Mother’s Day is Coming Up

Mother’s day is coming up so treat yourself, but make it realistic and something especially for you. Something as simple as going for a walk (ideally regularly) is such a joy.

We are always spinning so many plates, why not take time to re discover this joy and make it a daily part of your routine. I did, in January of this year, and have absolutely adored the time it gives me.

– Friedrich Nietzsche

Mothers day is coming up so treat yourself, but make it realistic and for you. Something as simple as going for a walk (ideally regularly) is such a joy, as you well know or remember.  We are spinning so many plates, why not take time to re discover this joy and make it a daily part of your routine.  I did, in January of this year, and have absolutely adored the time it gives me.

At first taking time out like this made me feel guilty, especially my expectations of myself and what I should be doing. My unsustainable every day conditioning was telling me that I should be in the office firefighting the myriad of things that make a small business tick; helping other people thrive, batting curve balls, planning, selling, trying to achieve, trying to inject creativity into my life and into my business whilst the body was burned out, just wasn’t working.

Then I simply walked.  I walked out.  Just for an hour.  I set an hour of time aside.  I left early, it was dark (I don’t recommend this actually, don’t walk in the dark, it can be scary).  I just walked.  I caught Rocco (our terribly naughty Teckel puppy) and just walked, and its been the best thing I could have done.

To begin with the walk was not an hour, a little less but now I realise the importance of this time, I don’t feel guilty taking at least an hour ‘out’.

I am blessed to have started this new routine in January.  If I can manage it, an early morning walk sets me up for the whole day. I don’t do it every day but I miss it hugely when I don’t get out.  I love to notice the seasons, to see Spring arrive with snow drops and daffodils, to smell early morning air and to hear the birds sing. Such simple pleasures mean the world to me, they are so energising and of course the health benefits are immeasurable.

Walking has brought me peace, creativity, freedom, balance and hope.  I am not special, it will for sure bring these sensations to you also.  That said, I often conduct business meetings while I am walking, but it’s a great use of my time.  Even if you need to refer to documents, trust me – you will find you know your subject matter and reference material much better than you think you do, and the physical act of walking brings such freedom of thought.

I guess walking is a bit like a commute, you often see the same people and our dogs love to play.  I am 100% my most creative when I have thinking time whilst walking.  I have clarity of thought to organise the pieces of the cosmos-like jigsaw of obligations in my head. Once they are vaguely in place, ideas just flow and I am a more balanced and tolerant person for it.  With creativity comes confidence and hope and a sense of wellbeing.  This leads to enthusiasm and positivity, so the circle of energy continues.

Towards the end of the week or at the weekend, if my ‘to do’ list is less burdensome I do ring fence walking as ‘my time’ – I listen to podcasts and I really cant recommend Holly Tucker’s ‘Conversations of Inspiration’ more highly.  She is insightful, wise, loves creativity, vulnerable and witty. She interviews some inspirational guests and her podcasts are packed full of tips to survive and improve upon the rigours of work and home life.

So, Be:Loved, be inspired, be kind to your self, make that initial effort to make a change for YOU.  Get off the pot, grab the dog and make time for a walk – give it a try in the first instance; you never know  what opportunities will find you.