Unity in the Sea

In a world that often seems divided, where people from various backgrounds struggle to find common ground, through Sol' cold water therapy group I have discovered the transformative power of nature with regards to connection and shared experiences.  

Every Sunday morning, throughout Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter we gather by the sea, take deep breaths, meditate, swim, and then warm ourselves around a crackling fire. There are people in the group of all different ages, walks of lives, nationalities - British, Turkish, Polish, but despite our diverse origins and limited knowledge about each others lives, the essence of the sea brings us all together. 

As we splash in the waves we share laughter, refreshment of the soul, fun, togetherness and peace. The sea, with its rhythmic waves and endless expanse, has long held a special place in the hearts of countless individuals. Its awe-inspiring beauty and vastness evokes a profound sense of tranquility. Every Sunday morning the sea serves as the common foundation for shared experiences, acting as a source of solace, healing, and inspiration.

Before our dip we experience the healing power of breath work and meditation led by Sol, this helps us tap into our inner selves, quieting our minds and finding stillness. The rhythmic sound of crashing waves becomes the soundtrack to the meditation, creating a deeply soothing atmosphere, amplifying the healing power of the practice, and offering a space for self-reflection, release, and rejuvenation. 

Despite our different ages, cultures and limited knowledge of each other's lives, I find solace in this shared experience; we laugh, we scream, we play and we let go of our inhibitions, embracing the freedom of the water. The only thing that matters is the feeling of freedom, with nature and with one another. Laughter is a universal language, these moments of joy allow us to connect on a deeper level  The sea washes away our worries, renews our spirits, and infuses us with a renewed sense of purpose. After the swim, we get together around a crackling fire with a powerful sense of achievement from our shared experience. 

For me the group is a great reminder that despite differences, we are all interconnected, with nature and with one another. 🙏

You Need to Say Sorry

In the spotlight's gleam tonight,

Brenda, a waitress with heart so bright,

She graces the stage no scenes to play,

In a poignant tale of love's decay.

Beyond the smiles and cheerful cheer,

The play unfolds, whispered clear.

Through the lines and tragic scenes,

A story of pain, the main characters share,

Leaving their audience breathless, aware.

The play's hard-hitting script,

Moving dialogue and actions intense,

Grips the audience souls, makes them sense,

captivated, enraptured, swayed.

The stage becomes a battleground of the heart,

Where shadows clash and love falls apart,

The performances, a masterful blend,

Leaving the audience breathless, on a journey they ascend.

With every line, the weight they bear,

Transcends the boundaries of space and air,

And in the hush that follows each scene,

The story resounds, vivid and keen.

Through the tears flow, cutting deep,

The wounds expose the secrets we keep,

Unravels a truth that can't be denied,

Domestic abuse, lets no longer hide.

Let the story echo in our mind,

Inspiring change, leaving no soul behind,

With this play, let our hearts become bold,

Understanding stories that must be told.

Unique Lenses

I recently visited two different garages, in the first there was an older, grumpy looking, pessimistic mechanic, in the second there was a younger, cheery and optimistic mechanic, when presented with the same car, their assessments of its condition couldn't have been more disparate.

Perception is the act of seeing, interpreting, and understanding the world around us. I find it fascinating how every individual perceives the world differently, through their very own unique lense. 

Some see life from an optimistic viewpoint, where hope and positivity thrive, others have a more pessimistic perspective, where challenges and negativity can overshadow their perception. Our worlds are shaped by these different interpretations and there are consequences of viewing life through an optimistic or a pessimistic lense.

Optimists can have an unwavering belief in the potential for good, they see the world through the lens of possibility. They embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and personal development. With a positive outlook, they appreciate the brighter side of life, choosing to focus on success, happiness, and love.

From an optimistic viewpoint, the world is an abundant place full of serendipitous encounters and meaningful connections. Every circumstance, whether fortunate or unfortunate, is seen as a stepping stone toward a fulfilling and purposeful life. An optimists belief is that setbacks are fleeting and part of a necessary path towards personal transformation. This perspective enables optimists to maintain resilient attitudes in the face of adversity. Finding silver linings even in the darkest moments, optimists often discover hidden opportunities that others sometimes overlook. Their unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity can be infectious, inspiring others to maintain hope and actively work towards creating a better world.

Whilst with a pessimistic mindset there is a perception the world is a gloomy and difficult place. Pessimists often expect the worst outcome and view life as a series of inevitable disappointments. Their negative lens casts a shadow over every situation making it challenging to find joy or hope in ordinary situations. Living life through a pessimistic lense the world can appear to be riddled with hardship, failure, and heartache. Pessimists anticipate circumstances not to go as planned, leading to a sense of resignation and diminished sense of control. Their bleak perception of the world around them can create vicious cycles, as their negative expectations manifest themselves, reinforcing their pessimistic view of the world.

Pessimism can act as a self-protective mechanism, shielding individuals from potential disappointment, but this may hinder personal growth as it may limit the ability to embrace opportunities. Pessimists may struggle to maintain healthy relationships, take risks, or explore their full potential due to a perceived fear of failure or rejection.

I see myself as an optimist in life and a pessimist in love.  My optimism fuels hope, resilience, and my pursuit of positive change, while my pessimism engenders caution, critical thinking, and emotional self-preservation. Perceptions of life are subjective and influenced by our personal experiences, upbringing, attitude, and various other factors.

When looking at the complexities of life through both sides of the lense and finding an equilibrium between optimism and pessimism, you can appreciate the wisdom of both viewpoints, and cultivate a more nuanced understanding of the world.

But this doesn't help me answer the question. Which mechanic do I choose? 

The pessimistic mechanic for his experience and his critical mindset, which may provide a more thorough and realistic assessment of the car's issues and potential challenges, helping to avoid any unexpected surprises in future. 

Or the optimist mechanic for their positive attitude, sense of confidence and reassurance about the car's potential and cheaper quote...🤔

Hetty Adventures. When will enough be enough?

Dreams keep us motivated. They give us a sense of purpose and hope for what could be. For as long as I can remember, I've dreamt about owning a hearse. It was a crazy fantasy that I didn't think would actually happen. I can't begin to describe how incredible it felt when that dream came true, and I became the proud owner of Hetty the Hearse.

From the beginning, I knew that Hetty didn't come risk-free and today, when I drove her to the garage, I was determined to go in with high hopes and a positive attitude. Deep down, I knew there was a chance that my dreams of many Hetty adventures to come could all be squashed.

I was scared I was going to be told Hetty was beyond repair, and my dreams would be over before they began. But, as luck would have it, Hetty can be fixed... it's just a matter of how much I am willing to spend.

This has got me thinking... when will enough be enough?

I still don't know the extent or the cost of her repairs. My heart tells me to hold on to my dreams for as long as I can and do whatever it takes. My head tells me I need to be realistic, not go into debt, bankrupt myself, and ruin my life to make it happen.

I truly do believe dreams can come true, but I am learning along the way the risks and costs that may be involved in pursuing them.

Hettys First Adventure

Hetty the Hearse was always parked in the same old spot, behind the shed in the farmers field. She sat there, day after day, greeting passersby and watching the comings and goings on. She had been sitting ln the farm for years, filled with cobwebs and dust. Every passerby had thought Hetty was spooky and strange, and no one ever wanted to ride in her. Hetty longed for adventure. She dreamed of travelling to far-off places and seeing the world beyond the farm. 

One day, her wish came true when a family came to the farm, looking for a unique way to travel on their holidays. They had heard of Hetty and her distinctive charm, and they came to see her for themselves. They fell in love with Hetty's beautiful and unique character, they knew instantly that Hetty was the perfect vehicle to take them on their family adventures. The family reassured Hetty that being different wasn't always a bad thing, and that sometimes, it's what makes you stand out. Hetty had never felt as proud to be a spooky, brave hearse.

Hetty was thrilled to be going on her first adventure, she couldn't wait to hit the open road. What she didn't know was that the BBC were planning their annual Halloween special and wanted to do something a little bit different. They'd decided to feature Hetty on her very first adventure to the MOT centre. They obviously knew Hetty was going to be something special.

Hetty was thrilled to hear the news and she couldn't wait to show the world that she was more than just a spooky hearse. She was filled with excitement and eagerly waited for the big day. 

When the day arrived, Hetty was full of nerves. She wasn't sure how everyone would react to her, but she was determined to be amazing. She loved the thrill of the adventure, and she loved making people happy. She had finally been given the chance to shine, and she wasn't going to waste it. Hetty drove into the MOT centre with her head held high and a gleaming smile on her face. As the cameras rolled, Hetty showed off her skills. 

But Hetty was given some bad news. She had failed her MOT! Hetty was devastated. She had always been such a reliable car. Her tears puddled down into the drain. 

Hetty was determined to get back on the road. She worked hard, fixing up any issues, and making sure that she was in tip-top shape. And with the help of all her friends at the garage, Hetty was soon back to her old self.

Hetty had learnt that even the bravest and strongest cars need a little help. And that it was okay to ask for it. She was proud of what she had achieved and grateful for the people who had helped her along the way.

And as Hetty drove off into the night, she knew that she was ready for whatever adventures lay ahead. She felt grateful for her second chance, she was now part of a family and ready to start having lots of adventures, and making brilliant memories along the way.