What have I learnt?

We have been away since the end of April, the first thing I have learnt is not to go away from home for so long! I missed the children, grandchildren, cats and my mum. I also feel that I missed out on things I would have liked to do in Lewes. And I missed my home! In future, holidays of 2 to 3 weeks (ideally in the UK - coast to coast walk anyone?).

But what did I really come to realise?

I want to do the best for my children, grandchildren, sister and Mum (and the cats!). What does that mean? I dont know - I need to ask them. What I do know is it means is that I have to be present, give my time, encouragement and help (when asked!). To do that for as long as possible I need to be healthy.

Healthy in body and mind. What does that mean? Healthy in body - eat well, drink less, exercise more. Healthy in mind - enjoy my work, enjoy my hobbies, learn new skills, enjoy myself. Be better at making and nurturing friends.

I am so lucky. I live in a beautiful house with a lovely garden, in a street full of great neighbours. I can swim at Pells Pool, row in Newhaven, walk on the Downs, volunteer at the Railwayland. I live close to my children and they seem to like seeing us!

I would like work that is more related to my degree, but I have an interview next week to be a trustee of the Railwayland, which would be a dream com true! I would like a dog, but I realise that now is not the right time - I have set a date of when James is 5, I think that could be a good time!! I would like the grandchildren to come and sleep over at our house, but that will also come with time. I would like my mum to live closer if I am honest, if she lived in Lewes that would be amazing but that is very selfish.

I would like the back of my house to look like the picture at the top! But now we are getting picky!!

Overall a great time away, lessons learnt and now on to put those in to practice.