Karens Notes, Sketchnotes, Team

Choose to give thanks. Always

Posted on November 28, 2020October 20, 2022 by Karen Reyburn

28
Nov

Sign up for Karen’s Notes

RECEIVE THESE BY EMAIL EVERY FRIDAY

Karen’s thoughts on leadership, creativity, and rest for accountants - along with a sketch!

Get weekly notes

ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK NOW

Follow me

ON THE GRAM

Feb 21

This is a belated birthday post.

I struggle a bit with birthday days. There feels like so much expectation for the day itself to be this amazing, fantastic, day-like-no-other. Or to be surrounded by people or family to gather together or have a party. Lots of gifts.

That’s not quite my vibe anyway (hence living on a quiet island), but still the expectations seem real.

And this year for Reasons I wasn’t able to take the time off I’d planned: so I adjusted to something very simple, very small, very beautiful.

Just took a new walk on my favourite island. Wandered by the sea. Hiked up to the cliffs. Found an old cave. Drank whisky and tea, ate snacks from @thecoffeepotsalen and @tobermorybakery , and fresh water from the burn.

Walked in silence. Took calls from all my sisters, who made sure I knew I was loved and remembered on my day. Even got some sunshine and clearer skies after what felt like months of grey and darkness.

It was a beautiful day. I remembered the power of simply choosing to set aside some time for myself - no screens, no big expenses or events - and am as ever so grateful I get to live here, where this kind of beauty is accessible and available.

Happy birthday to me! 🎂🎉❤️🏆✨

Jan 5

Glorious snow walk this morning up above my village ❤️❄️✨

I’m still off - until Wednesday - and in some ways I almost felt like I ought to come back early. “Everyone” starting back today.

But then I woke up to this and remembered that there’s always a reason for booking a little extra time off (plus I did work right up to end of day Christmas Eve) - that these extra two days are an opportunity to be fully rested when I return.

So, naturally, I hiked around in the snow for several hours! 😆 This is the kind of weather I feel like I could hike all day in.

Happy January! ❄️❤️

#islandlife #isleofmull #snowday #rest

Jan 1

I actually love this part of January where everyone is (ok a lot of people are) talking about healthy eating, good choices, exercising, deciding to be better. Healthier.

Sure, lots of people won’t stick to it. But many of us will. And I intend to be one of those people.

I decided this back in November, right as I returned from a month’s travel and was about to set off on another trip with flights and hotels and eating out and snacks everywhere and every reason not to start yet.

Im not even sure why I did, or what day it was. But I realised I could coast through the holidays continuing to over eat (especially when I was cold, sad, tired, happy, content, angry, or literally any feeling ever). Or, I could just… start.

It’s like what I said to the person who saw me jumping into the sea this morning (probably about 5C) and said “I don’t know how you do that!” I said “well, I just…do it.” How do I get into icy water? I get in. (And then I get out and sit in a 100 degree sauna which helps.)

So here’s to all the good choices I’ve made so far. I’ve used cauliflower for rice, courgettes for pasta. I’ve refused more bread and potatoes than I knew was possible for me to do. I’ve made my own food as often as I can. And I’ve stopped eating when I’ve had enough.

I’ve also still had cookies (tho I quickly gave loads of them away and froze others so I wouldn’t eat them all myself). I’ve had drinks, sugary and alcoholic ones (although I’ve usually drank half and left the rest). I drank mulled wine on Christmas Eve and had homemade trifle on Christmas Day and got pizza the other day and enjoyed it.

I’ve created a little home gym, with a walking pad I found under a bed and weights I’ve had for ages (one is broken) and YouTube videos of easy exercises.

I think I knew if I waited until the 1st of January I’d be more likely to put it off again, so tired from unhealthy choices.

Im not saying I’ve achieved great outcomes. I haven’t even weighed myself yet: I’m trying to set good habits first. But I started. And whether your fresh start was a while ago, or today, or a few weeks from now, the first best time to start may have been a while ago: but the second best time is now.

Dec 24

Happy Christmas Eve, from my village to yours.

May you have joyful singing and warm greetings and gorgeous mulled wine and hugs from friends and sparkling lights and laughter and acceptance.

Peace to your little corner of the earth. 🎄❤️✨🎶

#isleofmull #islandlife #christmaseve #carolsinging #villagepub

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: There is no connected business account for the user .