What a wonderful start back to class this week – glorious sunshine and lovely and warm 🙂

What a difference a bit of sunshine makes to how we feel: everywhere I go, people are smiling, taking the time to stop and talk and laugh. I absolutely love people-watching and as soon as the sun comes out, I notice people’s posture improves dramatically.

We all stand a bit taller, a bit straighter, looking ahead instead of down, shoulders soft and relaxed, breast bone lifted not sunk, expression more open, ready to engage with others, noticing more of our environment, the blossom, the daffodils, the birdsong, the water on the river glistening – it really is a beautiful time of year and one that makes us all feel joyful.

Although the start of a new term is fairly hectic, I’ve made time this week to be in nature, to walk and feel the sun on my body, to have more conversations with friends, to pause, to think, to meditate and just to be – lovely 🙂

I spent the last week of Easter in Pembrokeshire doing many wonderful coastal and beach walks. I love being around water, I find it really calming. There is something about water that simply grounds me and I’m lucky enough to live right next to the river.

Thinking back over my adult life, I have chosen to live by the water a lot. I lived on the Isle of Man, where everywhere is close to the sea! I spent years in New Zealand, in Wellington, again right by the sea, and now here I am living by the river for many, many years.

At the time it wasn’t a conscious decision, then I didn’t even notice that I was choosing places close to water, but only in the last 5 years or so, I’ve realised how much I am drawn to coastal or river living!

Where are your happy places? Where do you love to be, that makes you feel grounded, calm, connected and peaceful? I’m sure we all have that special connection with somewhere – I would love to know where yours is?

The sun is out, Breathe, Smile and Enjoy 🙂

Be the very Best Version of You that You can be!