Wow, I have no idea when I did one of these last but I can guarantee a lot has changed! After an absolutely awful incident whilst on holiday in Lanzarote this summer, I returned home to find myself unexpectedly redundant and on the lookout for a new job…again. I lined up several interviews right away but realised pretty quickly that this was in fact the push I had been waiting for and instead I took the leap and went freelance. I have been working for a good friend as her executive assistant for a few months now and I am really happy with the work life balance this style of work gives me.
Alongside this work, I have been modelling for a local clothing company, which has really helped give me a confidence boost, and I enjoy it. I have also had a chance to give some more time and put some more effort into the Bournemouth Bloggers network, which has been amazing. I have got back into running events as well as organising them on behalf of venues. Most recent was a networking event at THIS Workspace in Bournemouth Town Centre, which saw two guest speakers Liz from Total Guide to Dorset and Sammy from Pier Journal share their business journeys and a special announcement about the addition of Jonathan to the network, which is a big deal for me, having run the show alone for the past six years.
I was asked to run a guest lecture at Portsmouth University a couple of weeks ago and, although I was absolutely terrified, I am so pleased I pushed myself as it was actually really fun and so rewarding too! I loved answering the questions at the end, and it was a big confidence boost too knowing I had stood in front of masters students and run a lecture for 45 minutes!
Other than work, I have been pleased to be able to do the school run most days, as well as being able to attend parents evenings and other special events. It’s been so lovely to be there more for the kids, which I wasn’t able to do when I was travelling so much for work previously. We are two thirds of the way through the autumn birthdays with just Carly left to go in November as she turns eleven. They are all really growing up now (Cameron turned 13 in September and Benjamin has just had his 7th birthday this month). With Christmas on the horizon too, I am really excited to be able to spend so much time with them.
I have been working on my self esteem and confidence lately and I shared a makeup-free selfie for the first time on the grid over on Instagram this week, which was a massive step for me in accepting myself au natural. As well as this, I have been working out a lot more, attending spin classes a few times a week, alongside pole fitness, and I have really seen a difference in my mental health (and my body shape, when I also avoid eating too much sugar, my absolute downfall).
My sister got married at the beginning of the month, and I was maid of honour for her. It was a beautiful day and she was a truly stunning bride. I am really happy for her and her new husband, Ryan. It was nice to be able to spend some time with family in Reading for their wedding as well, and the children all had roles too, which Carly especially absolutely loved.
That’s probably about it for now, but I thought it was a good time to catch you up on things. As far as the incident back in summer goes, I haven’t heard any update, but I’m determined to not let it ruin my life. I am so much stronger than the evil in this world.
