Wellness Matters 05.02.2021
I want to begin with two national topics of conversation that are not completely coronavirus related: the sad passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore (tragically through COVID-19) and the weather!
Captain Sir Tom Moore delighted and inspired us with his unswerving determination and persistence to complete a personal challenge he had set himself to raise £1,000 for the NHS by walking 100 times in his garden. We all witnessed the frailty of this war veteran carefully push his wheelie bike forwards, taking one small step at a time, and I am sure we all felt in awe of his courage. He inspired many others to overcome their challenges and persist in taking small steps: Tony Hudgell, 5 years old on new prosthetics; Sean Ash, 39 years old recovering from a rare spinal condition; and many more of whom you can read here
Captain Sir Tom Moore was quoted, in his no-nonsense Yorkshire brogue, as saying
“Remember, tomorrow is a good day, tomorrow you will maybe find everything will be much better than today.”
Two of the key messages we can learn from this is that we have the opportunity to face each day anew and that it really does take small steps to achieve our goals.
"Faith Is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."
Martin Luther King
The Weather
Where would we be on occasion if we weren’t able to discuss the weather? I am sure many of us are dreaming of sun drenched beaches: the irritating buzz of a mosquito in our ear; a cold drink on a hot day and glorious daylight. Instead we are being battered from the east once more: cold rain, sleet, snow, more cold rain and stronger winds. We are an island, it is inevitable that we are subjected to such extremes in weather patterns and it fills not only our social chit chat, when it is safe to do so, but the national news as well.
With that in mind, can I urge you, so long as it is safe, to step outside even for a brief minute.
Feel the rain on your face and the wind whipping round your ears. When you step back inside you will relish the benefits of warmth and heat so much more. If stepping outside is not feasible then watch the rain and wind from the safety of your home and be grateful to have a warm roof over your head.
This time last year I was preparing for a mini-break during the half-term holiday. I had booked a campervan, having had a dream to do so for many years, and finally made the decision to tick it off my list. The weather was so awful I nearly cancelled but I am grateful that I did not: how could I have foreseen that my last holiday prior to lockdown was to be nestled in the shelter of Comrie Croft, Perthshire.
Although the snow and wind prevented me from travelling too far, I experienced such a thrill driving through snow covered scenery with my faithful companion by my side. You can read more about that adventure in my blog dated 12th February 2020: A Short Campervan Adventure.
These stories are to remind you that goals can be set and achieved. They may have to be put on the back burner for a period of time, they may take longer than you anticipated through no fault of your own, but they can be achieved.
Take a few moments when you can and reflect back. Can you remember a time when you had aspired to live the life you have now? Make a list of your achievements, and celebrate what you have done.
I applied for a corporate post in a local authority a while ago. The headquarters of this local authority has an atrium and I had, for many years, aspired to work in a space where the sky was visible. I was unsuccessful but remembered that one of my happiest work spaces was in a school with a glass roofed corridor which ran down the middle. However, what is even more poignant is that my current workspace has, not an atrium exactly, but skylights and a sea glimpse. It’s called home and I love working here.
Sometimes your goal has already been achieved because your inner driver is in charge.
Have a safe and happy weekend.
Wellness Matters will return on 19th February 2021.
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