My first experiences with WalknTalk Colchester
As I am almost a full-time carer for my parents and a musician in the evenings, finding the time to go on a walk can be problematic. Thanks to a cousin I have managed every other Thursday at Highwoods with the most amazing group of women I have ever met. Each has a story as to why they are there and each open and friendly. Part of the pleasure can be finding yourself so engrossed in conversation with one person that you don’t see the others and stride ahead or straggle behind. Then again, being on the edge of a conversation and butting in and your thoughts being welcomed even appreciated feels so good. I have given advice, received advice, been invited for coffees, lunch, evenings out, all whilst getting fresh air and exercise. Where else can that happen?
I am lucky enough not to suffer with depression. I am lucky enough to be a therapist and know enough about mental health that I can watch for my own signs of decline and repair them along the way. I am lucky enough to be in reasonable physical health. I have nerve damage in my back and I am lucky enough to be able to manage it without the use of painkillers. I have a good roof over my head and though I am not flush with cash I am lucky enough to be able to afford heat and food. I am lucky enough to be a singer and musician who runs workshops, giving me a creative outlet. I am lucky enough to have life partner with whom I have a good life.
But – Somehow, I found there was still a void.
I am 60 this year and had such a bad experience on my 59th birthday that I decided to look at my life and make changes. I joined a facebook group for women and made some new friends. I have friends. Good friends. Old friends. But my life was very caught up with my family and I realised my days were in a loop of rescuing other people and putting my own needs on a backburner for later. I am sure so many women are familiar with this story. Where was the fun?
I had tried to gather interest amongst friends and family to do more; be more. Sitting at home in front of the tv is a luxury item for me and though there are days when I can flop on the sofa with some calorific snacks and a good book or the remote control but I need experiences. Canoeing. Cycling. And walking. Why was I surrounded by people who did not want to just go for a simple walk?
When I was 19 I was attacked on a tube station platform and though I have had a lot of therapy and it was 40 years ago I still do not make myself vulnerable and so many walking options are not available to me. I live near a park. It is a wide-open space full of children and safe for me by myself. But boring. Oh so dull……
Through the facebook group I met Sally. She told me about WalknTalk Colchester and we arranged to meet and go that week. ‘What? So you mean I can actually walk through Highwoods, round the lake, up to the goats, up the path and not feel vulnerable? Scared? And I can talk to other women about life the universe and everything? You mean if I talk about sauerkraut and gut health and my ageing parents no-one will look at their watch and say is that the time?’
Just once a fortnight so far but utterly life-changing. Thank you Sally. And thank you Rebecca. I am filling the void.
Jo
Ps watch this space for singing workshops…..
