How are you all? I hope you're keeping cool in the heat we are currently experiencing in the UK. I hear it's been super hot in America this year too. And some people say global warming isn't real?!
Today (as I write this), I have been in London for a lovely collaboration, which I will be sharing with you all soon. My London visit included having a conversation about my mental health and sharing some of my thoughts/ experiences. I was delighted to have a waffle about my experiences and share some personal insights.
It led me to think about a few things (lots, obviously lots). One thing that I came away feeling was a slight distance... A distance from the symptoms that have previously had a huge impact on my life, sure they are still there. But their impact is so much less now. I came away nervous I hadn't talked about everything I had wanted to, or that I had missed something out. Those thoughts, I would kind of expect, but I was also surprisingly proud. Proud, that I've educated myself about my illnesses, that I've put into place strategies and tools that support my wellbeing, that I value myself enough to do that, and that my recovery journey has included sharing not just my story, but that of others too (through the podcast).
"That I value myself enough" - really stuck with me.
The conversation today really resonated with me, and was quite thought provoking. I can be so task focused in my mind that I don't always look back at the achievements, or just be/ exist in the moment. So talking about the positive steps today was a bit of a reminder of what I have achieved.
I didn't quite know what to do with myself after the chat, but fortunately I had my camera with me. I wondered around the local area for 10-15 minutes then spotted a map and saw I wasn't far from Hyde Park. So, I made my way there, took a few photos, caught a few Pokemon, listened to a couple of podcasts and enjoyed the fine weather.
There's some cool stuff happening at the moment. I have had great events and training at work, there's been awesome conversations and guests on the MOJO podcast, the Mental Health Blog Awards are under a month away and I'm moving soon. So, yer, busy.
I have also found myself thinking about the future more over the last couple weeks. Those thoughts have generally been happy and positive, which is something I have struggled with for a long time. More recently I have found myself accepting those thoughts, and even being happy about being happy. Not all the time, but sometimes, I can be happy now and I can't tell you how much of a mind shift that is.
While I still struggle in moments and some moments are longer than others (still got to do the negative first), being happy, and being ok with that, is something I wasn't sure I'd have again.
I think the upcoming move is happening at a good time for me. I have mentioned before realising I've lived in a house not a home for a long time. I think moving will be a positive change for me. Plus, mega mega plus, I am moving in with Laura, which I am super excited about. Laura has really supported me in many unexplainable and unexpected ways. Her love, care and faith in me is something I value extremely highly, even if I am still learning to accept it. I look forward to the joy that will undoubtedly come with our new adventure of cohabitation.
I think I saw today as part of a task, a very very cool one, but a task. I wasn't prepared for how much fun it would be and the positive thoughts I would have after.
I am looking forward to sharing the discussion with you soon. Until then I would like to recap the wellbeing tools I used today and encourage you to share the things that help keep you well too.
Walking
Being outside
Taking photos
Playing PokemonGo
Talking to Laura on the phone
Drinking water
Wondering - mentally and physically
Listening to podcasts
