Today I am looking ahead to another year aboard our little Yacht Sandpiper, another year of freedom with more than a dash of wild rich madness. I share a few of the highlights and experiences that in deed have shaped me into who I am today. It is funny how things have changed and how I have changed as a person.
Heaven welcomed another angel
Gary and I started this year in Ardrossan, this place will always hold bitter sweet memories. I walked miles of beaches whilst talking to my mum, trying to raise her spirits as she battled with bowel cancer. The day the doctor rang to give me the words no one ever wants to hear, was one I will never forget. I had wanted for so long to speak with the doctors about mums illness but she was fiercely independent and wanted to manage the situation herself. Hurray, I thought as I answered the phone to the doctor, finally I can get some answers. Although in seconds his calm and soothing voice gave me goose bumps, oh shit this is not good news, I gulped and listened to him tell me to take my time, not to rush as there was nothing I could do for her now. My mum had passed away, minutes after leaving the A&E department with a DVT condition . Suddenly and out of the blue mum was gone, she died of a ruptured valve to her heart, not cancer. I felt robbed of the chance to hug her one last time, Covid restrictions have a lot to answer for. Organising the funeral and helping my step dad sort the house was tough but I am resilient and Gary, Stu and I got through it all. I celebrate my mum with these treasured photos she’s beautiful and I am proud to call her MY MUM.
The pain is as raw today as it was at the beginning of the year but every time When I’m reminded of my mum, I use it as an opportunity to cherish her memory, and to dedicate a minute or two of my day to her. I have learned that ‘nothing lasts forever’ as said by Jenna Lowthert,
“Every time it rains, it stops raining. Every time you hurt, you heal. After darkness always comes light and you get reminded of this each and every morning. Bad times make good times better. Nothing lasts forever. Not the good or the bad, So we all might as well smile while we are still here.”
After the funeral we set sail with more determination than ever. Determination to shine bright and live life to the full. Our sailing has been awesome this year and you can see the destinations in Episode 43, lots of photos and sunsets !!!!
So What's Changed.......
I have learned to go with the flow more this year. I am more relaxed and accept situations, rather than trying to alter or control it. The older I get the freer I feel. No longer do I tie myself in knots trying to please everyone. It’s like the pressure to be “everything” to “everybody” has lifted. I am post menopause with an expanding waistline, grey hair and a few more wrinkles but hell my sense of humour is still intact and I am happy. When going through my photos for the previous post I noted how much braver I am becoming with my hair, finally it is a fully formed pixie cut.
It's funny how we outgrow what we thought we could not live without and how we fall in love with what we did't know we wanted"
Marcandangel
I have also realised that I can cook. This year I have made soup every week, experimented with sauces, made dhal and have now got many spice jars in my cupboard. Confidence with spices has been my biggest move forward, a pinch of this and a pinch of that have turned my very steady basic meals into something rather special, and dare I say tasty! I now know that cabbage has a serious shelf life and sweet potato is yummy.
5 of my best decisions this year;
1. Live on an Island for the winter– We chose the Isle of Kerrera, such an awesome place and don't think we will ever leave!
2. To become a Clarity4D Business Partner, well why not, it is in my blood!
I have spent over a year relaxing and leaving the corporate world behind but I have come to understand that this powerful profiling tool has become part of my DNA . So this winter it was time to invest, enabling me to continue to practice as Carl Jung Coach and Trainer, helping others understand themselves and those around them.
3. Do more of what I love. Coach and Lead with Passion.
This winter many have reached out to ask me to coach and support them in their businesses. I feel so fortunate to be able to work with these select few. I know the 'select few' might seem a little confusing, especially if you’re self employed in business. But my time away from the 9-5 work regime gave me time to consider my ideal client, I realised that when I work with these people something happens to my work. It gets better. I coach better. I give more. I give those clients more than I would ever imagined, because I am more emotionally invested in them and their business. If it feels right, it generally is right and so I am back. Back in the world of work, albeit part-time and it feels good.
4. Be part of a community - get involved in a nice introverted way with a dash of extraversion.
Saying YES more often to opportunity has enriched my life this year. I have been to auctions, sheep gatherings, marshalled at a community bike competitions and danced the night away in true Scottish style in Mallaig. I've even been wild water swimming, cooked with seaweed and joined in more community celebrations than ever before in my life. Along the way I have met so many interesting people and some will be life long friends.
Next year, I will remain flexible with my path but I know I will dedicate more time to going home to see my family whilst also continuing my reconnection with work. Don’t get me wrong sailing is still on the list as Scotland is not done yet.
Happy New Year my friends and I look forward to sharing more blog posts in 2022 xxxx
Enjoyed these two,nice to know your priorities.Magsx