2021: A year of discovery, perspective & movement!

Living life on purpose!

My beautiful planner a gift from my Kingdom Daughters fam!

January 2022 is almost over and 2021 seems like a distant memory already! It’s taken me longer than expected to get my next Motivated to Move blog post out and boy am I glad I took the time out to compile it! It was definitely a labour of love to collate all this information, so I’m pleased I’ve finally completed it! I was certainly living life on purpose in 2021 that’s for sure! COVID helped us all to focus and get a bit of perspective across all areas of our lives. Many of us flung caution to the wind and grabbed life by the short and curlies. I certainly did.

Before I go on though, I want to acknowledge that I know 2021 was a brutal year for so many. Some lost beautiful family members, dear friends, great colleagues – or all three! And if thats you…I pray that you’ve been able to find peace as you move forward in life and look to the future.

Looking back to look forward

Have you ever reviewed your year? No…I mean seriously reviewed your year? I’m not referring to a casual flick through a journal or diary, I mean have you ever sat down and reviewed your entire year – what you did, with whom and why? Well good on you if you have/do…I certainly haven’t/don’t! Writing this blog has been extremely therapeutic on so many levels and I’ve discovered something! Firstly, never in a million years would I have remembered the amount of fun I had during such a difficult year. Yeah I new I did ‘stuff’- but not this much! And let’s be clear…I wouldn’t have to do this much reflecting had this blog been in existence (one hopes!). I have no intentions of writing up the highlights of my WHOLE year again. I would like to think that I find a suitable rhythm that allows me to share my stories with you through this platform and social media (LOOOL) – plus it also means that I don’t have to scroll through endless posts to get to my best bits!!!

With all that being said, I’ve certainly discovered that I do much more things than I actually think I do in my head! It’s as simple as that! When I say ‘things’ I mean the people I am connected to, the places and spaces I inhabit and the opportunities I take to just “do me”. It’s been quite an eye opener and I would encourage everyone to take a similar journey of discovery…a bit of looking back to look forward! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

“I mean have you ever sat down and reviewed your year – what you did, with whom and why?”

Like many, I am on an endless quest to find more ‘me time’. I feel that as time slips away I haven’t downloaded the million and one things swirling around in my head leading to much restlessness. My home life, my faith as a Christian woman, work and my social life are all affected. This becomes a burden resulting in me sometimes feeling overwhelmed and spent of energy. However, writing this particular blog has enabled me to get a bit of perspective peeps and to truly reflect on some precious relationships and amazing people in my life. Throughout 2021, I met some fabulous individuals through my walking. Reflecting in this way has also taught me that the rough always comes with the smooth! Yeah sure…work’s busy sometimes, the housework may be out of control at times and I just might not be able to fit everything in. However, that’s life right (shrugs shoulders!)?

“…writing this particular blog has enabled me to get a bit of perspective peeps and to truly reflect on some precious relationships and amazing people in my life.”

Cheers 2021…I’m grateful for so, so much and I realise that at timesI just need to stop and breathe. I’m in awe that my No.1 fan God knows me intimately and keeps me forever grounded. He’s there 24/7 on tap like a running stream. This year me and you are going in!!! I am so totally thankful for the little things in life that He reminds me of everyday – breath in my body, a loving family, a great job, a roof over my head, a warm bed and food to eat. Anything else above and beyond that is a big, fat, juicy bonus!!!

So here’s some precious highlights from my 2021 that will keep me motivated to move in all areas of my life…and I would live it all again if I could!

I hope you’re not too exhausted…!

January – March 2021 Highlights

Keeping it local and practical during our 5th lockdown!

In January, I really enjoyed setting out for my first walks of the year with the family. It was annoying to have to suffer yet another lockdown! Going for a stroll with Mr C and my granddaughter Ani was a great way to spend quality time when staying indoors would have driven us crazy! In February I joined the amazing Black Girls Hike Facebook group. Black Girls Hike UK(BGHUK) was set up to provide a safe space for Black women to explore the outdoors. I stumbled across the group after seeing Judi Love’s Twitter skit where she mused about the viewers that complained to the BBC citing that the group was racist! Please! The group has transformed my life – I don’t say that lightly as you will see for the rest of the year!!! In March, I decided to invest in some walking gear ready for the upcoming spring season! I received lots of compliments about my skorts (skirt/shorts combo) and my sister Amanda absolutely hates my walking sandals…I find them rather lovely and comfy thank you very much sis!!!

Black Girls Hike ignites my inner passion for the great outdoors alongside a BUMPER quarter of activities!

Walking

In April, as lockdown started to ease, I took my walking to a whole new level as a member of Black Girls Hike! April – June was BUSY! I visited some beautiful locations like Clent Hills in Worcestershire, as well as places closer to home like Romford Country Park (who knew?) with my dear friend Yvonne from church. I also joined some really friendly ladies from South London as we stomped the Green Chain Walk and later a walk from Erith to Bexley Village!

I love the following pic! This was me and the girls (the League of Ladies, plus an honorary member for the day!) enjoying birthday celebrations in April for two of the crew – Delia and Anne Marie who were born on the same day, in the same hospital. As we all know, our biological sisters are not the only real deal! You guessed it…we were at the Royal Docks!

League of Ladies and an honorary plus 1

More walking

In May, I spent time in Leicestershire revisiting places outside that I hadn’t been to for years. Bradgate Park always scared me as a child – the deers and their droppings freaked me out! As the warmer weather approached, I enjoyed North East London gems, like walking along the River Lea in Tottenham via Hackney and Stratford, as well as Epping Forest with some more BGHUK ladies that I met online. The walks were gorgeous and the weather was surprisingly great! During my ‘Nani’ duties I also incorporated a walk to Wanstead Park and invited my daughter to join me and baby Luca!

As this quarter draws to a close, the following photo is one of my favourite moments of the year. May was a bitter-sweet time as we celebrated my nephew’s wedding. We lost our beautiful sister Sue in August 2016, but she was still very much present to watch her son walk down the isle with his stunning bride. I wasted no time roping the family into a walk the very next day in Ratby, Leicestershire!!!

The Toussaints at their finest…fun, fun, fun!

Cordice family time

As the lockdown started to ease even further, Craig and I took a trip to Wales in June to see his family and spend some much needed quality time together. It was the first time I experienced South Wales in this way. I was able to use my walking experience to venture out and see what I had been missing for so many years. I took a solo walk along the Wales Coast Path. It was stunning. The path is a designated long-distance trail which follows, or runs close to, the coastline of Wales. Launched in 2012, the footpath is 870 miles long…I won’t be walking all of that any time soon!

Enjoying Clydach Vale in Tonypandy, Wales

My daughter Bianca and I took her son Luca and my granddaughter Ani on the London Bridges walk in June. We crossed some of the most well known bridges in the world and to say we were all a little tired afterwards was an understatement!

There was so much to cram in this quarter (especially June), but I just had to feature my City Gates church folk on a Royal Docks walk! Pastor Julia asked me to lead the walk for the City Women’s ministry when she got wind of all my walking antics!

Through BGHUK, my connections with Black women who love walking has spread far and wide. A few Essex ladies got together to form a walking group, which continues to go from strength to strength today! One of the first walks organised was Hainault Forest in June. You have to be prepared for everything when hiking and walking – sun, rain and lots of mud!

Celebrations and party time y’all!

Birthday time

I will never forget planning my 52nd birthday in July 2021. It was such a blast. I took my event planning skills to a whole new level! There was an itinerary (designed by hubby!!), strolls in Hampton Court. the London Eye, a river cruise and some lovely food. This was all shared with of course top-class company from my husband Craig. my beautiful sisters and some of my closest friends.

Yes…this really is my birthday itinerary! Pent up event planning skills needed to be released!

The love affair with Westcliff-on-sea, Southend commences…

This is where it all began. The Essex ladies planned a walk in Southend in July and as I stepped off the train, I heard a voice tell me I was going to live here. I don’t know when, but a move is on the cards at some point. Not sure what God has planned for me there, but he brought the beautiful Michelle into my life. She is an astute business woman with the kindest heart and such a lovely spirit. When it comes to finding a property she is my No. 1 wing woman!

The Essex crew were on fire in July. I think the easing of the restrictions unleashed a mad dash to the coast! We quickly arranged another walk in the Essex countryside. This time Frinton-on-sea. We were all gagging for the great outdoors and couldn’t get enough of walking and spending some quality time together.

In July I decided to get ready for a hike to Snowdonia.

My mindset starting to shift about my health. I loved my walking and hiking, but I knew I wasn’t as fit as I could be and those out of breath puffs up the stairs were a tell tale sign that something had to change!!! So, I do what I do best – I look for a solution and joining the local gym was my first foray to seriously getting myself into better shape!

Celebrating 20 years of marriage and BOB

Our 20th wedding anniversary in July seem to come around fast. Luckily, one of my many walking WhatsApp groups created a BOB day (Black Owned Business day). Each Friday, the ladies get to promote their business or a Black owned activity they would like to share. When Craig and I were running out of ideas on what to do for our anniversary the Friday before, I saw a message pop up from Sandra Weekes, who was promoting her independent travel agency. It was music to my ears. I was straight on the phone and by the Tuesday we were off to Farnham in Surrey on a Spa Break! You can also reach Sandra here. She’s absolutely awesome. On arrival at the hotel a beautiful bouquet of flowers was received from her. San is now my official travel agent and all my breaks since have been arranged through her! Please do use her!

As soon as I returned from our anniversary break I was off again! This time it was the big, bad girls’ weekender in Suffolk, which took place over four days at the end of July/early August. The League of Ladies at their finest! Like most people, we hadn’t ‘danced danced’ and gone ‘out out’ for the longest time. As mature women, we know how to party hard and have fun. As long as there is breath in our bodies and we can still move, you will find us on a dance floor somewhere boogying away to a recent or yesteryear track! The walking shoes, the walking sticks and other paraphernalia was packed and ready to venture too!

Do you think partying hard stopped me enjoying the gorgeous Lowestoft countryside and Kessingland Beach? I think not! As soon as we returned at breakfast time (ahem!), I was off. It was wonderfully bliss – solitude, the sea and just my thoughts! Tiredness wasn’t going to ruin my planned walk along the beach!

Here’s how our girls’ mini break went down…we had the BEST time ever!

Now there’s far too many photos here to caption, so I’ll let them tell a thousand words!

I was back for less than a week and my next foray was leading yet another Royal Docks walk in August that I arranged for some BGHUK ladies, who really wanted to see this part of East London. I already cancelled it once due to COVID in the household and although it was raining cats and dogs in the morning, I wasn’t going to let a bit of rain deter me. Only a few brave souls dared to experience the lashings of rain and wind hitting you like a wet fish. The sun didn’t shy away though and by lunchtime it was GLORIOUS! Hot, hot, hot!

Again through the BGHUK network, a young lady suggested that we should take hiking to a whole other level. This time, Snowdonia in North Wales was the target and the trip took place over the long August bank holiday weekend. Not one to turn down a challenge and with my health and fitness feeling the best it had for a long time, those words ‘why not’ popped into my head! The result? A personal challenge was conquered and a more adventurous me was birthed!

Climbing Mount Snowdon wasn’t on the agenda around the dinner table when I was a child! We didn’t do that sort of thing in my family. So climbing a famous mountain? A you dat Jules Cordice? Gwaan! I decided it was going to be my personal holiday to myself that year.

Here are some photos of my favourite bits.

Again…there’s far too many photos to caption!

Can you spot the Wales Coast Path again?

The ladies on their approach to the summit.

Underground, overground Wombling free…

Amanda (baby sis), my daughter and I wondered off to Wimbledon Common for the day in September. It was a deferred birthday trip and it was a prerequisite to include some walking. We had to postpone the original July event due to the pandemic (thankfully…as not quite sure when we would have had the time to fit it in TBH!). I moved to London at the tender age of 16 years and this was my first time visiting the iconic area. I have fond memories of the Wombles from childhood and the names Uncle Bulgaria, Tobermory and Bungo make me smile. Then I remember going ‘wombling’ in primary school, which basically meant going around the playground picking up rubbish with a waste paper bin…the teachers must’ve seen me coming! Duh!

Heard of it? Neither had I. Given the summer’s hive of activity, I must have lost all sense of direction in September as I ended up in remote Gloucestershire on this walk! According to Wiki the official source of the Thames lies in a remote Gloucestershire meadow on the edge of the small village of Kemble. The area is officially known as Trewsbury Mead but is sometimes referred to as Thames Head. Who knew this juicy tit bit of info eh? It was news to me when I woke up on the minibus zooming down the M4!

Oh well…it was a great walk…but next time I need to read the details properly!

The final furlong!

Meeting up with an old friend

Donna and I enjoyed a well-deserved and long overdue walk in October along our beloved Docks. We have our own walking cycle in place that means we try to meet up during the school holidays. This is when I generally try to catch a breather and get some much needed downtime under my belt. We took in the lovely early autumn blooms in Thames Barrier Park.

In October I had the absolute privilege of meeting Rhiane Fatinikun founder of Black Girls Hike UK. I travelled with my intrepid explorers and bonafide walking gals Helen and Michelle after a brilliant time together in Snowdonia back in the summer. This was more than just a visit to the Peaks. We all needed some much needed ‘stillness’ and quiet time away from our hectic work schedules. We combined the trip with a luxury spa break. I think these moments are so important for our mental health and to rejuvenate the soul!

I had the pleasure of visiting a lovely village called Rowhedge in Colchester in November. Another location with great scenery and great places to walk!

My sisters and I celebrated Amanda’s birthday in November in Thatcham, Berkshire. Although the spa hotel wasn’t up to our usual standards (say no more!), we made the most of our time together – in typical Toussaint stylee! We obviously couldn’t just go the hotel and spa…the Berkshire countryside was beckoning! I quickly found us a lovely walk using the All Trails app and it was definitely worth waking up for at the crack of dawn!

In November Amanda decided to throw the first Toussaint monthly dinner, which she instituted! It was a fantastic idea that was borne out of us wanting to see mum following an accident and a way to ensure the family had a regular space to gather. Everyone that has Toussaint blood running through their veins or is connected via a relationship is invited. The house was full and we all had a cracking time. It was the first time the family got to meet Luca too, so it was an extra-special occasion. I couldn’t resist showing off the marvellous Bradgate Park to Bianca. The perfect place to bring young children.

The last walk with the Essex crew took place in November. The elected route was Benfleet to Southend. It was so nice to draw the end of the year to a close with such a lovely autumnal walk. I’m no fair weather walker, so I was planning to attend this walk come rain or shine! Thankfully, the weather held out like it has on most of my walks!

On the way to reaching my fitness goals

I received an early Christmas present from my amazing personal trainer Dimples Vadher on 23rd December. Dimples sent through my first set of progress shots since joining her personal training programme. I am not going to lie…I was super pleased with the results! The goal at the end of my first four weeks was to lose 7lbs and I exceeded that by 2lbs, losing a total of 9lbs. I’m not interested in quick fixes – I’m in this for the long haul. My goals have to be SMART, so that I can achieve realistic results that are sustainable. The next progress shots are due at the end of January…watch this space!

So this is my last entry for the review of 2021 and it was a cracking way to end December. The mood in the nation was changing and dreaded COVID was kiboshing plans around the UK. Thankfully, England was still able to party, so we did just that – we partied hard at the All Black Coco day party.

I was feeling amazing. I managed to cover over 20,400 steps that day – the equivalent of over 9 miles according to my app! Dancing really is a darn good way to take in some great cardio, have fun and burn off some of those sticky calories!

So there you have it – 2021 in big, fat, all-blazing technicolour. It’s all catalogued here for my future reference and I look forward to fondly looking over these events whenever I need a bit of inspiration, a smile or a motivation to move. In 2022, I will be taking a leaf from my beautiful planner (see very first photo) and will live a purposeful life as much as I can throughout the rest of the year.

Until next time…much love and take care!

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