Creating a comfort drawer for those days when feeling less than adventurous!

Yep it's August and even though the sun is shining (hopefully) and if you have kids you'll be in the midst of the summer holidays right now, I'm sure you have days when you're not feeling particularly adventurous or fabulous? Right?! Yes I know. 

So here's something I thought you'd like. 

Inspired by Sarah Ban Breathnach’s book Simple Abundance, I have my very own Creative Adventurers Comfort Drawer. I actually made mine up a few years ago now and I find it a great source of joy on those down days. 

Even the act of putting it together was a pleasure. Searching out little things that make me smile and then adding them to the drawer. I do change mine around occasionally and will buy small treats when I am out and about to replace anything that I think has served its purpose or no longer brings me Joy. 

I use this drawer when I’m not feeling particularly fabulous. As soon as I open it and see the silk scarf I get excited about what’s underneath!


Here’s what’s in mine at the moment:

• Some pretty notepaper to hand write letters of gratitude to people, or to send a letter to some one I’ve not been in touch with for a long time (don’t you just love receiving letters in the post? You could always write a letter to yourself...?
• Neals Yard Aromatherapy Oils – De-stress, Energise, Calming – I’ll either use this in my oil burner, add a few drops to a bath or make myself a delicious massage oil
• Handmade Creative Adventurer Cards - Pick a card and off on an adventure I'll go!
• Films current favs are – Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Exotic Marigold Hotel. Both make me laugh and of course in Seven Brides there is plenty of singing and dancing and frolicking about. All good.
• Books – The Alchemist by Paul Coallho (one of my all time favourite books and short enough to be read in a few hours!) and pocket Reiki and Tai Chi books for an injection of healing ;-)
• A small pebble from Findhorn beach which I visited in 2013 when spending time at the Caledonian Forest, Scotland. I use this sometimes as a meditation stone.
• A funny ‘Mo-stache’ pencil from one of my friends ;-) Makes me smile
• A special handmade Do What You Love bracelet 
• Yummy hazlenut waffle biscuits (oh I've eaten them!!!)
• Gift vouchers
• Sensory Clarity From Organics. You put this on your pressure points on your forehead and it feels AMAZING!

Why not create your own comfort drawer or box? If you have children - how about creating one with them for when they don't have such good days either? 

What will you put in yours?

Happy Creating!

Morwhenna
xx

Adventures keep you YOUNG!

Hi there!

Adventures come in all shapes and sizes and you don’t have to travel miles to get a taste for it and discover how taking yourself off on a little excursion benefits your daily life.

Small adventures are super duper important, if not more so than those BIG trips as these mini - or doorstep adventurers can fit in around your daily life.

Keeping your mind curious and inquisitive really does keep us young! As you’d expect with me helping you to rediscover your creativity and sense of adventure for a richer life, I’m here to encourage you to find the adventure in every day.

Benefits of exploring somewhere new

1. It takes courage and you'll be stepping outside your comfort zone which means you'll have a opportunity to learn something new about yourself and your local area.
2. If you change a behaviour this has an impact on your emotions and your thoughts. So you can change your current state of being. (e.g if you are feeling low - getting out and exploring will change that feeling and the thoughts associated with it.)
3. Learning new things keeps the brain agile and fired up. Research shows that our brains are malleable and we can created new neural pathways.
4. You'll be creating new memories and experiences which will impact on other areas of your life in a positive way e.g for me remembering the joy of cycling and sleeping better!

So far this August of Doorstep Adventures I’ve been to two of the three local lakes near to me. I started with these as I can either cycle or walk to them so they don’t involve a huge amount of planning to visit. A Key element of a Doorstep Adventure in my book!

Yes, I have had to get a permit as the lakes are owned by Bristol Water and co-managed by the Avon Wildlife Trust which did set me back £20. I was happy to pay this as this is my nearest stretch of water and I wished to be able to get as close to it as possible!

I’ve maps of each of the lakes I’ve visited so far – Blagdon and Chew Valley and have focused on exploring small parts of them at a time. I’ve met some fishermen and learned about ‘Pike as big as your bike’ seen where the trout are ‘grown’ and sat in a bird hide with binoculars watching what it is birds get up to. Swimming about mainly and eating so far!

I’ve noticed a few things since I’ve started to go. Especially the impact it's had on the other areas of my life. 

When I went in to the bird hide – I was a bit nervous at first as this was all new to me. Personally, this is part of the excitement of exploring a new place. I became completely focused on looking at what I could see through my binoculars. All thoughts about this and that, and oh heck I need to do this…went out of my mind once I started to focus on what I could see happening right in front of me. This is mindfulness in action. It was totally calming and made me feel as good as if I’d been meditating for hours! I've been more focused on work and tasks as a result.

I’ve no idea how long I was in that hide for as I was also watching the ‘lesser spotted fishermen’ in their boats out on the water and some of the birds hanging about hoping for a free meal. I think it was only for around 10-15 minutes.

Visiting these lakes has also reminded me how much I love being out on my bike and cycling. When I lived in Portsmouth I cycled everywhere! Since moving to Bristol though that changed, and now living in a small village finding routes that are a) cycle-able b) not too hilly and c) NOT frequented by big lorries and tractors has been a challenge, so discovering I could cycle all around (pretty much) the lakes traffic free (ish) is a real joy.

Each time I’ve cycled I’ve slept really well and had a sense of inner calm and joy. I also REALLY like the fact that I’ve been able to go through the gates that say ‘PERMIT HOLDERS ONLY’ for me it adds to the excitement and I can imagine I’m an intrepid explorer (which of course I am!!)

There is more exploring to do at these places and I’m grateful the permit it valid for a year. These adventures will carry on way past August that’s for sure. Next is to dig out my Moomin Flask and maybe see which shelter or hide I like the best and start to make that my very own ‘Artist’s Retreat. Well a shared one of course!

I do have a number of other places I’m going to visit this month including:

Withdrawn – the exhibition in Leigh Woods by Luke Jerram

Folly Farm – I’ve discovered they have a Wellbeing Garden

Beese's Tearooms

Do you fancy visiting any of these places with me? That would be fun! If you can’t join me ‘in person’ I’ll be making some short films about what I discover which will be on my YouTube channel.

I’ve added some already from the lake adventurers so far. If you subscribe to the channel you’ll automatically get an update when a new video is added. 

What have you discovered so far and where will you go next?

5 Top Tips for Doorstep Adventures for Busy People!

1. Decide the day before where you’ll go as then you are more likely to, well actually Go!
2. Get your ‘Adventurers’ Bag’ packed the night before (water, notebook, camera, phone etc)
3. Go mini e.g A different way home from work or if you normally eat at your desk – go out and search for a bench/outside space
4. Take a friend. If you're not keen on solo exploring - ask a friend to go with you
5. Remember to have FUN and be CURIOUS about what you see and discover!

Love to hear how you get on and what benefits you notice from going on some doorstep adventures!

Happy Adventuring!

Morwhenna

xxx

Creative Adventurer Days are GO! Join me for a one to one session 

Join me this August for some Doorstep Adventures!

Where will YOU go this August? What's on your doorstep just waiting to be discovered? 

I've DONE IT!! Brecons 2 Morwenstow 2015

On Friday 03 July I crossed the finish line to mark the completion of a 177 mile (190 inc sea miles!) modern day pilgrimage from Brecon in Wales to Morwentsow in North Cornwall. Following 'roughly' in the footsteps of St.Morwenna and raising awareness and funds for The Stroke Association. 

What an adventure it's been. 

It's been tough. If you've cycled the Taff Trail or walked any of the South Coast West Path you'll know it's all about the ups and downs, (well other than the Tarka Trail part which even though it's flat is relentless on the feet due to it being tarmac!) 

Some parts are very steep, and sometimes very close to the cliff edge. Some very Hairy scary moments. Especially on the longest walk of the trip from Lynmouth to Combe Martin. Some books say it's 13 miles some say 15 miles! Either way it's a long way and hard going!

I've walked further than I've ever walked before, crossed the Bristol channel in a fishing boat, I've had blisters, a sore right knee, heat rash on my legs and been bitten by a very nasty horse fly which made my left wrist swell up! I've met some fabulous people along the way, been joined on the walk by some joyous people and seen the most amazing views. I've even met a soon to be famous dog who will be appearing in a film with Dame Judi Dench. I've drawn and posted 23 (so far) Postcards from a Pilgrim and I've surprised myself with what I've achieved. When I set off on the 14th June I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to do it.  I've loved it. Even the hard parts and being faced with yet more steps.

And so far have raised £726.75 for The Stroke Association. 

That is just a tiny, tiny snapshot of this whole trip and a short post to say Thank you for your support during this Creative Adventure and that I'll be sharing more about the whole experience over the coming weeks. 

Happy Adventuring!

Morwhenna
xx


I've put together a short film showing all The Postcards From A Pilgrim that I created whist on the trip ;-)

And we're off!!

Today is THE DAY!

By the time you read this I will be tearing down the Taff Trail (that's in Wales), looking sleak(ish) in Lycra, powered by my super fast legs which are glaring passers by due to their whiteness....

The adventure has BEGUN!

Mr CA is joining me on this first week of the trip and I'm so grateful for that. Especially as today there is a MASSIVE bike event on in Cardiff and most of the roads are closed. I needed to make sure I didn't get mixed up in that. You'd have easily spotted me though. Blue hair, blue mountain bike and going slower than anyone else!

Whist on this trip I won't be updating my blog as I'm not taking a laptop with me - I will though be using social media - so if you'd like to follow me it's easy to do. ;-)

Follow the adventure!

I will be updating details of the trip on twitter @morwhenna - Facebook: Morwhenna – The Creative Adventurer and Instagram – morwhenna woolcock. If you would like to follow me (and wave your pom poms in encouragement! Pls do – will be great having you along even virtually!

Trip Details

The route details are here – Brecons 2 Morwenstow. There are still a few ‘Postcards From A Pilgrim’ available to sponsor. I'm so looking forward to creating these to send out to those lovely people who have sponsored one already!

If you are on my route and fancy meeting for a cuppa or walking a bit with me – get in touch!


I'm Fundraising for The Stroke Association

I had a brain hemorrhage when I was 12 and I was completely paralysed down my left-hand side. 

I spent many weeks in hospital and the long road to recovery began. I have regained around 85% mobility *I'd say* - that is a rough estimate! I still walk with a limp as a result of a condition called Drop-Foot, which is a common side effect of Stroke. 

I'm grateful to have a STIMuSTEP implant from Salisbury Hospital in 2008 which has greatly helped my walking. You could say I'm semi-bionic! Even after all these years (28 this July!) - I'm still seeing improvements. 


Having a stroke so young is unusual, I was born with a blood clot which burst causing the stroke. It was the size of a golf ball when it popped. There was no warning and the teachers didn't know what was wrong. According to recent research strokes in young people are on the rise. I have a number of close friends who have been affected by Stroke. 

Making younger people aware of the signs of Stroke is very important as the sooner that person can get to hospital the better chance they have of recovery. 

If you would like to make a donation to The Stroke Association please go here

Thank you! 
xx

The Countdown begins...!

Do you know anyone who might be able to help me please?

The excitement and anticipation (read - nerves) is building as the countdown begins to my next Creative Adventure...! 

On Sunday the 14 June I’m heading off on an adventure. 177 miles of adventure to be precise. That's 55 miles cycling and 122 miles walking. 

As you may already know (if I’ve not bored you to tears about it already) I’m about to set off on my first pilgrimage.

Way back in 2011 when I was going through a really difficult time I somehow (I can’t remember how exactly) discovered there was a Saint Morwenna who had a church and everything in Morwenstow, North Cornwall. I must have known this as I have a letter from the Bard of Cornwall written in the 70s talking about this - but had somehow totally forgotten about it until something sparked in my mind. This was the start of a bit of a research project and my first visit to Morwenstow. 

Looking back I think this interest really helped me on the road to recovery. I had been signed off work at this point with severe depression and had been going through serious burnout or breakdown – however you want to call it. I slept a lot and could barely make any kind of decision about anything. Having something to start to focus on helped. (Along with baking muffins, art therapy and CBT…to name a few things!)

This ‘New’ project started to get me excited about things again.

After visiting Morwenstow and seeing the church and stained glass window depicting St. Morwenna, it got me thinking about who she really was. What was her story? How did she become a Saint? (Research has led me to discover Saints were all the rage in Medieval times!) What was her life like? What would life have been like in the 5^thcentury? What would it be like to travel ‘roughly’ in her footsteps….BAM! An idea had formed.

St.Morwenna - did she really look like this??

I started to do more research and learn all I could. I decided to follow in her footsteps in the summer of 2012. That was the plan. I got well enough to go back to work. Although by this point I seriously knew I had to do something differently as there was a risk I would just end up back in that same dark hole. I left my job in January 2012.

Things were moving along with the planning and then a spanner was thrown into the mix which meant I was no longer able to do the trip that year. So this idea to follow ‘roughly’ in St. Morwenna’s footsteps was put on hold. 

Since then it’s been there nagging away at me – Even after spending 6 weeks in Thailand last year with Art relief international – this pilgrimage was still wanting attention. So this year – I am doing it.

I thought it was important to share with you where this particular creative adventure has stemmed from and the fact that it has taken a few years for me to get to this point! Is there something nagging at you that needs doing? Travelling? Learning something new? What?

Now, I am in a much better place mentally and physically as I have been training for this. I’m not uber fit by any stretch of the imagination – but I have been training for long distance and endurance so I know it will be a different experience. I am hoping will give me some insights personally and also to prove to myself I can do it. As you may know I had a brain haemorrhage – a type of stroke when I was 12. I was paralysed down my left hand side and had to learn to walk again. My nickname in hospital was Bambi! I know I have made a great recovery but I do still have some walking difficulties.

This time I also thought it would be a good opportunity to raise awareness about Stroke in young people (it is on the rise) and to raise funds for them too so there is an opportunity to make a donation if folks would like to.

This is one of the things that has been occupying my brain capacity for the past few months! I still need to share with you about the other things that have been happening – the Hot Air Ballooning, Beltane in Edinburgh and just last month running my first Creative Adventure on Lundy Island – so will share about these and lessons learnt once this pilgrimage has been completed. ;-)

So off I go! Toot Toot!

I will be updating details of the trip on twitter @morwhenna - Facebook: Morwhenna – The Creative Adventurer and Instagram – morwhenna woolcock. If you would like to follow me (and wave your pom poms in encouragement! Pls do – will be great having you along even virtually!

The route details are here – Brecons 2 Morwenstow
And there are still a few ‘Postcards From A Pilgrim’ available to sponsor. I'm so looking forward to creating these to send out to those lovely people who have sponsored one already!
If you would like to make a donation to The Stroke Association please go here

And if you are on my route and fancy meeting for a cuppa – get in touch!

I’ve also created some Pilgrim cards that I’ll be taking with me to give out to people I meet on the way. On the back I’ve put a question:

How can you invite creative adventure into your life?

What would your answer be?

Let me hear your ideas and have a great week

Love & Creative Adventures
Morwhenna
xx

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I'm very grateful to be support on this trip by Pulsin - who have supplied me with plenty of natural protein bars to keep me going (powered by Pulsin!). They are a British company set up by three friends who went to Bristol Uni together. Do check out what they do and their story. And Great Art who have supplied my with a travel watercolour set and postcards for my 'Postcards from a Pilgrim.'  THANK YOU!

When I spend time in nature I feel.....

> complete the sentence 

I put this out on twitter and facebook earlier this week and was heartened by the responses....here's just a few.

...at peace

..."cleansed" and "rejuvenated"

...reconnected to the world which makes my problems fade into insignificance

...whole

...grateful, fulfilled and desperate to preserve what we are lucky to have around us.

...Alive!

...Expansive, connected, grateful, free


That's just a small snapshot!

How about you? What words would you use to express the feelings you get when you are outdoors? In the park, the woods, on the beach or standing on the top of a hill with the wind blowing wildly around you?!

And when was the last time you actually felt like that?

It's very easy to get caught up in being too busy and convincing yourself that you don't have time. I have a question for you - if you know how good it feels when you do it what's stopping you? Really?  Is that a real reason ...or dare I say it - an excuse? 

How can you incorporate spending some time in nature this weekend.....?

Why not come up with three things you could do...?! Make them FUN!

Will one of those things on your list be to Join us for the Spring Connect To Nature: Connect To Self - A Series of Creative Adventures exploration which starts tomorrow?(04 April). It's not too late to sign up and join us!

What things might you discover if you join us for this 4-week coached adventure? The best thing is you can join us from anywhere in the world!

When I spend time in nature I feel......CREATIVE & FREE!