Reflection

When I started writing the blog, I made the decision that it had to be warts and all. No glossing over the mishaps I have had so that you could all share in all the highs and lows and know that I am just a very average person trying to do something a bit different.

I have done some really daft stuff, but also had some completely awesome moments and I hope the daft and the awesome will both continue for a while yet.

(Talking of awesome, favourite place in the World, Llandwyn Island, Anglesey.)

But the change is fragile. I have spent too much of my life with little self confidence to suddenly become the amazing "out there" person I am trying to be. I have been told that I have inspired people so to let everyone think it's been easy would be unfair. There have been times when I have felt it would be a lot easier to swap the hiking boots for slippers and learn how to knit!

I have had a few knocks to my confidence recently, none major and most individually quite trivial, but together they have had an effect and made me really think about what I am doing and how I am perceived. I have come to 3 major conclusions. (stick with me, I do get more cheerful)

Firstly, I over think things. I care too much about what people think of me and am really quick to take comments to heart. I am however conscious that there is a very fine line between eccentric and ridiculous so I am trying to tread that one very carefully indeed! Secondly, I think it's an age thing! I am looking back and thinking about all the things that I haven't done and wanting to do them before I am too old to, and time is running out! I also want to be told that I am amazing, and not "amazing, considering my age"! I'm not sure if this is a mid-life crisis type of thing. I guess the indication of that would be if you see me disappearing into the sunset in a sexy red sports car with someone young and completely fabulous by my side. (Heavens, I should be so lucky!)

(Recent trip to Surf Snowdonia, trying out my new 70-300 Tamron zoom. Gorgeous piece of kit! btw, that would be me if I ever decided to try to surf, I know my limitations!)

Thirdly, I won't let all the nonsense stop me. I have come so far and there is still so much more "Daft and Dangerous" that needs to be done. I won't try to toughen up, as that would fundamentally change who I am. Inside I am pure marshmallow and despite making me a bit over-sensitive, I love it that way.

(Another from Surf Snowdonia, friend, inspiration and possible passenger candidate!)

So all I can say to anyone who is thinking of doing something daft themselves is Go for It! If it was easy, you would have done it ages ago, but doing it now, when it's harder, makes it so much more rewarding!

Lessons Learned: Got to get my act together and plan some more crazy before all the real old lady stuff kicks in. To quote the ubiquitous fridge magnet "I am still hot, it now just comes in flushes!"

Diet Diary: Still struggling to lose the holiday weight. Lost some, but not all. Will get back into it soon I am sure, but am currently really enjoying cake!

Rambling Record: Currently just over 880 miles so far. The 1000 miles is tantalisingly close and I hope to have it done by the end of October. Who'd have thought!