Sunday Thoughts

It’s another Sunday, and I’m back again with my Sunday Thoughts. Storm Kathleen rages on outside, she’s now on day two, and doesn’t show any sign of calming down. Strandhill People’s Market has been cancelled today, due to the storm, and I noticed that Jalan Jalan in Sligo town has been damaged by the storm, so they are now just serving takeaway until they get their premises repaired.

Things are grand, I’m struggling with anxiety a bit. I’m grand when I’m at home but going out is a whole other ball game. Even if it’s just going out shopping, I’m awake the night before just overthinking things. I’ve bought some rescue remedy, so hopefully that will help. I think it’s just that I was at home for quite a while for me, and now I’m out of a routine.

A memory showed up on Facebook, it’s 14 years since we were on TV talking about Jono’s wait for spinal surgery. It’s shocking that there is still such a long waiting list, and that children are suffering. It was the worst thing watching Jono in such pain, and not being able to do anything, except make a noise. I hated having to go to the press, but it seemed to be the only thing that made any difference, and the day that Jono was on the front page of a newspaper was the day that he got his surgery date. I’ll also never forget the person who said I must have got well paid to go to the paper! Of course I didn’t get paid, I did it to get Jono his surgery, and if I had to I would do it again.

Speaking of going public, I have signed myself up to give a talk at the next Sligo Women in Business meeting. Part of me wonders what on earth I was thinking, the other part thinks that if what I say can help just one person, it will be worth it. I’ll be talking about some of the things that have helped me with my mental health. I’ve never done public speaking before, and I’m terrified. I’m grand on TV and on the radio, but I don’t have to see the whites of people’s eyes. I’m wondering if I can stand with my back to the crowd! I’m also nervous because I’ll be talking about me, and of course, it’s very personal. It’d be another thing talking about Sligo, or the blog, or something. Anyway, I have until the end of the month to work myself into a frenzy! Luckily the Sligo Women in Business Network are very supportive, so it’s probably the best place for me to stand up and speak. If you are a woman in business, based in Sligo, you can join the network for free. Find out more here.

The featured photo for this blog post was taken at Strandhill during the week. Honestly Kitchen were lovely to me and gave me an Easter egg to say thanks for me adding them to my food blog posts. That was very kind of them, and much appreciated. Give them a visit if you are in Strandhill or Carrick on Shannon.

Thanks, as always, for reading my blog. Wishing you all a good week ahead.