It has been a dark winter in many ways with long cold days that seem to have gone on forever now finally it does feel as if the summer is around the corner.  Daffodils are out now providing a sunshine feel, even though they are late. It is almost as if they couldn’t make their mind up as to whether to come out and play or not and were holding back for more favourable times before deciding to go for it.

A ray of sunshine

I too have been holding back for more for favourable times and have put on hold plans to develop an online course around weight management. Niggles to a shoulder, exacerbated by computer use, tell me that more online worked just now is not the way to go so instead I’m focusing like the daffodils on being in the fresh air as much as I can.Much better for the soul than looking at a small screen.

What a fabulous week or so it has been for encountering inspiring people.  People challenging us all to focus on what we CAN do rather than on what we cannot do.

Sharing the glory

Unusually for me, I have been glued to the telly, soaking up night after night of the paralympic events.  And what a feast it has been.  It was great knowing someone competing in the games though disappointing not to see her actual races as they had no live coverage.  Well done to Karen Darke on her Silver – and in my book, her Bronze too.   For those who missed it, Karen came in joint third with her team-mate and training pal in the hand cycle race Rachel Morris.  They held hands, crossing the line together, however, judges decided there had to be a winner so Rachel s got a well-deserved Bronze but not Karen.

This wonderful spirit shown by Karen and Rachel epitomised the games in many ways.  Two people who have shared much in the past year and trained unimaginably hard celebrated their success in style.  Each supported the other.  Support in hard times is so important. Support in good times is equally important. With support, so much more is possible.

Almost every athlete has spoken on the value of support from coaches, friends and family as well as the support from you and I the public.  So what ever it is you are facing, look around you and see what support is there for you and also who may appreciate your support too. We can all be winners with support.

Over the past few weeks I have felt at times like I have been making a grand tour of Scotland as I travelled in a bit of a whirlwind from Invergordon to Galloway, Dunblane to Royal Deeside, Comrie to Aberfeldy and Pitlochry.  I have been lucky enough to spend most of this time in the great outdoors seeing a fair bit of this fabulous country.   As an independent woman who can read a map, I feel comfortable and confident exploring my world.  I wonder though how I might have fared in the Victorian era.

Filming for Grand Tours of Scotland in Galloway

Some of my recent travels involved filming in Galloway for part of a BBC series called Grand Tours of Scotland with Paul Murton ( screening in November). The series loosely follows the diary of a Victorian traveller and they are looking at women in the outdoors in the episode I’m involved with.  Much has of course changed since those days however in some respects there are underlying similarities. In those days women were almost always chaperoned in the great outdoors as it was seen as a dangerous place.  Many women still fear to go far into the outdoors on their own – and rarely travel on their own preferring the company of others – men or women.  Confidence in map reading skills and fear of getting lost often stop women exploring their world further.  If that sounds like you, or someone you know, there is always time to take up the challenge, learn new skills and build your confidence.  Tell yourself aye can and get some breathing space outdoors.

Loch Trool in Galloway