Summer catch up with Gi ☀️

Hello!

Giovanna here for a little round up of what July has brought with it…

There’s been another trek!

This time I went away with over 50 of our alumni trekkers to Montenegro. I have never been to Montenegro (I had to Google where it was when it was suggested as a destination) and I have to tell you that it is one of the most stunning places I have ever been. It’s BEAUTIFUL. It’s quiet (it was until we got there). It’s magical.

The biodiversity of the country is so apparent with meadows covering their mountains – everything just wildly growing. I really had tom marvel at this seeing as it takes me so much time and effort to grow anything in my own garden.

I know I spoke about the treks in the last post from me so I won’t go on about them too much, yet what I will say is that stepping away and immersing yourself in nature, surrounding yourself with like-minded GOOD humans is so good for the soul. I know we can’t all do such a prolonged circuit breaker, but I think it’s worth thinking about what that could potentially look like for you. Even if it’s a walk around the park or block – or somewhere new that you’re able to push a pram. You just need to be able to breathe to your needs for a bit.

Since getting home I’ve been trying to go out for runs…

It’s not the days away in Montenegro, but for 30minutes I get to just be. Running can be ridiculously addictive and this is a nice time to get back into it. My recommendation would be to go early in the morning so that you go into the rest of the day knowing you’ve already been EPIC!!

Also this month, it’s the big one – the end of the school year.

I cannot believe that my eldest has finished year 7. There’s something about having a child that’s going into year 8 in September that just feels so much more grown up. For him and for me. The school years seem to be whizzing by now and I know he’ll be leaving before I know it. It’s bonkers but makes me feel so proud at the same time.

Worth noting that I also have a home-schooler, and I feel just as proud of him for completing another year and applying himself in the way that he does. Every day offers a new opportunity to learn, and when you lean into that as a parent you have the honour of witnessing fascinating things.

Obviously, the end of the school term brings with it the summer holidays.

Tom and I talked a lot about how to fill this time and we’ve decided to chill out. We’ll be heading to Cornwall for a short break but other than that we want to be together, home and just going with the flow. I’m resisting all urges to have something planed for every hour of the day and leaning into the fact that it’s ok for my children to be bored. Boredom often leads to creativity… I just have to be prepared that sometimes that creativity leads to them diggings holes in the garden for no reason, or pinching all the garden furniture cushions to make a den somewhere. I’m just leaning into the chaos, although that’s something that comes with them all being slightly older and me not having to watch over their every second just in case… it’s fun seeing them just decide to do things rather than waiting for me to encourage them into something.

A quick ask/plea: I’ve become Queen of the courgette thanks to the garden… if anyone knows of any great courgette recipes please do share them!

A mini letter on motherhood…

I’ve touched on this above, but the summer holidays can bring with them endless comparisons and feelings of pressure and judgement. Do you have all the things booked? Are you off on loads of exciting adventures? Or are you suddenly in a flap with how you’re going to juggle everyone and their needs?

The reality is that all of our lives are so different. You might be having to juggle your workload alongside having the kids at home with you for weeks on end. You might have the time to do all the things but not the finances. Please lower the expectations on yourself.

Think about what you want to spend money on wisely (remember there’s lots of places you can visit for free) and know that you don’t have to turn into Rusty the Clown over the summer and entertain 24/7.

This is your summer too – so make sure you take time to sit and enjoy the summer sun as well… you don’t always have to be running around like a headless chicken. It’s best that you don’t.

All my love, Gi. xx