• setting physical goals (like cycling 100km through the night in June)
• planning holidays
• making time for myself

that's where I've got to so far. I'm sure there are plenty more to be added. Feel free to let me know ideas or things that work for you.