Self Care

"Self care can be about putting yourself out to look out for yourself."

Last night, at 2.19am on New Year's Day, I lay in bed ready to sleep for so many hours. As I tried to fall asleep, though, I noticed that I was ever so slightly too cold. Warm enough that I could easily fall asleep but cool enough that if the temperature stayed that way most of the night I could be waking up in a lot of pain. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: Hypermobility Type (in simple terms, my muscles have to work very hard to keep my joints in place where my ligaments don't do a great job) and I get quite cold very easily. When my body is cold, my already over-worked, tired muscles tense up. Usually this leads to knots and nerve pain. So, you get the equation: cold body + tired muscles = tense tired muscles = pain. Sometimes that pain lasts a day, other times it lasts weeks and months (or until I get a massage)!  So, laying in bed that night I had two options: 1 - lay there and continue to fall asleep, knowing that I might wake up with pain that lasts a couple of weeks, or 2 - pull myself out of bed, set up my heated blanket and then get comfortable again. At the time option 1 was the easiest option going. I was already comfy, I didn't feel uncomfortably cold, and both my brain and body were ready to drift off to sleep instantaneously - my chronic fatigue craved all the sleep I could get. But I chose option 2. I chose self care. I didn't choose to give myself what I wanted in the moment: to drift straight off to sleep. I chose to give myself what I needed: warmth, better quality sleep and less pain. To achieve this, I had to get out of bed (despite my sleepy head's protest) and be intentional about caring for myself.

This concept is still inspiring me. Self care can be about putting yourself out to look out for yourself. If I knew of a small act of kindness I could do for someone that would improve their day, week or month, I'd probably jump at the chance. But when it comes to acts of kindness for myself, I'm not too certain I'd be as eager to put myself out in order to put myself first. I deserve to be looked after, especially by myself. And you deserve to be looked after by you too. 
This year, 2019, I want to be more intentional about caring for myself. Sometimes that means making decisions based on what I need and not what I want. Sometimes that means making decisions based on what I want and not what others want of me. All of the time it's about enabling me to be the best me because a me that's caring for herself is a me that's ready to be there when others need her and a me that's ready to be there for herself too.


What are you wanting to be intentional about this year?
Amy xo

 

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Powerful Promises

3432 hours = 143 days = 20 weeks. That's how long it's been since my last post and I've really missed writing them! So I've decided to spend some energy today writing on here again.

Just last week I was driving home and it was the sunniest it had been in a while. I was travelling along the all too familiar 15 mile stretch of motorway, usually so mundane, and yet the sun was lifting my mood. I felt good. Then the rain came - out of nowhere. It poured down so hard and fast that the lorries around me created a mist that mimicked a foggy night in the middle of winter. Sticking to my lane, sandwiched by lorries, I had no choice but to turn my fog lights on so that my little car could be seen. I was taken aback by this sudden turn in the weather. Where had it all come from? Then came the hail, each tiny pebble of ice hitting the ground in front of me and bouncing upwards with no predictable direction. What was happening? My drive had started so pleasant, so blissful and yet here I was driving through the rain and mist and now the hail too. 
I kept my eyes on the road ahead of me, uncertain of when the hail would let off and when I'd be able to increase my speed again. A few colours started dancing around at the back of the lorry next to me, catching my eye. Where were they coming from? And then they moved. They were in front of my car. A tiny rainbow, I realised. The sun must've been shining through the clouds again, hitting the mist in front of my car in just the perfect way to give me a little light show in amongst this miserable weather. I couldn't watch for long, though, because I needed to stay focussed on the drive.
As I continued off the motorway and down the country lanes to my home I pondered on the significance of this rainbow. I was at the end of it, perhaps the gold at the end of the rainbow? It felt like there was more to it than that; there was more to discover.  Promises.  Rainbows are a symbol of God's promise never to flood the Earth again - that's not His only promise, though. As I lay here writing this post, lacking any and all energy for the day ahead of me, I have realised that I was reciting the lyrics to a song (just hours before this rainbow glistened in the mist that was covering road ahead of me) with one of the girls in the after school club I run:
"The rainbows in the sky to show God's promises are true. The rainbows in the sky to show the world He's the only way, for your everyday"
So, what are God's promises for everyone?

And there are so many more! Keep looking for those promises today, tomorrow, this week, this year. And hold onto them. Recently, I was told of an amazing lady who has written down all of the promises of God that are in the Bible onto small strips of paper and put them in a jar. Each morning she grabs a handful of them and puts them in her pocket. Throughout each day she reaches into her pocket and reads the promise that God has for her. This is such an amazing way to live life secure in His promises.
So today I'm remembering that God has so many promises for me, and these are just a few of them.
H E   I S   M Y   S T R E N G T H “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 H E   C A R E S   F O R   M E “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 H E   K N O W S   M Y   P A T H “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
What promises is God highlighting to you today? 
Amy xo

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A Little-Big Life Update

I've sort of fallen off the whole blogging train in the last few months, and there are a few reasons for that. In short: life has gotten really busy! Which is great. Time spent writing is something that I really enjoy but I don't enjoy anything more than spending time with people and making memories. And that's exactly what I've been doing. For those that would love to know where I've been and what's been happening, keep on reading... you know you want to...

Work  So, I now have a job! #adulting I'm working for a children's charity in Kent. A charity that I had the joy of gap-yearing with last year and really couldn't picture myself leaving. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to stay, working with some awesome people and doing some great work, for a few more months.  With my contract being only short term, maternity cover for a friend, I've been putting more and more thought into where I might like to end up career-wise and how I can focus on my path to getting there come June. I'm still not much closer to knowing where to go, but I'm thinking about it. I work part-time and for the most part this has been manageable for me. I've recently changed my hours around a little to suit my fatigue better and my body is currently adjusting to that. It's panto season! Which means all staff based in the same office as me have stopped their collective worship assemblies and their clubs to focus solely on being their inner wise men and shepherds. Amongst other roles I'm playing donkey this year, which is so much fun in a care-free yet humiliating way! I have completely removed myself from my comfort zone to be a part of panto this year and that's been so rewarding - I've reminded myself that I really can do whatever I set my mind to and sometimes, like panto, those things can bring more joy and make more amazing memories than I could've ever imagined! All whilst bringing the greatest birth story ever to so many children and teachers.

Home (Mon, Tues, Wed) The first half of my week, every week, is spent living in the town of my workplace. Here I stay in the spare bedroom of some friends of mine. In October I hit the one year mark of staying with these beautiful people and it's been great - I'm so happy I get to stay a few more months and I'm so grateful for their constant hospitality, friendship, and support. In this first part of the week I share my bedroom with a pretty cute roommate, Tortellini the Tortoise. The patterns on his shell are so gorgeous and he loves teasing Rupert (the cutest dog around) into chasing him. Rupert is a miniature labradoodle who's currently learning so much in trick training - prayers and cuddles are our favourites right now! It's safe to say I'll be back to visit both the animals and the humans of this household lots once I've moved out!

Home (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) The second half of my week is spent at my parents' home. I spend most of my time resting which can get really boring really quickly without a hobby or good Netflix series to watch.  Recently I've started getting into pyrography (burning pictures and words into wood) so that keeps me busy on days that I can't do much or make too many plans. I'm attempting to learn some Spanish in my spare time and really hoping to pick up my guitar a little more. If you're interested in my arty side of life, follow me on Instagram @amywaltersart or facebook.com/amywaltersart.

Mexico I'm off to Mexico again in April and this year I'm part of the Core Team Support Group which means I get to be a part of the wider parts of the trip - the beforehand stuff. I'm helping with the graphics and communication, with my most recent task being to write a letter and make a flyer to go out to all group leaders. In Mexico I will be heading up the Kids Team. I'm really excited to do this again, knowing that it will look different to the past couple of years because the sites we're building on dictate the way the kids club works. I'm already thinking about different games and activities we could do with the children and I'm ready to learn so much from them too. Whilst we're out there I will also be helping to run some prayer sessions/activities with a friend of mine. We have no idea how this will look but we're so excited to see God moving in everyone's lives! Dad and I have been busy fundraising for Mexico, enlisting the help of mum and Becca and a number of close friends! I can't thank you all enough. Our most recent success has been a craft fair event which we organised ourselves. With a little bit of knowledge and a whole lot of Facebook connections, the event was a huge success and raised over £800 for 2 great charities (of which one was ReBuild Mexico).

That about sums up where I am right now and what I've been up to. I'm ever-grateful for good friends (new and old) for their constant support and friendship - we have so much fun! God bless you all in this festive season, and may those of you who find this time of year tough find your hearts filled with endless joy and love, Amy xo

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She travels... Prague

| Lows: 8°C || Highs: 28°C |
European holiday post no.3! This time we went to visit our cousins in the beautiful Czech city, Prague. This post is long overdue, but here are some highlights from our trip. And I totally 100% recommend this city to anyone looking for a short break away.

On day one, we explored the gardens next door to our hotel. Following a some-what interesting breakfast (European breakfasts never fail to throw something new in) - of salted bread and butter, scrambled egg, and cake - we were met with the beautiful sights of Pruhonicky park. Can you spot Becca and I amongst the flowers above?
Dad loved the park, he's been working on walking 10,000+ steps a day and daily walks around this park meant he exceeded that goal. And those burnt calories meant more room for great food!

Obligatory family picture in the park. Aren't we just the cutest? 
Over the next few days we ate more weird food for breakfast, spent more time in the park, chilled with our cousins and celebrated lots. There was lots to celebrate! And many a happy birthday was sung!
This day was filled with sights, food and some rather strong drinks! (Who knew their standard shot size is almost triple that of a UK measure?! Oops! Haha).
We crossed Charles bridge...

Took a boat tour along the river...

And made our way above the city for a cold glass of Rhum and coke...

What a view! And at the very top of this hill was a labyrinth that I just couldn't resist completing!

I was in my element.

Then we Uber-ed our way across the city to eat Chinese and drink cocktails.

On mum's birthday we visited the zoo. We saw the penguins, and the giraffes! Happiness all around.

At the zoo, there is a ski-lift that you can take up to the top! And of course we wanted to try it. It didn't feel the slightest bit safe and I held onto my phone so tightly, but it was beautiful and we loved it so much we travelled back down the same way.

Have a few more pictures from the zoo...

Following an excellent day out, we had a wonderful meal with the whole family! Prepare yourselves for another obligatory family photograph! Cute.

Granny loved her cake, and I love this picture...!

We spent our last day of the holiday exploring the city some more and I had one goal in mind: Eat. Chimney. Cakes. & so we did!

We walked down some beautiful streets...

and found an underground bar... :D

Then the time came to head to our airport hotel. We even saw a stag do carrying balloons en route. Not the weirdest stag party we'd seen this holiday, but certainly the most photographable!

We finished our stay in Prague in a quaint hotel full of aircraft memorabilia. We said our goodbyes, and headed to bed before our journey home the next morning!
Certainly so grateful to Granny and Gramps, mum and dad for this holiday!
Amy xo

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Finding Joy in the Little Things

Image: Google

What's better than joy? I absolutely love laughter and happiness - it's the best thing! Sometimes life can be going really great and it's really easy to be happy, sometimes life can be neutral, and sometimes life can be painstakingly numb.
But I've learnt that in all seasons, seeking joy (even just in the little things) is key to my happiness. I've been so blessed this year with colleagues that love to laugh, and love to make each other laugh. Working with kids certainly has it's joyful moments, too. Kids allow anything and everything to be amusing - and it's so much fun to witness and enjoy. We really do have lots to learn from children's minds!
About a year ago, I completed my first ever A-Z of Thanks list. It was amidst a really difficult season in my life, arguably the most difficult time of my life to date. Spending a day thinking up the contents of my list really helped to show me that finding gratitude in the little things was a little yet big stepping stone to feeling more grateful for my life day to day. Perhaps it's time for another list, just for fun? An A-Z of Joy. Watch this space.
Joy is right there, staring you in the face, hidden in plain sight. Last week I was driving home from work. It was hot, my air con was taking too long to kick in, and I hit traffic almost straight away. I looked up to see that the car's numberplate in front of me read WASHED and I was instantly reminded of the day that I got baptised. And looking even further up, I saw a dog in the back of that same car who's hair was styled brilliantly! Like it had just had a wash and blow dry!! The dog looked like a giant, white, fluffy pom pom. The traffic started moving, I laughed to myself and we went our separate ways, only for me to be met with another dog in the car in front at the next set of traffic lights. This dog was sat in the middle back seat of the car, and just as one of it's owners reached over towards the other, the dog sprung up eager to be part of the family love. Looking hopefully from owner to owner, as if it was watching a tennis match, in anticipation of getting some attention too. Really cute, and really quite funny.
It's these small moments, ones that are so easy for us fly through life without seeing, that are so worth slowing down to enJOY.
I really hope this weekend that lots of these silly/funny/joyful moments pop up to brighten your ordinary days.
Click here to see last year's A-Z of Thanks.
A little life update for you:

The last week of my gap year is just around the corner, and with all the amazing things going on in the office and at camp over the next week, these days are going to fly by! But that won't be the end. I've been offered, and I've accepted, a short term contract (maternity cover for a colleague) with the charity that I've been gap year-ing with! It's such amazing timing and such good news. Over the course of this entire year, never have I felt that dreaded 'back to school' feeling that was all too familiar a few years ago. I love my job and the people I work with. And I'm so happy to be staying for a few months longer! I'll also get to continue sharing a room with Tortellini the tortoise, and be greeted by Rupert's cute little puppy face after work each day!
That's all for now, 
Amy xo

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Mexico 2017 - In Moving Pictures!

So in my last post I promised you loads of pictures. And what better way to fill this post with pictures than to give you a whole load of moving pictures! 
See below for the Mexico 2017 video that I've put together.  If you've never been before, it'll *hopefully* give you a great insight into the trip. And if you were with us there this year, it'll *hopefully* bring back a whole load of great memories!
We did it. Mexico ReBuild 2017. 4 days. 3 houses. 2-gether. 1 family.

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Mexico 2017 - The Building Begins

This time last month we were waking up to the last full day in the UK before we began our travelling to Mexico. That means it was our last day to pack and, in true Walters' style, it was the day we began to pack! What followed was an indescribable trip, but I'm going to give it a go.

Photo cred: KG

Being the last to arrive at the airport meant we got to say hello to everyone as soon as we arrived! Seeing KG, ET, JB and KB from last year's trip was brilliant, and we couldn't wait to camp and build with them again!

Photo cred: BW

A quick 10/11 hour flight later and we'd landed in LAX. When going through border security I got separated from the rest of my family by a member of staff, which could've proved tricky seeing as we were entering the country on the same piece of paper (landing forms). But I got through really speedy with no problems, made some new friends who were also going to Mexico, collected all 7 suitcases from the carousel and waited, and waited, and waited for the rest of the group. Fortunately I'd packed my Ukulele, so KG entertained us with some tunes. Eventually the lucky 15 (of which I was one), who'd been separated and sent to a shorter, faster queue, were reunited with the rest of the group who'd just spent the last 90 minutes standing in line.
With everyone together we ventured outside in search of our coach. Yellow Prius after yellow Prius sped past until eventually there was a gap in traffic big enough for us to make it across the road. Once we'd made it to our hotel in San Diego, it was about midnight US time and about 8am UK time - we'd not slept in 24 hours. We had dominoes pizza as a US midnight snack/UK breakfast and then headed straight to bed, in order to be ready for the early start to get to Mexico the next day.

Photo cred: BW

The sun was up and following our American-pancake-breakfast we were treated to views like above whilst we waited for the coach to turn up. Through the Mexican border, we were met with more waiting whilst the coach itself was being checked. 
The first drive through Tijuana was just as shocking as last year, but in a different way. I was shocked that I'd completely forgotten exactly what it was like. 'Houses' stacked upon 'houses'. So. Much. Poverty. Driving through was a feeling like no other, you have to be there to feel it.

Photo cred: BW

Some houses were built so close to the edge, they really looked like they might not stand the slightest gust of wind.

Photo cred: BW

We arrived at the Amor camp and it felt like we'd never left! The yellow circus tent still standing, the baños hadn't moved, and the mountains looked as magnificent as ever. Baños, for those of you that don't know, is the Spanish word for toilets. Only the toilets we got to experience were far from ordinary. No flushes, just a big ditch. And something happened that we didn't expect... Because the the ditch below the baños still had some room and therefore the baños hadn't been moved, we were weeing and pooing upon our own wee and poo from last year! Gross.

Photo cred: BW

Baños were best braved in pairs or groups - thanks to air vents, you could have a conversation with a friend to distract yourself from the buzzing flies and awful smell. Top tip: Poo-Pouri works in Mexican toilet ditches as well as it does in flushing toilets (as discovered by mum), perhaps even better as it covers up years of smell! Okay... tmi, moving on.
We'd set up camp, added a few extra tents to solve the tipee over-population issues, experienced our first lunch and our first dinner, come up with a team name and a team chant (which seemed to change every night), and we were just about ready for sleep. Night one. Humans vs Earwigs: 4-0.
Thanks to a cockerel with an underdeveloped 'cocka-doodle-doo' and a donkey that hadn't yet mastered the 'eeyore', the leaders were 'awake' and ready for their 6am meeting.

Photo cred: BW

The buses arrived promptly at 7am, ready for us to leave the site at half past. We loaded the buses with pack lunches, igloos (cold drinks containers), and humans that were ready to build some houses. Singing our way through Tijuana meant the journey from camp to build site felt really short.
Our first impressions of the site were really positive. There were no 25ft drops like last year, and we got the privilege to all build on one site, together. 80 people, 2 single houses, and one double house.
The building began. (Watch this space for part 2)
Thanks for reading, I promise loads more pictures in the next post!

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