Thanks and Reflections for 2020

One of my clients has just shared his reflections for 2020 and so I am completely copying him with this idea. Thanks Steve for the inspiration. I've also wanted to write a LinkedIn article for ages. Not least because so much has happened this year, but also I have so many people to thank.

It's been a roller coaster.

The year began with some running races...Chiltern League Cross Country, Cliveden 10k, Slough 10K and lots of Parkruns. what are they? All races have either been postponed or cancelled for the foreseeable and I really miss that post race feeling, the anticipation and the adrenaline. One of the most important things that's kept me going through isolation, lockdown and all the restrictions has been active time outside walking and running. Huge thanks to all my running buddies for staying in touch, checking in on me and running with me, socially distanced, when we can. I've also been loving the weekly Saturday Fly 5k which anyone can run, anywhere, socially distanced and safely. It's been something to look forward to at the weekend and I achieved an all time PB for the 5k distance of 23:45. Go me! I also ran three half marathons and really enjoyed running on trails and exploring the local countryside.

The amazing yoga retreat, followed swiftly by Lockdown! Who could ever have predicted any of this? For me it came completely out of nowhere. I emerged from this yoga retreat to news of Britain in lockdown in a few days. I was not prepared. But yoga practise, as well as my running, has been a real benefit to help ground me, keep me supple and give me the exercises and postures to use for each mood, feeling of challenge. I would like to thank all my yoga friends and especially my yoga teachers. Tawny and Tessa at Yin and Yoga. I have looked forward to classes on Zoom more than you know but cannot wait to return to the studio as normal.

And to all my clients, thank you! I have been so fortunate to have had regular work. It hasn't been the year I planned, with lots of events, speaking engagements and conferences. Some work had to stop when the businesses closed, but they came back again. This year was all about adapting to the change, developing new skills and embracing new challenges. I've been busy, stimulated and I've learnt loads. Thank you to Red Tiger Talent, The Society for Location Analysis, The Travellers Rest, The Oaks Brewing Company, The Free From Awards, Stephanie Sergeant, Satellite PR, Balmonds, Lyonsleaf, Kalm Koala, Creative Nature and Talk Health. It's honestly been a pleasure working with all of you.

It's been tough on days when my skin has been troubling me - Topical Steroid Withdrawal seems to be running on a par with the covid virus restrictions. Hiding from a flare has been easy when you're in isolation and wearing a mask, whilst uncomfortable at times, is something to hide behind when your face is red, inflamed and flaring. But January will make 2 years TSW which is a massive landmark. I've healed so much and have many projects in the pipeline to raise awareness and help others with skin problems.

I have a love hate relationship with Zoom. It's brilliant for meetings, staying in touch with friends, organising events that are accessible to so many more people - I hope we continue to do more online events, cutting down the need to travel and opening events out to people who might not otherwise be able to attend. But I find Zoom exhausting. Especially evening socialising on Zoom.

I've lost the art of reading! But gained an infatuation with audio content. I love Audible, Spotify and Podcasts and have enjoyed binge listening to many, many things. I have just recently begun reading, The Salt Path by Raynor Winn - an incredible book about an epic journey of a couple who lost everything and walked the South Coast - they had nothing better to do! Hopefully this will be a return to reading for me because I've missed that escape.

And how could I forget, I wrote a book and published it during the pandemic! 'The Reluctant Allergy Expert - How to kill the fear anaphylaxis could kill you' is available on Amazon. It really has been a very proud moment. A life's ambition met right there. I'm so proud of my book. It makes the perfect stocking filler for your allergic friend or family member and if you do read and enjoy it, please review it on Amazon and/or Goodreads.

And I've written another one. My collection of eczema poems will be coming out some time next year! Watch this space. We are working on illustrations and final edits at the moment. The pandemic and the emotions being so raw have really helped me to hone this creation, to write more poems and to really get into this project. It's been a long time coming but finding some healing for my skin means it is now a much more rounded collection, going through the depths of despair to more positive poems of hope, battle cries and the future. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Finally, my friends and family. You know who you are. It's brought us all closer. It's forged new friendships and it's taught us all so much about mental health, anxiety and also the importance of sticking together, looking out for those who may be vulnerable or struggling and doing what we can for those who need support.

The final thing that I do regularly is to meditate. I've done some god awful meditations this year, but I tried. Even if I only managed 5 seconds, it sat and I gave it a go. It's time to find some peace, reduce your heart rate, breath deeply and be still. I usually focus on gratitude and try to relax and be thankful.

And lastly, to LinkedIn! Before 2020 I hadn't really seen LI as a serious social media platform, It seems stuffy, antiquated and boring. But boy have I learnt this year. LinkedIn has brought so many new introductions and has been a really great tool for sharing, learning and building my business and those of clients. There is so much more I could be doing too! 2021 here we come!

How has 2020 been for you? What have you learnt? What have you achieved and what will you do differently next year?

Thank you everyone xxx