On 20th March, some of the Essex members of Black Girls Hike met for a hike in Maldon.

This is a beautiful part of the Essex countryside and definitely worth a trip. I really enjoy the great outdoors with these lovely ladies. They are a barrel of laughs and we often spend time discussing the big issues of the day that are affecting our community.

Sadly, in this instance it was the awful case of Child Q and during lunch we spent time trying to make sense of the madness! Within the group were ladies with experience in safeguarding, legal matters and the education sector, so it was helpful to be able to discuss such a sensitive matter with them in an open and safe space.

In April, I arranged to meet with Dimples (my PT and now very very dear friend) for an 8 mile walk along the Royal Docks and a visit to local country park, Fairlop Waters. We agreed that active fun days would be a part of our friendship and at the heart of the things we do.

Dimps was familiar with parts of the Docks, but not the route I had in mind…so there were a few “where are you taking me” exclamations along the way! We ended the evening with a home cooked, healthy meal prepared by yours truly and an introduction to members of my family Dimp’s hadn’t met before.

During our visit to Fairlop Waters, we got the cardio done walking and talking, as we took in the beautiful scenery. We ended the day with Ten Pin Bowling and the PT was squarely beaten in fine style by her client!!!

Had a great time getting the cardio done on both days! We had fun amongst the important mindset of staying motivated to move…!

I arranged to walk with Fiona, the Director of HR during the Easter school holidays and it’s now become our thing!

It’s something Fiona and I have been meaning to do for a while, especially as I had discovered some brilliant local walking routes. Is this something you have ever considered? If not, maybe you should! It’s a great way to get to know your colleague(s)…away from the busyness of the office, but more importantly it gets you away from the desk.

Before my PT challenged me (oh boy in such a public way…just check my Instagram stories…rolls eyes!!!) to incorporate lunch time walks into my daily routine, lunch had always been in front of my computer on most days.

Not anymore. Just as Dimps predicted, it has now become a necessity/habit to leave my desk and walk for at least 20-30 minutes each day. It’s been such a blessing and a positive step for my overall wellbeing and mental health.

So…who do you plan to take on your next walk?

“At any moment you’re expecting someone to point to you and say…”who let the fraudster in the room!””

I’ve been wanting to talk about this for a while…I don’t mind being open about this…like so many out there (including the amazing Former First Lady Michelle Obama, who has spoken on this topic on a number of occasions) I suffer with imposter syndrome. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, imposter syndrome is when you feel like a phoney (often in a work or professional setting) and doubt your abilities/achievements – at any moment you’re expecting someone to point to you and say…”who let the fraudster in the room”! Well that’s what if feels like for me at times – particularly at work or when I’m in a space amongst those I often admire!

If you suffer with imposter syndrome, you might find the Imposter Free Podcast helpful. Led by Vanetta Morrison (she’s also a brilliant therapist…take it from someone who knows!!!) and Natisha Willis, they describe it as “a space we created to primarily connect with Black women leaders on topics relating to emotional freedom and emotional wealth in our personal and professional lives. These are vulnerable conversations by smart women for smart women”.

Check it out – the podcast contains some brilliant insights.

Is it cool to just ‘do you’ on a getaway break…?

“What’s the point of getting away for quality time with friends or partners when you’re not actually spending time in each other’s company?”

So I posed a question on social media a few weeks ago regarding being independent and crafting your own space on a getaway break. Craig and I were away on a golf/spa break at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club at the time. I posed the question following a few observations I had made whilst enjoying the weekend. I kept noticing two types of groups – people who were clearly at the hotel with their friends or partners, but who also seemed to be spending chunks of time alone. The other group were people who seemed to move in groups/couples that were inseparable.

I was in the first camp and this got me thinking all sorts…like should I be spending more time with Craig during opportunities like this? What’s the point of getting away for quality time with friends or partners when you’re not actually spending time in each other’s company? Why is this even bothering me? For a moment (a v. short one!), I thought we were not using the time together wisely and I was taking being Miss Independent far too far!! You see…Craig loves golf and I love spas! When we plan our getaways it’s always with the intention that we both get what we need from the experience and clearly the aforementioned is where our interest lies…but this means spending time apart.

So I did just that – I enjoyed many moments in the spa alone, had a lovely facial and went for a gorgeous walk (this was a MUST)…all by myself. I spent time with Craig during breakfast, lunch and the evenings…the best of both worlds really!

I think the conclusion I came to – and obviously this is my own personal view of MY circumstance is…I love me some me time!!! I love creating moments when I can let go and let God! . I am so comfortable in my own company that even before I leave for a break, I’m planning what my time alone will be spent on: walking, treatments, reading…sleeping!! To me this requires an element of being independent whomever I’m away with and, actually, I shouldn’t be concerned about what I see around me and just do me!

So there you have it…I suppose I’ve answered my own question!

On Saturday 30th April, I was asked to join a panel of women at a City Women’s event at my church – City Gates. If you know anything about me, you will know that me and public speaking have a thing going on. I don’t like it (and that’s putting it mildly), but I feel I have been called somehow to do it! The event explored the ways us women serve the church, how we fell into our very different roles and how prepared we were to walk in our calling!

I realised that speaking in public – whether this be on a stage, in community, through this blog – is something I’ve been called to do! It’s as simple as that!

I am truly being motivated to move kicking and screaming in this area right now – it’s uncomfortable, nerve wracking and full of imposter syndrome fears/anxieties. But if we’re called…we roll right? What do you think?

I couldn’t let this blog go down without showcasing my ‘League of Ladies’ crew along with my sisters! You may recall from my earlier blog that dancing the night away is something that I absolutely love to do. It’s a fantastic way to burn off those calories!!!

Well let’s just say there were quite a few birthdays in March and April…so here are the highlights…

Consider joining the Black Girls Hike UK private Facebook group if you wish to meet other Black women with similar interests! 

Alternatively, please contact me via my contacts page if you want to know more about walking or if you ever fancy joining me on a walk sometime!

In the meantime, I hope you find this blog useful and it keeps you motivated to move in whatever way works for you!

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