July Reflections
Around this time last year I wrote my first newsletter ramblings.
I remember because on the summer solstice I had embarked upon a 100km run across the South Downs on the hottest day of the year. 12 months on and such a lot has changed in my world... at least, this is what I immediately thought as I sat back to reflect.
I can bring some specifics to mind of course. Some pivotal changes in relationships, in family life, exams completed & milestones reached. There have been exciting changes in Curiosity Project, the development of the CIC and the growth of Navigating Connections - not to mention the way we look so beautiful now thanks to Lynda & Jeni.
I can think of personal achievements, of adventures along beautiful trails, of yoga practiced alongside inspirational women and of finding stillness in some of the most unlikely places, a lot has happened and changed - and yet looking back over ramblings - so much has remained constant.
I really wasn’t aware until I turned to look back.
I notice the themes for me have been:
Nature - to be influenced by it, always aware of its impact and its potential to excite & to soothe.
Injury and recovery have been a cyclical feature too and I am struck by how, with commitment & acceptance there is a route to building resilience & strength even when it seems like then is no hope.
Creativity is a thread throughout, from porridge feasts to poetry it’s always the backdrop to my life.
And of course, movement is central and a constant aspect of my life - to run, explore, breathe & practice yoga, these things are essential to me.
The longer I ponder on the past 12 months the more I am struck by the abundance of things that anchor me in their 'Sameness'.
Black coffee in the morning. Downward facing dog. Seeing my mum on a Sunday. Smooth PNB in porridge, crunchy on toast. My 5K loop. My work playlist (no lyrics...in case you are curious).
You have by now worked out where I’m heading with this, particularly if you’ve been with us on the curiosity journey over the 12 month of blogs. Consistency is everything. In the season of academic endings and changes and faced with a future dappled by the shadows of 'unknown'; there is steadiness to be found in the safety of 'the Same'.
Pausing to work out what these things are - what your own healthy anchors are, may well be the best offer you can make to your child right now. Whether they are graduating from nursery or Uni, there will be a need for you to be available to co-regulate through the changes.
We are living in an ever-evolving world, where leaders come & go, power seems to be held 'elsewhere' and changes are often erratic & arrive without warning. Some days all we can control is our breath, in those moments the glimmer of your anchor will keep you steady.
12 months on from peas on my knee and I’m days away from another Ultra - this time in another country and with all the hallmarks of an adventure. As I head off and embrace the Challenge, I encourage you to pause, reflect, find your anchors, name them... & then do whatever brings you joy.
Here’s to another 12 months.
- Katy