Embracing Compliments

In a world where self-doubt and negative self-image often haunt our minds, embracing compliments about our physical appearance can be a real challenge. What if, just for a moment, we let go of our inhibitions and learn to accept any compliments that come our way.

For years, I've battled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. No matter how many compliments I received, they always seemed to dissolve in the sea of insecurities. The more compliments I receive, the more I began questioning their authenticity. This vicious cycle trapped me in a never-ending struggle, till I made a conscious decision to change my perspective, when someone complimented me, I decided to resist the impulse to downplay or deflect the compliment. Instead, take a deep breath, look them in the eye, and genuinely thank them for their kind words. Even though this felt uncomfortable, something incredible began to happen. With every genuine "thank you" in response to a compliment, a newfound sense of confidence slowly grew within me. I started noticing how the positive words and energy can drown out negativity. Over time, I began to recognise genuine intention behind compliments. Letting go of doubt allowed me to understand that beauty comes in countless forms and that it is subjective, unique to each individual. Beautiful is not just a physical quality but an embodiment of the way we carry ourselves, our kindness, and the passions that ignite our souls.

Overcoming self-doubt and embracing compliments is an ongoing journey. It takes time, patience, and practice. But the rewards are immeasurable. By learning to accept compliments and appreciate our inner beauty, we can break free from the chains of self-doubt and embark on a path of self-love and inner strength.

So when. you are told you are beautiful. Embrace it, believe it, and let it pave the way for endless possibilities in your life.

A Heartwarming Christmas Success!

Amidst the twinkling lights, joyful laughter, and the smell of home-cooked food, the Community Christmas Dinner turned out to be an extraordinary success. The event truly brought the community together and connected people in the true spirit of Christmas. From the moment people entered the beautifully decorated Mayfield Community Centre, it was evident the day was going to be something special. 

The enthusiasm and dedication of each and every volunteer was remarkable, the aroma of freshly cooked turkey, beef, ham with all the trimmings, filled the air. 

Our chef Mike supported by a team of willing helpers, definitely made magic happen in the kitchen, as the servers warm smiles made every guest feel welcome and cherished. It was heartwarming to see people connecting, sharing stories, singing, dancing and playing bingo. 

After the dinner, as the day drew to a close, it was time for another remarkable act of kindness - the clean-up! Everyone mucked in together to ensure the community centre was left sparkling clean and tidy.

All the leftovers were donated to Hilltop Farm - so Sausage the pig, the geese, sheep and chickens also had an unforgettable day! 

In just a few short weeks, individuals, local Councillors and community groups all helped to made this happen through their generous donations, alongside local businesses, and our MP who contributed food supplies. Every single act of kindness paved the way for the success of the day. The enormous support for this event showed the spirit of giving is truly alive and kicking in Cramlington. 

Every individual who made this event possible are true heroes of our community. Whether it was through monetary contribution, donations of food, presents, prizes, volunteering, or attending the dinner, your support and presence made a difference and made this an event to remember.

I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made donations, helped cook, served the guests, and cleaned up, we have proven that combining our efforts can create Christmas magic and spread joy. 

Say YES to Adventure and Embrace the Wild Side of Life!

Life is an unpredictable journey filled with countless opportunities for adventure and thrilling experiences. The mere act of saying "yes" to these opportunities can unlock a world of excitement and personal growth.

For me this past year has been a whirlwind of epic adventures and living life to the fullest.

I found myself walking on both fire and glass, each step reminding me that intriguing experiences await those who dare to try the unconventional, embrace challenges and push beyond boundaries.

I have taken on ice baths, the freezing water awakening my senses, and giving me an incredible rush of liberation. I love the water, I am often in running into the sea with unbounded joy. The salty breeze, crashing waves, immersing myself in its beauty, nature offers endless gifts to those who seek them. For my happiness and existence it is essential for me to connect with nature, it brings me  both solace and inspiration.

One of the most scary adventures this year was embarking on skydiving lessons. The anticipation of soaring through the clouds was terrifying and exhilarating. Skydiving solo was an indescribable experience, a moment of pure freedom and liberation. It reminded me that sometimes, all we need is a leap of faith to genuinely soar in life.

And amidst the wild women welly walking, roller skating, woodland and waterfalls activities, an unexpected adventure found me quite unexpectedly appearing on the BBC for my unusual purchase of Hetty hearse.

Life's adventures can manifest in the most unexpected ways. Embracing unique opportunities can open doors to new connections, broader perspectives, and memories that last a lifetime. Life is full of surprises, if you are always to be ready to say "yes" to the unexpected.

Saying yes to adventure has enriched my life in extraordinary ways. From the adrenaline of fire-walking and skydiving to the serenity of immersing myself in nature, each experience has ignited a passion for embracing the unknown. 

As we step out of our comfort zones and venture into the wild side of life, we unlock the potential for growth, self-discovery, and a lifetime of treasured memories. 

If someone was to ask me for one piece of advice or share some words of wisdom it would be.. to say "yes" to adventure, and let life's remarkable roller coaster, thrill, challenge, and inspire you!

Hettys MOT Adventure

In a small town called Cramlington, there lived a happy and humble hearse named Hetty. Hetty was no ordinary hearse, but one with a big, friendly smile and a heart full of kindness. 

On an unusually sunny winter morning, Hetty was nervously awaiting her health check in preparation for her re-MOT. Hetty knew that this test was essential for ensuring her safety and making sure she was roadworthy. 

Hetty's new best friend, Scott the mechanic, owned a local garage - A2B MOT. Scott was known for his skill and expertise in fixing all kinds of vehicles. He greeted Hetty warmly and took a close look at her wheels, engine, and brakes. With a cheerful smile, Scott reassured Hetty that she was in pretty good shape but needed a few parts and tweaks to pass the MOT.

For the next few weeks, Scott and his mechanics worked tirelessly on repairing and fine-tuning Hetty. Hetty felt like a brand-new hearse, ready to conquer the world again.

With the day of the MOT test nearly approaching, Hetty thanked Scott for his hard work and all being well promised to visit him again soon, knowing that Scott's friendship and expertise were simply invaluable.

As Hetty underwent her MOT, her heart raced with anticipation. She wanted to pass with flying colours. She knew that passing her MOT would show everyone that she was safe, reliable, and ready to fulfill her duties.

Hetty took a deep breath in the testing bay. A kind inspector greeted her and began the examination. He checked her lights, her indicators, her tires, and her brakes. Hetty waited nervously, hoping that everything would be alright.

After what felt like forever, the inspector finally gave Hetty the good news. She had passed her MOT test with flying colors! Hetty was overjoyed and couldn't contain her excitement. She thanked the inspector for his kind words and drove away, feeling proud and accomplished.  

From that day forward, Hetty's journey became an inspiration for others to face their challenges with determination and a spirit of renewal.

Finding True Happiness Amidst Life's Uncertainties

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at us, and it's easy to get caught up in the notion that happiness is only attainable when everything falls perfectly into place. But happiness can be found even when things aren't going our way.  Life will never be a smooth path towards constant satisfaction. It's important to acknowledge that imperfections are what make us human. Instead of obsessing over what's not working in our lives, let's learn to accept the bumps along the way as opportunities for growth. Embrace imperfections, and you'll find a sense of liberation and true happiness within yourself.

Sometimes, when life feels like a rollercoaster ride, it's easy to overlook the good that still exists. Remembering to appreciate the little things and cultivate gratitude can radically shift our mindset. Take a moment each day to reflect on the positive aspects of life, whether it's a loving relationship, good health, or even a warm cup of coffee. Gratitude holds the power to transform our outlook on life and embrace happiness.

One of the biggest misconceptions about happiness is thinking that it can only be achieved when everything goes according to plan. Life has its own agenda, and it rarely aligns with our desires. Learning to let go of control and surrendering to the flow of life can be liberating. Rather than constantly trying to manipulate the outcome, practice flexibility, and adaptability. Embrace the unexpected twists and turns, and you'll find happiness even when your plans go awry.

Instead of defining happiness based on external circumstances, shift the focus inward towards personal growth. Explore your passions, develop new skills, or take up a hobby that gives you genuine joy. Invest in yourself by nourishing your mind, body, and soul. When you prioritise personal growth, you'll find that happiness becomes a natural byproduct of your own journey.

The company we keep plays a significant role in overall happiness. Surrounding ourselves with positive, like-minded individuals who uplift and inspire us is crucial. Seek out those who radiate positivity, challenge you to grow, and bring joy into your life. Building a support network of genuine relationships will enable you to thrive even when life gets tough.

Happiness is not a destination; it's a way of approaching and experiencing life. True happiness can be found even when everything isn't going your way. By embracing imperfections, practicing gratitude, letting go of control, focusing on personal growth, and surrounding ourselves with positivity, we can cultivate a deep sense of happiness that transcends the external circumstances of our lives. 

Happiness is a choice, and it is up to us to seize it, regardless of the challenges we face.

Moral Obligations Over Spectatorship

Donate RNLI

[Trigger Warning: This post discusses a distressing event].

Today, I've found myself grappling with an intense mix of frustration, disappointment, and anger that I've struggled to put into words after the incident that unfolded this morning... (See previous blog post). It serves as a stark reminder of how our society has in many ways lost touch with basic human decency.

In an age where technology has seamlessly intertwined with our lives, we have become mere spectators through the lens of our devices, observing events as detached observers. When a person found themselves in the midst of a struggle for survival, desperately fighting to stay afloat in the icy cold North sea, people stood by watching, others filming. I feel physically angry at the absence of empathy, watching someone drowning, hearing someone calling them a 'fucking dickhead' as others laughed. How have we reached a point where the value of empathy has diminished to such an extent? When did the desperation for clicks, likes, and online notoriety become more vital than human life? 

Ten calls were made to the coastguard this morning. Whilst others watched, filmed, laughed, judged.. ten people took action to save a life. 

In moments of crisis, our responsibility as human beings is clear helping others should be instinctual, not an afterthought. This incident begs us all to pause and ask ourselves some difficult questions. What would we have done in that moment? Would we have acted differently? Would we have take action to save a fellow human being?

We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to reaffirm that the value of a human life transcends any momentary thrill, attention-seeking desire, or viral sensation. We must strive to restore our collective faith in the power of humanity and reject this culture of passive bystanders. 

Let us be the change we wish to see in the world, choosing compassion over apathy and recognising that sometimes, our most extraordinary moments are the ones that go entirely unnoticed - a private act of humanity, extending a lifeline, and restoring faith in the inherent goodness of people.

Today reminds me of one of my favourite quotes...

"I thought to myself someone should do something about this, I then realised. I am someone."

Thank goodness for the RNLI 

Rough Sea and Rescues

Donate RNLI

With any outdoor activity, risks and unexpected situations can arise. This morning, during a sea swim with Sol's Cold Water Therapy Group, an incident occurred that highlights the dangers of the sea and emphasises the crucial importance of staying together and looking out for one another.

One of the group members got caught in a riptide and were struggling to get back to the shore. Sol, swiftly moved into action and started to swim toward him, attempting a rescue. Thanks to Racheal's quick thinking, Sarah's phone and my big gob we called the coastguard. They were there within seconds. They headed towards Sol first, but he pointed them in the direction of the other guy, a decision that probably saved his life. They quickly scooped him out of the water and went back for Sol. True heroes! 

The incident serves as a reminder of how critical it is to stay together as a group and maintain constant awareness of your surroundings. While the sea can be an exhilarating and liberating place, it can also be treacherous and unpredictable. Group swimming can offer advantages, as there are more eyes to monitor the conditions, assist if needed snd immediately raise the alarm if an emergency situation arises. Thankfully, on this occasion the coastguard was in close proximity, and promptly arrived at the scene. Their presence was invaluable. This incident not only highlights the importance of having emergency services within reach but also seeking their assistance when needed.

While this incident had a fortunate outcome, it also reinforces the necessity of taking precautions before venturing into the sea and being aware of both the weather and sea conditions before entering the water. Stormy conditions, strong currents, and high waves pose significant risks. Sticking together with the group and maintaining a constant visual connection is vital. Wearing a bright swim float to increase visibility in the water is also a good idea.

The sea can be both awe-inspiring and dangerous, often surprising even the most experienced swimmers. The incident this morning serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying together, looking out for one another, and being prepared for any unforeseen situations. 

Always respect the sea's power whilst enjoying its beauty. Swim safe, and remember... together, we are stronger.

A Community Christmas

Can you feel it? The soft jingle of bells, the warm flicker of lights, the tinsel, fairy lights, it's that magical time of the year again!

For me Christmas should be a season filled with love, joy, and togetherness, as we gather around the Christmas tree with our loved ones, exchanging laughter and gratitude, it's easy to forget some individuals spend Christmas alone. 

So this year, I want to celebrate the true essence of the season by organising a community Christmas dinner. Loneliness can be particularly challenging during the winter, with Christmas celebrations magnifying feelings of isolation and sadness. The power lies in our hands to create an inclusive celebration. Christmas is often associated with materialistic gifts, but the truest gifts lie in acts of kindness, compassion, friendship, and companionship. Having a Community Christmas provides an opportunity to build long-term connections and create lasting memories. The joy in the air as the scent of roasted turkey and freshly baked pies fills the room. The laughter shared and the exchange of smiles whilst reflecting on the true meaning of the Christmas. 

I have to say for someone who doesn't cook, organising a Christmas dinner feels like a bit of a daunting task, but with the collective effort of a few willing and dedicated individuals, this year its about to become a reality, no one should have to spend this special time on their own.