Well this week was all about mental health, and food for your soul - so this report comes with a little honesty, reflection and a lot of gratitude.

The task went up last week and responses from our regular runners came in:

Shelley - Agreed to a sunrise run and wants to get things in before the calmer lockdown state disappears - Then booked 3 days off work to spend time with her daughter Hilary highlighted the park yoga that is now happening on Sunday mornings and she is enjoying. Elizabeth presented us with David Attenborough - Its a wonderful world Ali planned a walk with a friend, kayaking with her daughter and has a new book to read for personal development. Dr Chatterjee had his book for 99p on Kindle one day and I downloaded it with Nicola and Hilary as well knowing he is a great role model for health and welbeing. There was pictures of poppy fields on the whats-app group and there is talk of a beach evening with friends one evening (all govt guidelines will be followed) There was excitement for the space launch Then there was skipping - The challenge to do 10 mins a day! To finish off the week there was Goodgym Games - Sian set the ball rolling with the Super King Duvet challenge for a giggle whilst I managed a late entry for also a Duvet and a Pea / Can attempt. Lets see how we get on!

But this week I cannot possibly leave out the kindness of fellow Goodgym members and how the kindness can really lift spirits and help you reassess how you can manage through this difficult time.

Just a couple of weeks ago I was sent via Whats App, a picture of all many Goodgym runners holding up signs. The photo was sent with a message 'To say we miss you lots and are so grateful for the support and encouragement you give us. We know you've had a tough time recently with loosing your Grandad so we wanted to share our support for you'. Each runner had made a sign with words such as POSITIVE, BUBBLY, FUN, INSPIRATION, CHEERFUL, STRONG, FRIEND AND DYNAMIC. It was a truly emotional picture to receive when you feel all your energy has drained away and you feel anything but those things. When there is no friends / family to hug, chat to over coffee or even have the laugh of a group run and task together. At that point I knew I needed to get that picture put up somewhere at home to remind me of what a group of people can make you feel. This week I had a message from Richard and Sian to ask to pop round to the house - (All guidance followed). They arrived with the picture framed for me (the universe was listening!), a Rose bush and lovely Magnolia tree ready to plant in the garden in memory of my Grandad. I confess to a few tears myself!

It has been 10 weeks or so since lockdown and we all have our own individual difficulties we face each day from finances to supporting family members at a distance. Supporting children with home learning and coping with childcare without all usual support. Our usual outlets of Gym or group meet ups not available. Even the process for dealing with those unwell or that have passed away is not the same so new ways to grieve and support need to be found. We have made all these adaptations so quickly but for many of us it has taken its toll. What gave us a lift before - seeing our friends faces, meeting up for exercise, our voluntary work, the comfort of our routines, our holidays or mini breaks, our salon appointments or parkruns. Sometimes it hits us that our mental health is just not in a good place and we need to try and get it back on track - whilst we are still in a restricted society.

We cannot change what is going on around us - We can only change how we approach it all and our daily attitude towards the world. We can also change how our friends and family are feeling on that day by little things - a card, a message, a photo, a smile or now we can - perhaps a walk together or a garden coffee. We can also limit the negativity around us - limit the news and social media posts that do not bring us positive messages. We don't need to be part of them.

But as always - We can start with gratitude - For the things we do have right now - The safety of our homes, the health of loved ones and ourselves, our legs that carry us across many miles, the food we eat and the beautiful county we live in.

So I will also finish with gratitude - Towards Goodgym for bringing people together, for giving us a different perspective, for opportunities for meeting new people, going to new place and having the chance to make a difference.

My gratitude towards every person listed in this task for taking the time to make your pictures, the garden gifts and more than anything - For thinking of me and bringing me such a lift.

We can all make a difference in so many ways every day - Lets keep doing it and keep the ethos of Goodgym alive!