Don’t be afraid of the winter darlings! The light changes every single day, the long shadows and low sun of sharp winter afternoons make us thankful that just around the corner, spring is waiting. Wrap up, fill a flask with hot tea (or hot chocolate- let’s be honest here), remember that the world, just like us, needs balance - light and shade, cold and hot, happy and sad, try to accept and even embrace each seasonal change and know that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction; summer is on the other side and future you is there too, with the sun shining warmly on your face. Happy autumn and winter to you all xxx
Your September sounds delightful! Mine has been fairly relaxed ahead of a busy term at uni (for work and studies) so as well as teaching my exercise classes I'm going to be starting my masters dissertation looking at how exercise and our relationship with our bodies (and diet culture) interact... I'm very excited to get started but also nervous about how much work I have ahead of me...!
Becky this sounds brilliant and right up my street! I've actually been considering getting a qualification to teach some kind of joyful movement class as well! What style do you teach? 💜🤗
I started off teaching dance based classes (in Colchester - you shared my classes on your story once after your live gig at the Art Centre) but I now also offer a 'playground' session in my garden that offers a chance to play with some traditional gym equipment whilst build functional fitness - they've been really popular but now it's very dark! You would make an incredible instructor and it really isn't that much work to get qualified as a level 2 group exercise to music, which is all you need (apart from first aid and insurance). 😬
Ah your September sounds super aces!!! Sun and Spa time is the way!!! I felt so blessed to have the sun at the start☀️😊 but after a brief beachy break in Tenby Wales🏴 with my niece I came back with the darn covid at the same time the sun came out😔 Thus most of September has passed in a coviddy haze. Though I'm very thankful I have a garden and could get out and lie there like a recovering walrus 🦭😂. Loving the new tattoo btw and love your general rainbow vibes🌈😊... I too have some Autumn based angst😱#what? summeroveralready? 😨 but tbh I also so utterly looove halloween season! Orange leaves pumpkin time! and can't wait for pie, soup n spookiness🎃... I've already got a new spooky hoodie and leggings and socks mwa hahaha😂🕷️👻🎃x
You're right Sami, there are plenty of cosy vibes to look forward to!! And darn that Rona creeping into the last bit of your summer (the image of a sleepy walrus in the sun was cute tho 😅). Hope you're feeling lots better and still taking it easy when necessary! 💜
Where has September gone?! It seems the last MJC mail was just a few days ago. Your September sounds so warm and fuzzy, Megan, really great! I can’t complain myself. I had my first holiday in a while and I spend it with friends, I haven’t seen in ages. I definitely filled my friendship cup this month. I also went to get my vitamin D level tested. Supplementing vitamin D really helped with my mood last winter, maybe that’s something to try out.
Sending a big warm hug for everyone who needs one.
Wow Megan! You packed a lot into one month! Love your tattoo. It’s as bright, colorful and beautiful as you are 😊
The month went by really quickly for me. But if September had a theme, it was Family. Celebrating and spending quality time with my parents, sister and 2 brothers throughout the month. As my parents are getting older, I recognize the value of time spent with them. I had an absolutely AH-mazing meal at my brother’s restaurant here in Delaware. Not everyone has an award-winning gourmet chef in the family! 😉 And then last week I got to take the train to Boston to visit my younger brother for a long weekend. I’d say it was a month well-spent.
Sounds like you really are doing life right Michele 😘 and so beautiful to be able to have that time and really be aware of how valuable it is 💜 if I'm ever in Delaware I know where I'll be eating!
Hi dearest Megan <3 Thanks for sharing your update! I'm SOOO obsessed with your tattoo - I have been wanting to add to mine for a while, and this is really beautiful. October is my birthday month so I am already thinking about wanting to do something sweet to celebrate myself with my friends but not be too much of the center of attention... maybe I should add a little Char spice and celebrate to the MAX!! I'm in my senior year of college in Connecticut and really feeling at peace. I have been having some negative body thoughts arise surprisingly in the last month or so (after so many years of these rarely coming up). I think it has to do with me having a crush (oolala) and wanting to appear attractive :( I know cognitively that this is not true, but it's an old thought pattern. I wonder how others in the body positive world deal with these old brain paths that we know aren't true but we feel them arising again? I'm trying to practice some gentle awareness and compassion toward those parts, then letting them know we actually don't need to believe that anymore. Anyways, lots of love!
Happy birthday month lila! And thank you for the beautiful, honest comment 😘 I absolutely hear you on the body thoughts that come with a new crush (oohlala) - I had some come up with Char at first too 💜 I just kept doing my body positive practices as usual: recognising where those thoughts come from (f u diet culture), reminding myself that I'm a badass bitch with so many attractive qualities outside of my body, touching my body with care and gratitude, like Sams said. I think something that also helps is a bit of righteousness, like "I've worked so hard for so long to feel good in this body, am I gonna let someone come in and make me start doubting it?? Abso-fucking-lutely not!". Plus when you're dating someone, standing in your values is the MOST important, so that they get a full picture of who you are 🤗 you're doing great lila - update us next month! 💜💜
Lila, when I have a crush I become a bit critical of my body as well. I try to take time in the mirror acknowledging those parts that I don’t love and reminding myself that I am beautiful and worthy of love whether or not I have a flat stomach, etc. I purposely touch those parts that I struggle with and give them mental and physical love, just as I hope my crush would do. It is difficult at first but it gets easier. I hope that helps and I hope your semester goes well!!!
Hey Lila (beautiful name)! Your comment about new crushes bringing up old body-consciousness resonates with me a lot. I remember some advice a friend gave me— I hope you won't mind if I share it! She pointed out that when I get a crush, that person becomes special in my eyes and everything about them makes my heart sing. I don't know if it feels like this for you, but I often feel lucky and a little starstruck just being around them. So— I probably don't see my crush's flaws clearly, or consider them impediments to my affection. And so, if/when my crush is returning my affections, he'll turn that giddy, rose-tinted perspective on me too. I struggle to imagine someone seeing me so positively, but I think that is the nature of a crush! Anyway, I bet you're as beautiful as your name and I hope it goes well :)
Suffering with BDD is torture sometimes on my mind about my body thoughts. I look over photos and videos people have took especially recently on my celebrations for uni and the negative words were starting to slip in my mind. I had to stop and think yes Rachael you look beautiful the way you are regardless of lumps and bumps and you were having a lovely time with friends and appreciating their kindness as what I have to keep telling myself every time I watch it over and over but it's a great memory to have and I'm trying to hold on to that positive memory.
I hope you are able to come up with some kinder solutions and positive words as you are beautiful the way you are although I have never seen a picture it's in me to be kind and tell all woman they are beautiful the way they are! 💖
I love/ loved Hampstead Heath. Spent so much time there as a child. Went to this amazing socially nourishing school on Hampstead Heath called ChristChurch. Only 100 kids, of various colour and nationalities, Rich ones and poor ones- a beautiful melting pot 🌈🌈🌈
I haven’t been in touch for ages. Always find your writings and doings and beings life affirming. I see that there have been so many parallels in your life and my eldest daughter’s life. And then I have that connection of having been brought up in the same house as Biff and Paul, Paul being a good friend of my mum and protector of me when my mum was ill. But I digress, my other daughter, Rachael, who has additional needs due to physical and intellectual challenges ( I don’t like the word disabled - it’s so disabling!! and invalid- in valid? - what the fuck! - and handicapped! I mean….. My daughter isn’t disabled- she is very able- in extraordinary ways. ) Anyway , o just wanted to say apropos to your writings, one of Rachael’s favourite t- shirts says “but what if it goes right?”😊
I love that slogan Remi! And lovely to hear from you 🤗 I hope you and the girls have all had nourishing summers and that there's an equivalent of the heath where you are now?? Sending warmth your way 💜☀️
And I don't like the word disabled either but sometimes you have to use it when needs must. After I tried to normalise myself in Freshers fair queue but when I got to the entrance you needed a ticket which I didn't have and they went on to say you have to stay around and find a way to book one with no service on my network I had to say I am disabled and I can't stand in a queue any longer. It's just so they can count their numbers but at that point I had to say "I am disabled" we shouldn't be ashamed of ourselves by saying such words but I am like you I don't like to use certain words.
Your lovely September seeps right through the screen and into my body!! I had an unexpectedly good September as well. I too react physically and emotionally to the chance in time and light…”here we come depression” I think. But I’m reality, despite more rain than I prefer, September was productive and enjoyable. I celebrated my 49th birthday last week, and I thought it might be hard for me…birthdays are tough because they are heading into the dark season and bc they are so close to the anniversary of my partners suicide. But this year I woke up on my birthday feeling a calm and contentment that I can barely describe. I felt truly hopeful for the first time in a very long time. A kind of “this is my year” glaze covered me and I had a lovely celebration with my family and heard from lots of friends. It was lovely. I received the new Beats 3 headphones with wireless connection for music and calls and I’m most excited to try them out! Hoping to carry this contentment with me one day at a time in October. Sending love and happy birthday to Char!!
What a beautiful update, actually made me feel a little emotional 🥲 I am so glad to hear you had those feelings of calm and contentment - you definitely deserve them after everything you've weathered to get here! Really hoping that they stick around and your brain allows you a restful October 💜💜 and happy belated!! 🥳
Your tattoo is beautiful! I'm awed by what tattoo artists can create nowadays. If it's not too personal, can I ask what inspired that design? I feel like it fits/suits you so perfectly.
Thanks Maddy! Ofc! The original landscape in the circle is inspired by a woodlands where I grew up, and the shadow in the centre is my dog Topsy who we had for 17 years before she left us 💜 the flowers if I'm being honest don't have any great meaning - I just love the colours and thought the landscape looked a little lonely! 🌷
I love that you made the most of the sun this month - so good to fill our tanks when we can ☀️
And maybe this IS how we’re supposed to be being alive
My obsession (yes) with beating myself up around productivity and achievement has calmed down a bit since realising that ‘doing’ is basically just moving stuff around, it’s handy if you need to do it to survive but it doesn’t actually make you any more worthy
Hey Megan sounds like a fun packed September i am glad you had listened to your mind and body and rested too.
I moved in to a halls flat on my own and it's been not so good I have switched from a life by the sea that was quiet and I was enjoying my photography but I moved for uni and I feel like it's sucked all my enjoyment and I'm having a depressive episode and not been able to attend my lectures hopefully next week is a better week. I am grateful for such a supportive university and i couldn't do without their support but everything I had feels like I've lost.
I love getting mail every month it's a chance for us to vent. No one said it was easier going to uni and out of comfort zones but with added extras i.e fibromyalgia and multiple other illnesses including mental health , it's dam tough!
I am sending love to anyone who needs it and I hope my spark comes back soon until then I will ride out the waves in hope the waves are calmer.
Much love from the north to anyone that needs it right now 🤗🤗
Rachael we are proud of you!! For going out of your comfort zone and also for being honest about how hard it is - i felt exactly the same way when I moved into halls the first time. You're doing something really big and brave and it makes sense that you feel this way. Keep being honest and reaching out to your support systems, and try to find some nature nearby to go out with your camera 💜💜
I am glad I don't have to share other than laundry room but it still feels all knew and overwhelming.
I have lost all interest in my photography but been for a walk along the riverside definitely non comparison to the seaside but when I do get to the sea I appreciate it more than ever. Thank you always for the faith in me and the kind words. I love this platform thank you ladies 💖💖💖
Sending love and support to you as you transition to a new chapter at uni and in a new living situation. I worked full time my whole college life and through graduate school as well. It was difficult but I didn’t have the tools that I have now for helping me with my mental state. I too have multiple physical illnesses that make mental health even more challenging but I’m here to tell you that you can do this. There will be days you need to rest and days you feel ready to work hard. There will be unexpected joys and challenges to manage. But I think you will be very pleased as you watch yourself conquer each semester, one day at a time. Hugs!!!!
You warrior doing all that! My hands are off to you such an inspiration. I am hoping to get to uni very soon may next week when I have recovered from the awful bug that lingers thanks to chronic health challenges.
Thank you for your kind words, encouragement and received hugs up in the north xxx
Lots of love and solidarity Rachael! The first few weeks of uni can be demanding on every aspect of our wellbeing, but I really believe it gets happier and easier. I admire you so much for moving to uni and starting a course while managing your health. You're *amazing*
Well I’m in rural Ireland now , driving my dear old, very old campervan called Nellie around. So it feels like I’m on one great big heath and I have plenty of adventures- some invited some uninvited ( like in the dark when it’s lashing rain and the 33 year old headlights peak about two yards ahead of me - yards! I’m showing my age😂!!)
We’re all well. Rachael keeps me on my toes, chauffeuring her here there and everywhere especially to her big sis, Hannah. I’m booked for Sunday! Trying hard to find Rachael a place to live independently with her own supportive staff. It will happen . Just have to negotiate unimaginative bureaucracy. Hannah is kept on her toes by all four children but especially her youngest, Josh. She told me today she calls him her joy boy! He has autism and is non verbal but certainly keeps her life’s full ! ( of surprises, mischief, challenges and joy)
Thank you so much for sharing that you are already starting to feel the change of the seasons. I have been feeling the exact same way and it is nice to know I am not alone. I still have fall but the thought of winter bums me right out. But we got this!
Just wanted to say an extra thank you everyone that's commented and engaged and I love this little platform. Keep that smile shining bright through out October and keep on being fantabulous ✨💖☺️
Don’t be afraid of the winter darlings! The light changes every single day, the long shadows and low sun of sharp winter afternoons make us thankful that just around the corner, spring is waiting. Wrap up, fill a flask with hot tea (or hot chocolate- let’s be honest here), remember that the world, just like us, needs balance - light and shade, cold and hot, happy and sad, try to accept and even embrace each seasonal change and know that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction; summer is on the other side and future you is there too, with the sun shining warmly on your face. Happy autumn and winter to you all xxx
What an absolutely beautiful comment, thank you 😘💜
Your September sounds delightful! Mine has been fairly relaxed ahead of a busy term at uni (for work and studies) so as well as teaching my exercise classes I'm going to be starting my masters dissertation looking at how exercise and our relationship with our bodies (and diet culture) interact... I'm very excited to get started but also nervous about how much work I have ahead of me...!
Becky this sounds brilliant and right up my street! I've actually been considering getting a qualification to teach some kind of joyful movement class as well! What style do you teach? 💜🤗
I started off teaching dance based classes (in Colchester - you shared my classes on your story once after your live gig at the Art Centre) but I now also offer a 'playground' session in my garden that offers a chance to play with some traditional gym equipment whilst build functional fitness - they've been really popular but now it's very dark! You would make an incredible instructor and it really isn't that much work to get qualified as a level 2 group exercise to music, which is all you need (apart from first aid and insurance). 😬
Ah your September sounds super aces!!! Sun and Spa time is the way!!! I felt so blessed to have the sun at the start☀️😊 but after a brief beachy break in Tenby Wales🏴 with my niece I came back with the darn covid at the same time the sun came out😔 Thus most of September has passed in a coviddy haze. Though I'm very thankful I have a garden and could get out and lie there like a recovering walrus 🦭😂. Loving the new tattoo btw and love your general rainbow vibes🌈😊... I too have some Autumn based angst😱#what? summeroveralready? 😨 but tbh I also so utterly looove halloween season! Orange leaves pumpkin time! and can't wait for pie, soup n spookiness🎃... I've already got a new spooky hoodie and leggings and socks mwa hahaha😂🕷️👻🎃x
You're right Sami, there are plenty of cosy vibes to look forward to!! And darn that Rona creeping into the last bit of your summer (the image of a sleepy walrus in the sun was cute tho 😅). Hope you're feeling lots better and still taking it easy when necessary! 💜
Autumn colours are beautiful and can wrap up my favourite time of the year I can wear my jumpers!! 😁☺️
Where has September gone?! It seems the last MJC mail was just a few days ago. Your September sounds so warm and fuzzy, Megan, really great! I can’t complain myself. I had my first holiday in a while and I spend it with friends, I haven’t seen in ages. I definitely filled my friendship cup this month. I also went to get my vitamin D level tested. Supplementing vitamin D really helped with my mood last winter, maybe that’s something to try out.
Sending a big warm hug for everyone who needs one.
Awh I love this update Laura! You deserve to have a full friendship cup 🤗 sending love - and good thinking on the vit d! 💜
Wow Megan! You packed a lot into one month! Love your tattoo. It’s as bright, colorful and beautiful as you are 😊
The month went by really quickly for me. But if September had a theme, it was Family. Celebrating and spending quality time with my parents, sister and 2 brothers throughout the month. As my parents are getting older, I recognize the value of time spent with them. I had an absolutely AH-mazing meal at my brother’s restaurant here in Delaware. Not everyone has an award-winning gourmet chef in the family! 😉 And then last week I got to take the train to Boston to visit my younger brother for a long weekend. I’d say it was a month well-spent.
Sounds like you really are doing life right Michele 😘 and so beautiful to be able to have that time and really be aware of how valuable it is 💜 if I'm ever in Delaware I know where I'll be eating!
Hi dearest Megan <3 Thanks for sharing your update! I'm SOOO obsessed with your tattoo - I have been wanting to add to mine for a while, and this is really beautiful. October is my birthday month so I am already thinking about wanting to do something sweet to celebrate myself with my friends but not be too much of the center of attention... maybe I should add a little Char spice and celebrate to the MAX!! I'm in my senior year of college in Connecticut and really feeling at peace. I have been having some negative body thoughts arise surprisingly in the last month or so (after so many years of these rarely coming up). I think it has to do with me having a crush (oolala) and wanting to appear attractive :( I know cognitively that this is not true, but it's an old thought pattern. I wonder how others in the body positive world deal with these old brain paths that we know aren't true but we feel them arising again? I'm trying to practice some gentle awareness and compassion toward those parts, then letting them know we actually don't need to believe that anymore. Anyways, lots of love!
Happy birthday month lila! And thank you for the beautiful, honest comment 😘 I absolutely hear you on the body thoughts that come with a new crush (oohlala) - I had some come up with Char at first too 💜 I just kept doing my body positive practices as usual: recognising where those thoughts come from (f u diet culture), reminding myself that I'm a badass bitch with so many attractive qualities outside of my body, touching my body with care and gratitude, like Sams said. I think something that also helps is a bit of righteousness, like "I've worked so hard for so long to feel good in this body, am I gonna let someone come in and make me start doubting it?? Abso-fucking-lutely not!". Plus when you're dating someone, standing in your values is the MOST important, so that they get a full picture of who you are 🤗 you're doing great lila - update us next month! 💜💜
Thank you sweet Megan for the thoughtful words and advice <3 I will be using these!
Lila, when I have a crush I become a bit critical of my body as well. I try to take time in the mirror acknowledging those parts that I don’t love and reminding myself that I am beautiful and worthy of love whether or not I have a flat stomach, etc. I purposely touch those parts that I struggle with and give them mental and physical love, just as I hope my crush would do. It is difficult at first but it gets easier. I hope that helps and I hope your semester goes well!!!
This sounds like a powerful practice and I will let you know how it goes for me next month <3 thanks for your kind words
Hey Lila (beautiful name)! Your comment about new crushes bringing up old body-consciousness resonates with me a lot. I remember some advice a friend gave me— I hope you won't mind if I share it! She pointed out that when I get a crush, that person becomes special in my eyes and everything about them makes my heart sing. I don't know if it feels like this for you, but I often feel lucky and a little starstruck just being around them. So— I probably don't see my crush's flaws clearly, or consider them impediments to my affection. And so, if/when my crush is returning my affections, he'll turn that giddy, rose-tinted perspective on me too. I struggle to imagine someone seeing me so positively, but I think that is the nature of a crush! Anyway, I bet you're as beautiful as your name and I hope it goes well :)
this is such a beautiful message maddy thank you ❤️❤️❤️ i really love that sentiment from your friend :)
Suffering with BDD is torture sometimes on my mind about my body thoughts. I look over photos and videos people have took especially recently on my celebrations for uni and the negative words were starting to slip in my mind. I had to stop and think yes Rachael you look beautiful the way you are regardless of lumps and bumps and you were having a lovely time with friends and appreciating their kindness as what I have to keep telling myself every time I watch it over and over but it's a great memory to have and I'm trying to hold on to that positive memory.
I hope you are able to come up with some kinder solutions and positive words as you are beautiful the way you are although I have never seen a picture it's in me to be kind and tell all woman they are beautiful the way they are! 💖
I love/ loved Hampstead Heath. Spent so much time there as a child. Went to this amazing socially nourishing school on Hampstead Heath called ChristChurch. Only 100 kids, of various colour and nationalities, Rich ones and poor ones- a beautiful melting pot 🌈🌈🌈
Hi Megan ,
I haven’t been in touch for ages. Always find your writings and doings and beings life affirming. I see that there have been so many parallels in your life and my eldest daughter’s life. And then I have that connection of having been brought up in the same house as Biff and Paul, Paul being a good friend of my mum and protector of me when my mum was ill. But I digress, my other daughter, Rachael, who has additional needs due to physical and intellectual challenges ( I don’t like the word disabled - it’s so disabling!! and invalid- in valid? - what the fuck! - and handicapped! I mean….. My daughter isn’t disabled- she is very able- in extraordinary ways. ) Anyway , o just wanted to say apropos to your writings, one of Rachael’s favourite t- shirts says “but what if it goes right?”😊
I love that! I often tell myself, “what if it all works out?” It so nourishing to put yourself in that mind space.
That’s a great mantra 👏👏
I love that slogan Remi! And lovely to hear from you 🤗 I hope you and the girls have all had nourishing summers and that there's an equivalent of the heath where you are now?? Sending warmth your way 💜☀️
I love inspirational quotes on t-shirts.
And I don't like the word disabled either but sometimes you have to use it when needs must. After I tried to normalise myself in Freshers fair queue but when I got to the entrance you needed a ticket which I didn't have and they went on to say you have to stay around and find a way to book one with no service on my network I had to say I am disabled and I can't stand in a queue any longer. It's just so they can count their numbers but at that point I had to say "I am disabled" we shouldn't be ashamed of ourselves by saying such words but I am like you I don't like to use certain words.
Anyways your daughter is fantabulous ✨✨
Your lovely September seeps right through the screen and into my body!! I had an unexpectedly good September as well. I too react physically and emotionally to the chance in time and light…”here we come depression” I think. But I’m reality, despite more rain than I prefer, September was productive and enjoyable. I celebrated my 49th birthday last week, and I thought it might be hard for me…birthdays are tough because they are heading into the dark season and bc they are so close to the anniversary of my partners suicide. But this year I woke up on my birthday feeling a calm and contentment that I can barely describe. I felt truly hopeful for the first time in a very long time. A kind of “this is my year” glaze covered me and I had a lovely celebration with my family and heard from lots of friends. It was lovely. I received the new Beats 3 headphones with wireless connection for music and calls and I’m most excited to try them out! Hoping to carry this contentment with me one day at a time in October. Sending love and happy birthday to Char!!
What a beautiful update, actually made me feel a little emotional 🥲 I am so glad to hear you had those feelings of calm and contentment - you definitely deserve them after everything you've weathered to get here! Really hoping that they stick around and your brain allows you a restful October 💜💜 and happy belated!! 🥳
Your tattoo is beautiful! I'm awed by what tattoo artists can create nowadays. If it's not too personal, can I ask what inspired that design? I feel like it fits/suits you so perfectly.
Thanks Maddy! Ofc! The original landscape in the circle is inspired by a woodlands where I grew up, and the shadow in the centre is my dog Topsy who we had for 17 years before she left us 💜 the flowers if I'm being honest don't have any great meaning - I just love the colours and thought the landscape looked a little lonely! 🌷
Perfection! 👌🏻
Another wonderful post, thank you Angel
I love that you made the most of the sun this month - so good to fill our tanks when we can ☀️
And maybe this IS how we’re supposed to be being alive
My obsession (yes) with beating myself up around productivity and achievement has calmed down a bit since realising that ‘doing’ is basically just moving stuff around, it’s handy if you need to do it to survive but it doesn’t actually make you any more worthy
I love you xxxxxxx
I would like to hear more about this revelation of moving stuff around please 😘💜
Hey Megan sounds like a fun packed September i am glad you had listened to your mind and body and rested too.
I moved in to a halls flat on my own and it's been not so good I have switched from a life by the sea that was quiet and I was enjoying my photography but I moved for uni and I feel like it's sucked all my enjoyment and I'm having a depressive episode and not been able to attend my lectures hopefully next week is a better week. I am grateful for such a supportive university and i couldn't do without their support but everything I had feels like I've lost.
I love getting mail every month it's a chance for us to vent. No one said it was easier going to uni and out of comfort zones but with added extras i.e fibromyalgia and multiple other illnesses including mental health , it's dam tough!
I am sending love to anyone who needs it and I hope my spark comes back soon until then I will ride out the waves in hope the waves are calmer.
Much love from the north to anyone that needs it right now 🤗🤗
Rachael we are proud of you!! For going out of your comfort zone and also for being honest about how hard it is - i felt exactly the same way when I moved into halls the first time. You're doing something really big and brave and it makes sense that you feel this way. Keep being honest and reaching out to your support systems, and try to find some nature nearby to go out with your camera 💜💜
I am glad I don't have to share other than laundry room but it still feels all knew and overwhelming.
I have lost all interest in my photography but been for a walk along the riverside definitely non comparison to the seaside but when I do get to the sea I appreciate it more than ever. Thank you always for the faith in me and the kind words. I love this platform thank you ladies 💖💖💖
Sending love and support to you as you transition to a new chapter at uni and in a new living situation. I worked full time my whole college life and through graduate school as well. It was difficult but I didn’t have the tools that I have now for helping me with my mental state. I too have multiple physical illnesses that make mental health even more challenging but I’m here to tell you that you can do this. There will be days you need to rest and days you feel ready to work hard. There will be unexpected joys and challenges to manage. But I think you will be very pleased as you watch yourself conquer each semester, one day at a time. Hugs!!!!
You warrior doing all that! My hands are off to you such an inspiration. I am hoping to get to uni very soon may next week when I have recovered from the awful bug that lingers thanks to chronic health challenges.
Thank you for your kind words, encouragement and received hugs up in the north xxx
Lots of love and solidarity Rachael! The first few weeks of uni can be demanding on every aspect of our wellbeing, but I really believe it gets happier and easier. I admire you so much for moving to uni and starting a course while managing your health. You're *amazing*
I love that you’re sending love out even though you’re not having an easy time, I hope things ease soon xx
Thank you for your kind words 🤗 xxx
👍🏽❤️👍🏽
Well I’m in rural Ireland now , driving my dear old, very old campervan called Nellie around. So it feels like I’m on one great big heath and I have plenty of adventures- some invited some uninvited ( like in the dark when it’s lashing rain and the 33 year old headlights peak about two yards ahead of me - yards! I’m showing my age😂!!)
We’re all well. Rachael keeps me on my toes, chauffeuring her here there and everywhere especially to her big sis, Hannah. I’m booked for Sunday! Trying hard to find Rachael a place to live independently with her own supportive staff. It will happen . Just have to negotiate unimaginative bureaucracy. Hannah is kept on her toes by all four children but especially her youngest, Josh. She told me today she calls him her joy boy! He has autism and is non verbal but certainly keeps her life’s full ! ( of surprises, mischief, challenges and joy)
Thank you so much for sharing that you are already starting to feel the change of the seasons. I have been feeling the exact same way and it is nice to know I am not alone. I still have fall but the thought of winter bums me right out. But we got this!
Just wanted to say an extra thank you everyone that's commented and engaged and I love this little platform. Keep that smile shining bright through out October and keep on being fantabulous ✨💖☺️