Danuary

"When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about it to make room for it in your life" - Jean Shinoda Bolen Well, tonight, I discovered a sound bath!! I'd heard about them previously, heard from people who'd attended one and I'd seen one on Travel Man. This was my first active experience though. It does appear to be a thing for the ladies, from everything I'd seen and heard. Tonight's session, where I was the only bloke, didn't dispel that impression. Men should get over whatever it is that stops them booking on these kind of things, as it was a wonderful immersive experience. In the capable hands of Yvonne from Corporate Angels , me and my 8 lady companions were treated to stress busting sounds and vibrations from gongs and other percussion instruments. Yvonne had told us to contemplate things that didn't serve us anymore or have any place in our lives and get rid of these from our consciousnesses. ...

Quote of the day:   "Self care is giving the world the best of you instead of what's left" - Katie Reed Is it really a week since I last posted? 2025 is going the way of all recent years. So I've been thinking that self care isn't just about giving yourself a warm, fuzzy feeling or generally being a good egg. Sometimes it's about being harsh with yourself to get motivated to do something you know will benefit your mental and physical wellbeing. For example, my car was in the garage on Friday for service and MOT. I usually ride my bike home and back while the work is being done but this time, as I hadn't ridden my bike for so long, I seriously considered getting the bus.  Before going to to bed the night before, I gave myself a stiff talking to and, whilst I decided I wouldn't ride home, I would run. I have got a couple of ultras to train for, after all. The run was completed successfully and without too much pain and, by the time the car was ready to b...

Self care is not a waste of time. Self care makes your use of time more sustainable - Jack Kornfield Snow forecast for much of the country has made it to Anglesey for the first time since 2010. However it is very wet and slushy snow and a bit pointless. Added to that I have a bit of a head cold, I hope it's not my body rebelling against my new diet structure!! An early morning toddy of lemon juice, honey, date syrup and rum makes quite a bit of difference although not enough to get out of the door and push out the miles I hoped to do. I'm staying in for the day and focusing on a bit of housework and some writing to feel good about myself. There's always a positive to any situation. 4th Jan quote for the day: An empty lantern provides no light. Self care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly - Anon

"Self care is how you take your power back" - Dalai Lama So today, I have been focusing on the physical rather then the mental. I have been reading up on the use of MCTs and Polyphenols (too long to wax about here) but these are hugely important in getting rid of body fat and, hopefully keep it off. Exercise is a companion to this diet so it's not as simple as calorie control, although you still need to stick to the basic concept of burning off more than you take in.  So I went to Tesco earlier and filled my trolley with their most colourful fruit and veg, with a prepared plan on how it will be going down my neck!! There were a couple of things that Holyhead Tesco didn't have such as coconuts and grape seeds but, otherwise it looks good.  I said this was a physical self love but, if I pull it off, it will have huge mental benefits. I have been annoyed with myself for becoming a bit of a porker and haven't really done much about it. The yoga is helping my core so h...

 What is Danuary? I came up with this name a couple of years back to tie in with things like Movember and Steptember. I still cant believe they are running with Stop for October, When Stoptober or Ocsober would make far more sense. Danuary is a concept that could be badged as Manuary, although it's not exclusive to men, in fact one friend is coming on board with it under the badge Manduary. The month is all about self love - being kind to yourself and approving of yourself. Giving yourself a pat on the back for achieving the smallest of tasks as well as the big ones. Saying "Yes, this is me" and realising it doesn't matter if others don't view your success in the same light. Jan 1st So day 1 success for me was running 10 miles in the wind on the coastal path (wait, that isn't the best bit) and picking up 3 pieces of plastic rubbish from the trail. Of course it is something we should all do but we often choose to walk by. So, well done me for that. I aim to tak...