It's a question that we might not ask ourselves very often, if at all. But it's something that I've been thinking about this week. If it feels good to be me, do I need external stimuli to help me feel better? Surely external stimuli are needed only when it does not feel good to be me.
 
In my work in education, I see this so frequently. Without a strong sense of being 'enough', children grow up to be adults who search for the thing that will make them feel better about themselves, be that constantly buying new stuff, dependence on substances, lack of self-care, or self-destructive behaviour.
 
But what if they didn't need to do that? What if they felt they were enough?
 
Many people think it's too late to change once they have reached adulthood ("That's just the way I am!"). Yet all it takes is having a word with yourself and realising that you are in charge of your mind and you make the decisions, not the other way around – and you are worth looking after. You might discover that you are enough without the external stimuli, and that the world still turns without them in your life.

Have you made some time for yourself today – just for you, to sit quietly, refresh yourself and feel renewed? Not escaping to the television, or pounding the streets, or even reading. Just time to sit quietly, focus your thoughts, check your priorities, and make sure there is nothing negative knocking around in your own mind. Take some time and be with yourself.
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If you find this difficult, it can often help to have a bit of guidance, and many people are big fans of guided meditation. There are lots of examples online and YouTube is a great place to start. Try starting small, listening to something short and succinct. You can then build up to more when you feel ready. Remember there is no ‘right’ way of doing this. Being mindful is a personal thing – it’s your choice how you do it.  

What’s the most valuable thing you have ever owned?
 
Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, our bodies will always be the most valuable thing in our lives. Imagine if you had to try and piece your own body together, sourcing and paying for each part! It would be astronomically expensive… Without getting into the ethics and possibilities of such a notion, the crux of this blog is (no surprises!) about looking after your body – as it is the most valuable thing you will ever own.
 
So, what is it worth to you? Not monetary, as that’s too tricky to calculate. But in other terms, like reliability or function. If a part of it broke down, how would that ‘cost’ you?
 
And what are you doing to ensure that your body retains its value to you?
 
It’s been said so many times before, by me and countless others: look after your body with good food, sleep, exercise, rest, relaxation and fun to help it stick around for as long as you need it.  
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I’m hijacking this week’s blog with a reminder about my charity fundraising event being held this Saturday, 12th September, on Zoom. Everyone is welcome to come, and if you can’t make it please do make a donation.

At the Fling, you get to try different types of online fitness class with Katie and me, while raising money for Sport in Mind, an independent multi-award-winning mental health charity based in Reading. Their aim is to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity. 

You can join in online for as many classes as you like, all from the comfort of your own home!

Donations welcome via www.sportinmind.org/fundraisers/fitness-fling-goes-online.

Sign up here: www.cleanwellbeing.com/charity-fitness-fling.html.  I will then send you the Zoom link. Thanks!

​@brollygoodideas @sportinmind