SOS! Why is it so hard to ask for help? (shared from fitambitiousblonde.com)

Tags

anxiety, Loneliness, Mental health, Mind, Motivation

We have all been through a lot this past year and a half. There have been a lot of unknowns. A lot of isolation. A lot of wondering what is going to happen next. I think we have all had new challenges to face and obstacles to overcome and in turn days where we have […]

SOS! Why is it so hard to ask for help?

Hi Everybody, I read this really great post the other day on fitambitiousblonde.com about the importance of reaching out for help when it’s needed – and overcoming stigma when doing so. It’s so important to be there to listen to somebody going through any kind of hardship.

The website is a place of encouragement for anybody wanting to turn their life around. Check it out ☺️

Mountains For The Mind

Tags

Adventure, anxiety, Blogging community, Community, Discover Prompts, Fear, Hiking, Humanity, Inspiration, Life, Mental health, Mind, Motivation, Mountains

As I’m writing this, I’m staring out at a stormy grey sky in August. IN AUGUST! The weather has been like this across South-East England for ten days now, and it’s set to continue for a few more. I, like others, hoped that once we were out of lockdown that the summer of adventure could begin.

But it’s been a slow, stop-start affair.

I’d wanted to put up posts with photos of hikes more frequently, but this is all on hold until the shoddy weather clears. Don’t get me wrong: I’ve hiked in all sorts of conditions, and will enjoy continuing to do so. I guess I’m just frustrated at not being able to enjoy the countryside as much after all the restrictions we’ve faced.

PUTTING IT INTO PERSPECTIVE

I recently came across the Mountains For The Mind Facebook group. This is a campaign set up by Trail Magazine in the UK to encourage people to go out and explore to aid their mental health. Members may have mental health conditions of their own and/or they find the benefits of immersing themselves in nature.

Reading the stories and achievements of others is encouraging in a number of ways. I feel boosted to go out there and explore again, knowing that the outdoors will always nurture me in some way. Also, being part of a community like this reminds me of the strength of humanity, and how important it is to encourage each other.

TAKING HEART

Reading the stories of others has a direct impact on my self-worth. It reminds me that the restorative effects of being in the open brings joy to the heart and soul. Spending time in the countryside can give a person the ability to put things into perspective and makes what life throws at us less intense.

So, I’m going to go outside tomorrow and explore – even if it’s in my local woods for an hour after work. Come rain or shine, my mind is set.

I encourage you to do the same. You deserve it.

Please check out http://www.mountainsforthemind.co.uk for more info.

Poem: Sleeping Sun

Tags

blogging, Blogging community, Hope, Mind, Poem, Poetry, Sun

Through the hazy glow of dawn,
As pinks and golds stream across the land,
And dance and glint across the rivers,
It’s only when I’m with you that I understand.
For here Time pauses and suspends,
The World becomes wonderful and new.
The Sleeping Sun has awoken
And casts hope on everything we do.

Poem: Kayak Attack

Tags

Adventure, Fear, Mind, Poem, Poetry

The still and calming waters did nothing to clear my mind,

As the others paddled on, I was left far behind.

Struggling to keep my balance, I can’t even swim,

As I cussed and cursed I knew my chances were looking grim.

But I was doing it – kayaking and challenging myself:

What a bonus for physical and mental health!

Soon I kept a steady line and picked up speed –

As I cut through the water I thought I’d finally succeed.

Yes, at long last I thought I was getting a grip,

But then my back locked, spasmed and gave me gyp.

I lay there horizontal, staring at the endless blue sky,

As long as I didn’t capsize there was no need to cry.

Soon the feeling passed and I paddled slowly back to shore,

Despite all the problems I faced I knew I wanted to do this more.

On the sand, I rose, legs buckled and I fell back in the lake,

There’s nothing like a cold bath to make me stay awake.

I shivered, shook and stamped as I waited for my friends to return,

I want to do this again – Will I ever, ever learn?