23/04/2024
As many of you will know, life can throw us curve balls, and this last year, life has 'generously' given me two big ones.
After 26 years of marriage Jen and I have, very sadly, separated. We have both done our best, with the best we've had. We've tried hard and now we must focus on our individual journeys. I share, not for sympathy, but for clarity and transparency.
Alongside this, my Dad, 88, has declined significantly with his health, with dementia, which, as many of you will know, is a difficult and unpredictable disease to be with.
As a result, I have been with my folks in Scotland for the past few months, supporting my mum and Dad as they deal with these changes.
Scotland will be my base for the foreseeable future and I'll be returning for Dales and Lakes guiding as and when.
As you might imagine, both of these sad happenings have necessarily taken up much of my mental and emotional resources during the last 12 months and this has meant my communication with you lovely people, my friends, customers and valued followers, has been less than you could have normally expected in a more stable time.
As well as being painful and sad, there has also been glimmers of growth and learning about who I am and what my goals and aims are for the future. Both curve balls have been a poignant kick up the backside that I must continue to take care of myself and my own self-care, as well as taking my best care of those people I love and care about.
It has, without doubt, been the most challenging year of my life, with plenty of tears and incredibly dark days. Thankfully, I have been supported by strong friends who have held up my arms during the roughest of times. I'm eternally thankful to these very special people.
As I have began to emerge from this time, I notice I am still really excited about what's coming up; Dip-Fest 2024, new swim guiding experiences, retreats and much more besides. I feel clearer, more focused and increasingly buoyant about what lies ahead.
As some of you already know, the essence and heart of what I do, is building community and the cold water unites us all in this so well. Our unique differences, personal journeys and being held in the magical cold water is what keeps me, and many of us, going.
As I reflect further, it continues to be a privilege to hear so many joyful, precious and moving stories as I continue to guide and organise swimming experiences.
Cold water swimming, and the community that surrounds it, in my opinion, encourages joyful friendships and promotes health and wellbeing in the most wonderful of ways. I am humbled and delighted to be a part of this wonderful community and I'm looking forward to more cold water and more dipping with many of you.
Thanks for baring with me during this challenging time and I'm looking forward to seeing many of you in the water soon.
As a final comment for now, please don't be alone in your challenges if you're struggling, but rather call that friend, get out in nature, take that calculated risk and above all, be gentle with yourself. Its ok to not be ok. Be sure to take care of your significant others as best as you can. Do the best with the best you've got.
Out for now and with love,
Les x
Ps. I'm working hard on all my commitments to Dip-Fest and my other up coming swimming experiences and there will be further updates soon. Thanks for your understanding x
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