Musings of mind

Decluttering the Mind, Body and Soul

[sarah-morgan73]

Data, fake news and Breakfast...

How the Light get in festival last week was simply sublime. I started the weekend with a ‘Philosophy Breakfast’ with a New York author named Stanley Fish. It was an additional supplementary charge but I'm so glad I did it. 

Fish claims that, who he refers to as ‘Techno-utopians’, support no fettering of free speech, and open access to all information. They believe the more freedom and less curation the better, for freedom and for society. The counterpoint, which Fish supports, is as you bypass the gatekeepers of wisdom and authority, you open the gates to bullshit and fake news. Essentially, transparency and full democratisation of data literally enables bullshit and fake news. He went on to argue that the democratisation of data would also open us to ever growing volumes of data with no way to filter truth from bullshit... no curation... His closing was that transparency is the MOTHER of fake news!

This is all somewhat true, of course, When anyone can write a blog, an article, a post on Social Media and claim their views as true, there is an onus on the reader to apply some critical thought to the process; to seek peer reviewed citations; to read a number of articles on the topic and uncover different viewpoints before deciding the ‘truth’ of it; to be critical and cautious when reading anything, and at least do some basic fact checking before sharing more widely. These things seem eminently sensible and a small price to pay for freedom and transparency. The suggestion some central, or higher, power should curate our data, to save us from fake news, infantilises us, surely? Plus, critically, how is that power held to account and free of spin and obfuscation? How many of us would trust our government, or the BBC, to do that for us now?

[sarah-morgan73]

How The Light Gets In

Last weekend I took the opportunity to have a weekend of education, philosophy, debate and great food. How the light gets in is a festival that ordinarily runs alongside the Hay festival in May but the organisers have decided to run a second one in London each year. I booked the train, a lovely little BnB next to Hampstead Heath, and an open mind.   

I’ll write some blog posts detailing some of my insights from specific sessions over the next few days but overall I was really struck by how, as an intelligent and educated woman there is still SO much I just don’t know. There are so many different perspectives and I’m often minded to agree with everything as all arguments are compelling. In many contexts I am great at critical thinking but when it comes to listening to learned and lauded authors I seem to turn to mush. This is something I want to work on. Less judgement but more critical analysis!

I also really enjoyed some time where I could do EXACTLY what I wanted to do. I didn’t have to be Mum, Wife, Boss, or anything. Although I spent part of Sat and Sunday am with a friend it was very relaxed and we each had our own agenda. It was the salve my soul needed...

[sarah-morgan73]

The last day...

So my blogging has been pretty erratic but I’ve somehow arrived at my last day of my ‘leave’ and what a few weeks it’s been. Firstly, my accountability piece: I’m at 10k fitness but no further really, but that’s ok. I have a race next Wednesday and I’m hoping for sub 1:10. Close to pb of 1:06 would be great but it’s ok as long as I beat the Bristol 10k time I’m 14.5lbs down. I was aiming for 10kg but tbh I think that was unrealistic in 9 weeks! I’ve moved from paleo to a slightly more strict lchf diet but it really is working and I’m allowing myself the occasional treat (and gin) as it’s a lifestyle change, not a diet and needs to be sustainable! My Yoga has been sporadic but my flexibility is improving (apart from my pesky itb) so I do need to keep it up and hopefully I can add in one weights circuit per week too - menopause is looming so I need to consider bone density Books have been read. I think I’m averaging one per week. Since my last blog I’ve read: Principles: life and work by Ray Dario - very enjoyable Powerful: building a culture of freedom and responsibility by Patty McCord - great book Good Strategy/Bad Strategy: the difference and why it matters by Richard P Rumelt - ok but a bit obvious imho Management in 10 words by Terry Leahy - surprisingly interesting but nothing groundbreaking I’ve now started Build an A-Team: Play to their strengths and lead them up the learning curve by Whitney Johnson, great so far! My decluttering still needs to continue but I took a final 4 bags to the charity shop today. I think I’ve taken 35 bags of stuff and my latest gift aid statement is close to £400 raised which I’m super chuffed with. I’ve had such a gift, having this time. The gift to run, the gift to socialise, the gift to read, the gift of time with my daughter... it truly has been amazing. A good friend and wise woman said yesterday that she felt it was maybe healing too, as my Mat Leave was tricky as I was plagued with PND. I think she’s right. I’ve had time to really connect with B in a way I just couldn’t on Mat Leave. I feel lighter, emotionally, physically decluttered and lighter too. The lesson for me is trust. Trust that everything is as it should be. I can’t WAIT to start the next step of my journey now.

[sarah-morgan73]

Carpe Diem - tempus fugit

Wow - where has the time gone?! I’m half way through the time since my holiday - I start my new job 4 weeks on Monday. My time is becoming increasingly precious!

How are my challenges coming along - well, I ran the 10k race in 1:12, which is ok but I wouldn’t say I was yet at ‘10k fitness’ so I’m KOKO and enjoying it. Working on pace and distance until 10k is comfortable rather than a stretch - hoping I can get there by a months time.

Weight wise I have still only dropped a couple of kilos but I’m two holes down on my belt (I wish I’d measured) and fat% down by about 6.5% so It’s heading the right way even if the kg aren’t dropping yet.

I’m managing more yoga than I was but I’m struggling to find the time (??!!) somehow - can’t fathom that one myself.

The house is getting there but it’s a slow progress now - I have had too many lunch and coffee dates. Today is my blitz before phase 3 day and I’m sat online having had a nice run and lazy breakfast. Procrastination, thy name is Sarah!

I’ve read a few books now - none have inspired my like A year of Less did, but here they are:

Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin (3/5)

Powerful:Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility by Patty McCord (4/5)

A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink (2.5/5) 

Half way through Conversational Intelligence by Judith E Glasser

So - as tempus is fugiting I’m going to Carpe the fucking diem out of the rest of the day. 

Peace

[sarah-morgan73]

Half way though ...

I’ve just passed the midpoint of my enforced unpaid vacation and it’s terrifying how fast time is passing! I’ve kept busy, perhaps too busy!

In terms of my commitments; my running is going well, I’m up to 8k and on track for the 10k race next weekend. I need to keep it up then! I’m falling back in love with running and reaping the mental benefits as well as the physical! House wise I’m getting there but I need more time at home to get on with it! Fewer lunch dates will help... I’ve been rubbish at finding time to meditate and so I need to get to the bottom of that and create the space for that. I’m well on track with paleo and being as careful with carbs as I can be - not quite strict Keto but in that direction. I feel SO much better without simple carbs in my diet! I faltered and had an ice cream in the heat on Monday and I didn’t appreciate it as much as Strawberries and yoghurt tbh! That said, although I can feel I’m ‘smaller’ I’ve only lost 1kg as yet. I am down 5% body fat though so I’m guessing I’m also putting down muscle hence smaller but not (yet) lighter... it will come! I’m doing some yoga, at least after runs and after the race I’ll try to up it to everyday as I had committed! Finally, I’ve now joined Toastmasters after two meetings and will endeavour to attend every fortnight as well as getting started on my speaking journey -this is super exciting!

I know I would get bored if this was my permanent way of living but I am really enjoying the ‘re-boot’. But I’m now chomping at the bit to get stuck into my new role, build a team and culture to be proud of as well as helping customers get more out of their energy usage. That said, I need to ensure I maintain some of my better habits and not get back to putting me last. 5.5 more weeks to go... how much more can I achieve? I need to find 9kg to lose, keep my running up, get meditating and finish clearing the house.

How are you doing with your challenges?

[sarah-morgan73]

Week two - two steps forward, one step back is still progress

Two weeks has disappeared in a heartbeat and its slightly worrying how quickly it’s gone and how little I’ve done that’s ‘stuck’.

Physically, my running is going well, I’m at 6-7km and it’s comfortable so I’m hopeful I can manage the 10km race in 2 weeks and cement that distance before I start work. That said, I’ve not lost any weight... I’m hoping that will come in time but I’m going to be a little more thoughtful about sticking to paleo

I have spent a lot of time cleaning, clearing and decluttering. I took about 6 bags to charity last week and 18 bags today (some pics below). Despite having got Bethany’s room immaculate last week, the pic below was last nights ‘nest’ making so I do feel like I’m pushing water uphill. It’s a little relentless but I am making progress. Slow and steady wins the day...

I’ve done a little meditation and yoga, but nowhere near what I’d hoped for. That said I had a truly delightful day in Glastonbury last Wednesday.

So, what have I learned? I’ve learned that looking after a house and a family is easily a full time job if you want. I’ve learned that when I am working full time I need to cut myself a break if I’m not on top of it all. I’ve learned I’ve been way to soft on B with regard to tidying and pulling her weight - that needs to change. I’ve learned that it’s really easy to lose an hour in the blink of an eye and to be productive you have to be organised, winging it only gets you so far. I’ve remembered just how much I love running, even when I can’t be arsed.

Who is joining me in the ‘sort it out’ challenge? How are you doing?

[sarah-morgan73]

Week one complete

So I’m a week (or rather 5 days as I started on Wednesday) into my 9 week challenge. I’ve taken 5 carrier bags of stuff to the charity shop and cleared out Bs drawers. I have been for 3 runs and managed 6.5km yesterday, although only 5k of running. I’ve shed an entire 1kg (I’d rather hoped for more in week one, but I’ll take it). I’ve done no yoga or meditation at all - even with no work I’m struggling to find time for everything. Eeek! I’ve also found time for a few coffees and some chill out time that was sorely needed too!

On the running side, I eventually committed to running the Bristol 10k in May, I’d been wondering if I was going to be ready but realised that if I didn’t sign up I certainly wouldn’t be, I’m hoping to be to HM fitness by September as I am a much MUCH better person when I run.

I’ve learned it’s really hard to let go of old habits and old stuff. I’ve realised I’m really very tired but I get energy from expending energy far more than I realised. I’ve always known I need goals and deadlines but I’m hoping I can find it within myself and also that this blog might keep me focussed too. I’ve also found some superbly supportive community online - there are amazing declutterers, runners and Mummies who really do care about strangers in similar situations; it’s nice to have a little faith in humanity restored from time to time!

I’ve loved being able to pick Bethany up from school at home time rather than after school club and I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know some of the mums a little better, I’m looking forward to that part of the next few weeks too.

My commitment for this week is to get the entire house tidy with no hot spots (visible) by Friday, do go for 3 more runs, one swim and actually fit in some yoga. I have a day in Glastonbury with a wonderful friend on Wednesday so I’m hoping that will kick start my meditation practice too.

So, who is with me? What have you done in this last week and what have you learned?

[sarah-morgan73]

An unintended (unexpected) opportunity

When I handed my notice in, over a month a month ago now, I didn’t expect to find myself unemployed for three months. My employer decided to hold me to restrictive covenants, which while being a bit of a bind has given me an opportunity, the gift of time. Time which, as a Mum to a energiser bunny, and previously being a full time worker, is precious beyond belief.

I’ve chosen to spend the next 9 weeks clearing out. Clearing out the clutter in the house, clearing out the cobwebs in my head, and the spare tyre around my middle. I’m hoping to get to a point where the maintenance of all of that will be easier and habitual by the time I return to work mid-June.

I’ve started the blog to hold myself accountable for the next 9 weeks (but hopefully longer) and maybe to help spark something in anyone reading it who might need a little extra motivation.

By June 18 I commit to:

Physically: be up to 10k running fitness and >10kg lighter than I am now. My aim is to run/cycle or swim every day and do Yoga most days too

Mentally: have meditated at least 4 times a week (daily would be great) and have read 6 books (physical or audible)

House: have no ‘hot spots’ left and given all non ‘joy sparking’ clothing, shoes and books to charity - I’m thinking 40-60% of my current hoarde

I will write up on here how much I’ve achieved each week.

Who’s here to keep me accountable? Who fancies their own 9week challenge?