I started this blog after being inspired by a leadership course I went on with Farming Connect. That was way back in 2018-19, and wow have things changed since then.

I find myself writing here today as a facilitator of a leadership group – which is incredibly exciting – and I am still inspired – hard not to be in a room of intelligent, excited, forward thinking people who are there because they want to be and because they are the selected few from a larger group that applied.

It is very easy to get drawn into negativity, especially now when we face a period of change as an industry. Not just change, but uncertainty as well. It is hard. Hard to realise, hard to understand and hardest of all is to change with our futures unknown. Spending time with this group is quite the opposite.

I am writing this today as I have been quite unmotivated in getting some exercise done (I would say recently, but it has been a bit long term). The scales are obviously broken to show that weight, the clothes are a little too snug (and I refuse to change size, unless it is a lower size) and I am not fit enough. To top this I am the upper side of 40 and wow does it get harder then. However, with a gentle encouraging nudge from a friend, I have signed up for a 6 week course of exercise, that I can do at home, via an app (everfit @evtraining – others are available).

Digression: That is something that has changed since 2018 – there are apps for everything – handy sometimes, but just incredibly annoying in other circumstances. The one that pops into my mind is trying to order food and drink at the airport. There are waiting staff, there are bar staff, but they cannot take any orders, we have to scan the QR code or use their app – I mean, what??? Seriously??? This is not good use of tech people c’mon.

I suppose the point I am trying to make is that maybe the new leaders have inspired me to sort myself out in a roundabout way. Their energy, their health and their ambition is in abundance, it is hard for it not to rub off on me! They are a very focused group, they are better behaved and drink less alcohol than I would have done at that point – some even went for a run in the morning – this kind of behaviour is impressive – although a little shocking to me.

I opted for the at home version of the exercise class because I don’t want to drive 30 minutes to a gym, and 30 minutes back again (don’t get me started on higher Council Tax and a depletion in services, and 20mph). I have space in our garage – it isn’t plush, but it is cold enough now to make sure I keep moving while I am in there! The down side is that I can see my reflection in the tumbledryer window….that alone is inspiration 😂

I plan for this to be a bit of an introduction – then I will aim for more after the 6 weeks. Like eating an elephant, piece by piece 🙂

So – last week I got the Garmin watch out of the drawer, dusted it (I know, bad) and started counting and recording steps again. Last night, I did a Kettlebell and boxercise work out (dusted the kettlebell too) – it was really hard, I was out of puff, sweating and dressed appallingly. This was my first proper workout in over two years. I used to be a bit fit, and able to get into exercise quite easily – not so easy now -so I have quite a challenge ahead.

Ideally I would like to lose two stone – even more ideal would be to lose a stone before the Winter Fair – but that is in less than two weeks so a bit of reality is required – but it is always good to dream…aim high!

This is about how I feel and how I look – I know I am too heavy and not fit enough (although I do always find I can chase a sheep when the need arises) and I want to be more healthy. This isn’t a blog opening myself up to people who sell diet plans or kitchen equipment I do not need to count calories – I will find what I want and go from there thank you.

This is about taking accountability for myself.

I talk about sustainable farm businesses, being fit for the future – but what about me? Ironically I preach about self care – especially for younger people, better to have the habit younger. My emotional self care has been a priority over the last couple of years, and I have been good at that with Yoga and meditation, but physical self care is so so important (although Yoga is good for the physical too, I don’t find it shifts any weight, but I am quite bendy).

Strangely, I follow @moonomens on Instagram – I like to read the horoscopes, but after the time has passed, not as a predictor. So the post I read today has me spooked – I have posted it below for you to read it – how relatable is that?!! I am starting to think the moon has me sussed.

Preparation for the future – be it for yourself, or your business, is vitally important – so let’s get to it!

Was it inspiration? Or written in the stars? Does it matter? I am going to take it and run (albeit slowly) with it 🌟

Thank you for reading – and making me accountable. xxx