Make sure you make new memories.

Isn’t it interesting how memories define us? (Bear with me, I’m a storyteller…)

They change our lives, are with us for as long (or as little) as we want, and they mean the world to us.

I’m a member of the You Are The Media community (I think and HOPE I bang on about it!) since its inception circa 2013 and am proud of Mark Masters ’ hard work and its growth since then. I’ve met some wonderful people, made good friends and have learned a lot from them all.

With this network of people from all backgrounds after the same goal – wanting to get their voice heard, and out there in all capacities – you are invariably going to get a few tips from others as you all learn and grow.

Recently one of my network members, the fabulous Ella Orr , shared the importance and power of an image to work alongside your words on LinkedIn. Then Mark shared his personal history of Poole Park, which is a stone’s throw from the Creator Day in April, and somewhere you can take some peaceful time out (I can confirm it’s tranquil).

Then I dreamt that night about my OWN power of images that night (and being authentic Jackie Goddard - Power To Speak ) and not being scared to share personal pics Matt King !?

I realised that Poole Park has a LOT of memories for me…

Back in 2009, I had a NASTY moped accident while living abroad.* Apart from being ‘asleep’ (in a medically-induced coma) for a few days, I was awake the rest of the time. but because of post-traumatic amnesia, I don’t remember my time in ICU and weeks after in hospital (in Bermuda), OR my mum being there for OVER THREE WEEKS, OR the 8-hour hospital transfer flight back to the UK, OR the bleepy car thing in Gatwick airport, OR my Dad picking us up (shocking as they had been divorced for years) OR checking me in to the trauma ward at Poole Hospital (not the Neuro unit as my notes had been lost) OR finding me a room away from the old ladies that had broken their hips…

But what I DO remember (in fact my first memory recall since Bermuda) is waking up, looking out of the window and seeing familiar Poole Park. On a sunny March day. Scared and lost and wondering what the HELL was happening, I felt a sense of calm as I recognised my surroundings. Then I fell over as I tried to get out of bed as my legs wouldn’t work. (A story for another time – I’m fine now!)

Fast forward 10 years, and my dad was being looked after by the wonderful team at Forest Holme Hospice Charity (behind the Lighthouse, and even nearer to Poole Park) in his last days. My brother and I had been to see him, and realising he wouldn’t really ever recognise us ever again, we went for a reflective coffee at The Kitchen, overlooking the boating lake. We both ordered double espressos in ode to my dad, and swiftly regretted it (how had he drunk those all his life??). We enjoyed the sun on our faces, exchanging stories about us and dad taking a pedalo out and having to be pushed back…

These memories might seem sad, but they aren’t for me. Those two, combined with riding the Noddy Train in the park when I was little, learning to kayak with the school, having to rescue my lad from the HUGE soft play and learning to play tennis with my friends have made Poole Park a special place for me, and somewhere I’d love to share with others. (And I know there’s a whole LOAD of people visiting at the end of April who I can do that with.)

SO. After Creator Day, who’s up for some crazy golf??

Dave Harland Mel Barfield Liam Toms Mark Masters Gordon Fong Ella Orr Matt King Christine Gritmon Michelle Haslam Carly Hayes John Jocham Sarah Townsend (there are too many to list. the course'll get too full)

*The image of me is in my hospital bed in Bermuda. I have no recollection of it...

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