No matter how small - progress is progress.
I've definitely had more personal progress this month than work/academic progress - but that is ok!
August's positives - Phd
I chipped away and submitted my Application for Registration document. My supervisors were happy with it, so that was nice to submit early doors.
I've also completed my draft Prospero application for my first study which is a systematic literature review. Looking forward to starting the prelim searches in September!
I also found doing my GANNT Chart for my PhD quite enjoyable. I like seeing the stages roughly planned out and I think it'll help with motivation and validation as I start to make progress through each stage.
Other than that, I just been doing some reading around my subject such as current health promotion programmes, patient barriers and attitudes to physical activity and the concept of person centered care.
The University is due to open with restricted access next month. I'm hoping to visit campus once or twice a month and I'm pleased to see the safety measures that have been put in place. But if I'm honest, I want to be super careful. I know what students can be like and I don't want to put myself or others at even more risk of the virus. I have to take into consideration my parents, particularly my Mum who had pneumonia as a child, meaning she has some minor chest difficulties. There is just no predicting how the virus will manifest in her and it's not a risk worth taking.
Positives - Personal
Training wise I have finally gone back to the gym this month, building my strength up gradually and I'm absolutely loving it. Currently only use my small local gym but it's very quiet, meaning I can just crack on and pack lots in to an hour's session!
At the start of September I went on a fabulous biking weekend to the Lake District with an old friend Lucy! Lucy and I used to swim together in Bedfordshire and we haven't seen eachother for a year, but prior to that we hadn't seen eachother for 10 years. So it was a great catch up, full of laughs, beautiful scenery, delicious food (and wine) and not forgetting the neverending, killer hills of Cumbria!!
Windermere, Lake District
August has also seen the return of Sue's dance classes on a Monday night. I'm delighted that they've restarted - partly because Sue's choreography is just incredible but also because no matter what headspace you are in - the class can shed such a positive light on your week! Plus catching up with Sue and the other beautiful people that attend class is the best - even if we have to dance in a 2 metre box! Dance has been such an integral part of my life in Nottingham for the past 7 years 💃👯
If you'd like to do Advanced Commercial or Lyrical Classes in Nottingham - I couldn't recommend Sue's enough, £5 per class - follow her Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/suesparhamdance
My driving lessons are coming along nicely. My instructor has said he just sits back and relaxes when I drive now, yay! So hopefully I'll be able to take my test this side of Christmas...but Covid is causing massive delays unfortunately...
I've also paid a few visits to some friends and family this month:
I spent 2 days in Harborough seeing my ex-colleague Nada & ex-housemate Jess. Lots of good food and wine was had!
Nada & I, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
It was my favourite cousin, Annabel's 30th Birthday this month!! Although it wasn't the celebration we had hoped for...we still had a lovely day at Trentham Lakes in Staffordshire. The sun was shining, the bunting was out and there was plenty of food and Prosecco to go round. I had some much needed quality time with my cousins and meeting some 'soon to be' extended family members was just great!
I also made the most of 'Eat out to help out' scheme! I went out for lunch with the dance girls a few times and also had a lush day trip to Leeds to see the Beckett girls for one of their birthdays.
Leeds, West Yorkshire Annabel's 30th at Trentham Lakes, Staffordshire.
August's Challenges
Without going into too much detail...I had to face a few mental hurdles this month.
Sometimes events and situations in our life cause past memories to resurface and it unsettles us. This was initially out of my control and was difficult to manage - but I learn more and more about how best to manage it as time goes on. I found myself unable to concentrate and I couldn't think clearly. Luckily with some support from friends I was able to take back some control and take a step back. My head took a while to settle but as the month has gone on, with some much needed down time and headspace - I feel much more settled, level headed and able to re-focus on my work.
Most important lesson here:
It's ok to take a step back from people or situations that negatively affect your emotions and cause past feelings to resurface. If it no longer serves you or grows you, then it's ok to put yourself first and take back some control.
Songs of the month: Sorry they're not very positive songs this month...but they are relatable and empower me!
It's not u it's me (Bea Miller & 6LACK)
Lovely (Billie Eilish & Khalid)
Better Off Without You (feat. Shift K3Y)
Quote of the month:
'It's ok to love people from a safe distance in order to protect your own heart'
If you've got this far then thank you for reading my waffle :)
Stay safe and sane! in these semi-lockdown times..
Cathers x
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