An Attitude of Gratitude

I have recently been reflecting on how much has changed over the last few years, and few months, and how much I’m trying to embrace this change,

I like to think I’m fairly positive and like to see the good in things, and I’m sure that has helped in this time of change. I am now in a new job, back to working Monday to Friday full time, which has involved a considerable step up, I’ve taken on a more senior volunteering role with the (newly) Chartered Institute of Fundraising South West, and I’m well on my way to completing Couch to 5k.

The Couch to 5k journey has been an interesting one. I’ve *always* said I’m not a runner, I hate running, my legs don’t like running, basically any excused not to run, but overall I’ve really enjoyed this journey. I have felt exhausted whilst out, I’ve clock watched a lot, and I’ve just been desperate for the running to be over, but I’ve not given up once. It’s required a change of mindset, to keep myself motivated and find ways to keep going. I’ve also posted every run on social media. I said at the start that was my way of remaining accountable, and feeling like people could ask why I hadn’t done recently if I’d been quiet for a while. I have been amazed at how many people have contacted me though and said they’re thinking of giving it a go too. What I’ve struggled most with is the fact that I wanted there to be some weight loss alongside it, and while there’s been a little (and I mean very little), it’s shown me I need to do more in my lifestyle than adjust my eating a little and move a bit every other day. However, I am wanting to get on top of it while I can and make changes while I’m motivated to do so!

I am absolutely loving my new role. Two weeks in, and I’m not sinking so much anymore, more slowly making progress through a big mud bath. I feel like I’m getting to grips with the role and am excited about the potential of my team, what we can do together, and all there is to do in the next 12 months (it’s a maternity cover role). I am grateful for having the opportunity in a new role in this tough time. In my first week the main aim was getting a rota together for staff to come back to the offices on a regular basis, but my second week, this went out the window. The plans are always changing, but I’m hoping this attitude of gratitude and positivity will mean I can react well to the changes and be optimistic for the future of the team, he charity, and whatever job this opportunity leads to.

It’s been strange timing changing roles while the children return to school. No, we don’t have them all the time, but we had them a lot during lockdown and the last six months has helped my relationship with them both so, so much. However, now I’m head down in my job so much (it’s definitely more than a 9-5 job!), and they’re exhausted suddenly learning/being at school for 6 hours a day, it feels like the dynamic has shifted slightly. It’s all positive and shows that nothing stays the same, but there has definitely been a shift. I admire the children for how they’ve dealt with this year. They are so incredibly resilient, *so* clever, and I am so, so blessed to be a part of their amazing lives.

Rich regularly says ‘Ok soppy’, and I am soppy, but I also think I’m just very appreciative of what I’m fortunate enough to have. I know it can easily be taken away, and this combination of a solid family life, a demanding and motivating work life and a strong, disciplined faith is more than I ever dreamt of.

I highly recommend Couch to 5k to anyone needing to make some time for themselves. It’s not about the fitness or running, but I’ve found that headspace has been so valuable to me. I haven’t been able to mull over work or personal things whilst running as all I could focus on was the end of the next set of running! It’s self care in a totally different, refreshing way, and it gets the endorphins racing for sure. Why not give it a go?