Author: langlep

So 2020 was going to be my year. The year I got my life sorted after being served redundancy notice from my job in November 2019. The year I ticked off more things from my horsey bucket list. The year I got my mental health back under control and reduced stress in my life. I had a plan. And it was a good one. Then the plan changed dramatically on 2 January. I came off my horse at speed and broke my ankle. Badly. Like all good equestrians, I got back on and rode back to the yard, sorted Buddy out and then drove myself to A&E. That’s where this journey really began... I was sent home from A&E and told to crack on, only to receive a phone call later to say they’d missed a fracture (and a rather serious one at that). Whoops! So fracture clinic on 3 January, surgery on 5 January and home to recover. I started this blog as a way to chart my recover back to the saddle. As I cleared clinics and competitions out of my diary and wondered what the next few months would bring, it's been a safe space for me to say how I'm feeling. The new plan was to get a new job, to keep Buddy is kept ticking over and recover from my injury. Another good plan! I didn't expect a global pandemic, lockdown and all that happened in 2020. This blog has changed over time but it's continued to be my safe space to share the things going on in my life, with Buddy and the cats. Enjoy!

Lemurs

I went to the zoo today for an impromptu outing. I love the zoo. I especially love Lemurs. So it was wonderful to have such a special moment with one today.

He came over to see me and held my hands through the glass. He stayed like this for ages. Just staring at me as I stared at him.

Just wonderful. Maybe he recognised a fellow Lemur. 😍

Resillience

This quote came up on my memories. It a yearly reminder I guess to look back and recognise the journey I’ve been on this far.

Things have been challenging. I’ve had to face many things in the past few years alone. Let alone my lifetime so far. They don’t define me. But it’s sure part of my story.

Things continue to be challenging for me. I know many people who are struggling in one way or another too.

My ear is there to listen. My shoulder is there cry on. And my arms are there for hugs…

I’m grateful to the wonderful people I have in my life who regularly do the same for me. Thank you.

Covid Land

This picture sums up the past 18 months in Covid Land for me. It’s given me time to rekindle my love of walking. And my appreciation for the beauty around me.

So much has changed in my life in that time. I’m going through a huge transformation. I’m growing as a person. I’m learning more about myself every day.

It can be exhausting some days. Other days I have boundless energy.

It’s made me stop, reflect and really understand what I want my life to look like. For that I’m grateful.

What’s your Covid photo?

Trimmed bushes

Yesterday my next door neighbour popped round and asked if I wanted his gardener to give me a quote to cut back my hedges and bushes. They had gotten rather out of hand, so it was a good call.

Being British, I apologised profusely for letting them get so overgrown. They were encroaching on his driveway somewhat. He’s 96 and so lovely, I did feel awful.

So bright and early the garden crew was there and all of my hedges and bushes were give a rather dramatic post-lockdown haircut!

I can now see just how much they’ve grown and how congested the borders have gotten. I can feel a cull coming on…

Heavy machinery

I love seeing the combines in the fields. So does Buddy. He loves heavy machinery. He veers across the road to get closer to them. He stops to watch them. He’s such a funny boy.

After weeks of odd weather, today was just glorious. Wall to wall sunshine. Seemed only right to spend the day outdoors. Lawn mown, borders cleared and washing on the line. Topped off with a long hack.

I call that a pretty good day!

Ducks in a row

This made me giggle. I was sat eating my breakfast this morning and got rather distracted watching a squirrel run backwards and forwards across the fence. Hugo was enthralled too.

He wasn’t so keen when it chased him off the fence. 🤦🏻‍♀️

After feeling overwhelmed yesterday, I went to see one of the wise women in my life. She helped me sort my thoughts, get clear on some actions and I now feel so much more level again. My ducks are starting to line up again.

I’m very grateful to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Signs

I felt rather overwhelmed today. It happens. There’s a lot going on. And some days it gets to me. I’m tired after a busy few weeks. So I did when I do when I feel overwhelmed. I went for a walk. Fresh air, the great outdoors and trees make me feel less overwhelmed.

I found a massive oak tree and gave it a big hug. We had a chat too. It looked very old so guessing it’s seen a thing or two. Kinda puts things back in perspective.

On my way back, I saw this message hanging outside someone’s house. Made me smile. If only it was that simple…

Contrasts

I headed over to Martham this morning to catch up with a client. On my way I saw these beautiful sunflowers. Sunflowers always make me smile. These looked so cheery against the grey clouds.

I know it’s very British to complain about the weather, but seriously, what’s up with it…?!