Life, rest, mosquito bites and an update..

Imagine waking up to over 30 mosquito bites on one leg on day 2 of your holiday!

Why do they like me so much?????

By day 3, I think I had over 80 bites on me — and that was while wearing Deet, mosquito bands, and Tiger Balm (because I read online that worked 😂). I can confirm it didn’t, so don’t believe that one!

This wasn’t my usual sort of holiday, but by god, was it needed.

I first went to Antigua back in 2007 - this was my 4th time there, and it was so nice to spend some time with my partner and share this beautiful island with him - which hasn’t changed a tiny bit in all those years - which is exactly what I love about it!

It’s known as the Island of 365 Beaches - and some, you can’t even describe the colour of the sea. It’s truly beautiful!

As soon as I got there, I was just whacked with exhaustion — I didn’t realise how burnt out I was.

It’s so easy to just keep on going and going and not really listen to the signs (even though they were all there - I just chose to ignore them!).

We had intended to go self catering, as we had a villa, but soon got there and realised we couldn’t be bothered to think, let alone cook - so we took some pressure off and went all inclusive.

We spent a few days talking about the cost of it and how it’s easy to live in the mindset of ‘I’ve got to get my money’s worth’. Now, not being a drinker (or even someone who eats a lot), you could argue - I wouldn’t get my money’s worth!

But this is one of those beliefs / mindsets a lot of people get stuck in. We chatted to a few people who would make comments, that because I don’t drink, what’s the point! The point is - I’m getting as much as I want to consume. And the ease of a holiday (which I would pay over again).

All we did was relax (be looked after), lounge in the sun, play games, swim in the sea, kayak, go to the gym (I even got James in the gym for the first time ever), and learnt how to play pickleball (which I have a new addiction for).

No thinking, no decisions — just pure holiday bliss — well, after the guilt of stopping had worn off, that is.

Anyway.. I did a little thinking (not much, I’ll admit), but got thinking about my dislike of social media (I spent too much time on it on holiday).

But when you have a business, it becomes that thing that you feel like you should be showing up all the time - whether that’s sharing posts / stories - and it can often stop you from really being in the moment!

I sort of feel like more people are trying, if not, stepping away from social media these days because of the noise and how much they are consuming.

“There’s so much noise online that silence has become a luxury - and sometimes the truest connection is found in stepping away from it.”

The point I am trying to make is, I am aiming to take a little step back from it. Obviously I will share stuff on there, it’s been my business card for the last 10-11 years, but it’s constantly changing, confusing and you have to do it as a full time job these days (which I don’t have the energy or time to do).

One minute you have to create reels. Next, you have to find trending audio. Next, it’s all wrong — and to be honest, it’s consumed so much of my time and energy (in some negative and stressful ways).

That’s not me saying I’m going to quit it, but I think I prefer writing things like this and emails (I feel I can get my point across a bit easier - or maybe I talk even more rubbish, who knows!).

My dream is to start a podcast (I just need to understand how to do it). At the moment, it’s in that ‘too complicated to do’ box, and I need to get my head out of that and bring it to life, as it’s something I’ve been talking about for years.

Last little update, I’m working hard behind the scenes on lots of stuff.

• I’ve got the opportunity to write a blog about menopause for an endurance sports business - this is super exciting and will be shared next month (I will share more details).

• I have lots of hikes planned for the coming months and some big challenges into next year - think Yorkshire 3 Peaks (and more).

• I am halfway through my next Menopause course - this has gone into a lot more depth than the last one I did, about metabolism, hormones, nutrition, gut health etc. I’m looking forward to sharing more about this with my clients (and some more blogs).

• I am working with a local business to do a couple of presentations for their staff, all about nutrition, lifestyle and strength.

• I have some plans to support clients more on their journey

  
  

Thanks for reading — I hope it reminds you to rest when you need to, and maybe even step back from the noise now and then.

I’m looking forward to sharing my next blog, all about nutrition and peri menopause!