Hey July!
Though I welcome you, I am not sure when the British summer will actually begin. I know that you are a summer month and I just want to share some sunny moments with you!!!
We have had many odd days of what I now call "Sunny Teaser Days", followed by many days of downpour. Just to have at least 3 good weeks of sunshine would be a lovely opportunity to top up my Vitamin D!
Vaccination Update - I have now had my 2nd jab! Not really sure how I feel about it, but what I am very sure about is the longing to see my mum again in the flesh. My mum has remained cheerful and positive during these challenging times and never a call goes by without hearing her crazy laugh! Video calling, texts, even jumping on Zoom has been brilliant, yet nothing will be more satisfying than a proper physical hug, which is sooooooo long overdue. This may resonate with you and your desire to physically touch family members or friends that you so eagerly want to be with again.
Busy times - I had the wonderful opportunity to get creative and deliver a Mental Health Awareness webinar for Classpass colleagues across the globe. The USA focused on a Mental Health Awareness month in May. After a few connections courtesy of my niece and a couple of Zoom meetings, a programme was designed to incorporate subjects that were really important to the Classpass team. Self-Care was the theme of the programme and the topics included a wellness needs assessment, recognising burnout and cultivating healthy boundaries within the workplace and beyond. A key part of the programme was the mindfulness session delivered to the team and the 'Takeaway Tips' to support. I thoroughly enjoyed connecting and engaging with the team and I learnt a lot about how this continuing pandemic has and continues to have an impact on us all.
This leads me onto my own self-care and this month I have chosen the “ I Am ... Optimistic" affirmation card.
Why I feel Optimistic?
1. I love what I am doing and get pleasure from feeling and seeing my growth.
2. All challenges that come my way, I see as an opportunity and a lesson to learn and I love learning.
3. Optimism helps me to reduce the impact of stress.
Checkout the song track 'Optimistic' by Sounds of Blackness. Definitely an inspiring song for me! What track makes you feel optimistic?
Even though we are still in this pandemic, I feel that we are in a revolutionary time. It's almost like a 'Mash Up' of anything and everything'. A time for writing new policies and procedures for life, I think. As I walked through the streets of London recently, I was amazed and intrigued as I watched people going about their daily lives. How life has changed right before my eyes and I loved what I was seeing. People doing, wearing, expressing themselves in a way that was so different to what I knew growing up. Inside I felt quite excited for this new 'Mash Up' and what the 'New World' going forward will possibly look like.
Business updates - My exciting journey continues in the promotion of my affirmation cards and last month I showcased at Boxpark Shoreditch and Lambeth Town Hall. Big thanks to Carib and Co Brunch for organising the events, who are are all about promoting small businesses and the community. Check out their website and all the great things they have planned - Caribandcobrunch.org.uk. Check out Myrunwaygroup.com, they are a youth empowerment organisation and they set up a pop up shop located in Carnaby Street - London for a period of time during this pandemic, to help elevate small businesses. My Women's and Men's range were both on display during this period and I am really happy for the exposure and sales. They are now online and are about promoting creatives and black businesses, helping them reach a wider market. Pempamsie, Alternative & Holistic Health Service have continued to support my business and they offer natural health and beauty products. They have many shops covering London.
I give thanks to all these businesses/communities that have supported me so far and look forward to our relationships continuing to grow.
I have also connected with Thementoolbox and currently we are looking at projects that we can work together on, to support positive mental health. Last but definitely not least I met up with a group called JustBe and they provide a space for women to connect, walk, exercise and share stories and have fun. I thoroughly enjoyed my early morning hook up with this group.
People are busy doing the best they can during these uncertain times, so let's support where we can!
"Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed towards the sun one's feet moving forward." - Nelson Mandela
See your light and keep moving!
Until next month stay blessed 💜