The final month is here, I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown past. I also can’t believe just how much I have achieved and have challenged myself, definitely way more than I ever expected. In the last 11 months I have:
-Appeared in my first ever YouTube video
-Bagged Ben Nevis (extremely reluctantly though it was😂)
-Given 3 public speeches raising awareness on the project, and pushing me out of my comfort zone completely
-Performed at the Edinburgh Fringe!
-Been involved in a World record attempt
-Gone from shy Burlesque student to qualified instructor/performer
-Failed the dreaded driving test, twice. Not much to flex about, but I did it 😂
-Walked over 500 degree burning hot coals. Four times no less, the adrenaline was strong with that one 😂
-Raised money not just for MIND, but also by virtue of my other challenges for SANDS Lothian, Cancer Research UK and Children in Need too.
All this and so much more! It’s been a blast, and I have personally benefited from it immensely which is a beautiful bonus. The primary aim of the project for me was always raising awareness around the damage fear caused by shame, guilt and judgment around mental health issues causes- pushing people into silence, isolation and unhealthy coping mechanisms. I think through the public talks and my writing I have achieved that. The fundraising element was always secondary, but it would be wonderful to achieve the little target I set myself for MIND by the end of the year as I am so close. One of December’s challenges will be to unashamedly push that, without worrying about becoming ‘that’ annoying fundraising friend 😂 Christmas is a time of giving though…
Can’t wait to wrap it all up and reveal my ‘2020 vision’ (I had to, I’m sorry🙈)
Very excited about what is to come, and looking forward to relaxing a bit into New Year- currently recovering from being re-introduced to actual terror earlier in the week when my little girl was rushed to the hospital and revealed to have pneumonia! Those who know me will be aware my little boy had a very rare and aggressive form of pneumonia as a toddler, so to see her struggling and hear that word was pretty horrifying. Luckily she is doing well and has a much less complex case. Feeling immense relief and gratitude for that, and she’s getting ready to go back to school for her Christmas play next week 💖 My kids’ resilience and bravery is awe-inspiring to me 💖
So to enjoy a relaxed Christmas, and if you celebrate it I wish the same for you. Don’t forget to drop by my Justgiving while you’re in the festive spirit😉
The "Year of No Fear" 