Confidence Building, Self Promises Kept, Walking

BACK TO THE REAL WORLD

Julie - wearing a new beanie - one that lights up - for motorhome people - to keep them hands-free - with three different lumens levels

Look – another new beanie!

Feeling very blessed!

#smilingontheinside – Monday 09 June 2025

Today marked my first day back at my “real” desk after a wonderful time in Wellington at the Vet and Vet Nurse Conference. While I truly enjoy being away, it feels great to have a decent handle on my incoming emails again.

**An illuminating lunch with a very special friend today**

I had a very special lunch with a very special friend today, which truly made me #SmileontheInside. Apart from the special time together, she also gave me a present.

Look! I can already tell that Alan’s going to be very jealous of my new beanie—it’s a “hands-free” lighted one! How cool is that?

This beanie features three different lumen levels, which would have come in handy on Saturday night when we ran out of gas. Then, I held the torch for Alan so he wouldn’t have to hold it in his mouth while we swapped out the LPG gas cylinders at the back of the motorhome.

Imagine if I could’ve just stood there – turning my head around where he needed me to, while keeping my hands in my pockets!

I’m #smilingontheinside just thinking about it!

Take a look at the three different levels of light! As you can see – I’m definitely #SmilingontheInside – I just can’t seem to help it – it’s a great present!

Week 7 – Day One – Stair Climbing

Last week in Wellington meant I missed my regular step climbing, which should have been Week 6 with six ascents. I debated whether to stay on track and label this as Week 7 with seven “laps.” Or not…?

Would I have the stamina… the fitness… and / or the mental fortitude to make up for the “lost” week…? Or would I just treat today as Day One of Week Six…?

I’m incredibly proud of myself for managing to make up for that missed week! Today, I climbed a total of 588 steps (7 x 84). I’m definitely #SmilingontheInside!

Paying it forward – to ourselves

Keeping this promise to myself adds another drop of resilience to my Resilience Account—or as I like to call it, my Resilience Bucket. I’ve just realised, while typing this, that what I’m doing is paying it forward to myself. Wow! Even if I do say so myself, that’s a great self-respect … self-honour… self-love thing to do!

Not alone

Although I was the only one doing “repeats” (or “circuits”, or “laps” as I think of them when I go up and down repeatedly), I wasn’t completely alone on the route. I saw several people out walking, running, and cycling along the river walkway, which added a nice sense of community to my climb.