We are two weeks In to January, a time when many people give up on their New Year resolutions. But I am sticking to mine, and I'll tell you why!
Christmas this year was a real struggle for me. My mental health issues, anxiety and depression have been well documented, even my difficult relationship with alcohol. I've always had issues with food and eating, so much so that I needed a gastric bypass surgery in 2013 having ballooned to size 30. Christmas seemed to start almost the day after Halloween this time, is it just me or does the 'festive' season go on forever these days? My birthday is at the end of November, so I was a half excited and half anxious about that. It was my 42nd after all, not quite so much to celebrate as I canter gaily towards my peri-menopause and middle age. Since switching from total sobriety to mindful drinking in the summer, I've still struggled to drink in moderation like 'normal' people do, and I literally cannot handle hangovers anymore. Between my birthday and New Year, I steadily , without realising , increased my intake of Baileys, bubbles and mulled cider to worryingly dangerous pre-sobriety levels. My consumption of Aldi's florentines, mince pies and chocolate ensured an impressive 2 stone weight gain, and accompanying bad back and knees! By Christmas Eve, despite having wrapped the kids presents, attended all the school carol concerts, planned and prepped christmas lunch ,I felt far from proud. I knelt on my bedroom floor rocking back and forth crying and pulling at my hair. I was having a huge anxiety meltdown, I felt broken, claustrophobic and guilty. The guilt was the worst, I was terrified my kids would see me crying or just 'not enjoying Christmas. At ages 7 & 9 it's one of the last years they''ll still believe in all the magic, and I didn't want to ruin it! They say it's 'Ok to not be ok' and 'don't filter feelings' but you can't always do that when you are a mum, and everyone is relying you. So I had to get out. My heart was pounding, I hadn't slept properly in two weeks. I felt numb as I staggered towards the ringing church bells in town, vaguely thinking I might grab the priest and beg for help. But it was the aromatherapy shop – Intentions UK by the market square where I somehow ended up. I cant explain what he did or said, but Paul Mercer saw me, hugged me, and saved my life. He was my guardian angel that night. I survived and even enjoyed parts of Christmas. But things have to change. I must put my health first. Back to Slimming World - not drinking ( I'm saving my Syns for crisps thank you!) , yoga and deep relaxation. Being kind to myself and others. As the song says at the end of 'Mary Poppins Returns' The only way to go is up !
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I’m excited to announce that Shepton Mallet Community Radio will be launching in the next few weeks! ‘Radio Shepton’ will be going live online, playing a wide variety of music, and covering all matter of local stories. As the station will be online, rather than tuning into an FM frequency on your radio, you will need to go onto a laptop computer,PC, ipad or smartphone. The website and app details will be announced soon.
In the meantime we were overwhelmed with the amount of people who turned up to our volunteer meeting last month. Over thirty people are now involved in some way or another. Those who wish to present and produce their own shows are currently being trained up by our technical wizard, and trustee Martin Wells. We have acquired a perfect town centre location for our studio, and thanks to funding from the town council and ‘bags of help’ scheme at Tescos, we have enough industry standard equipment to begin broadcasting this month. There will be a number of ongoing costs however, like rent, licences, and further software and equipment needed to make this project sustainable. That’s why we still need lots more volunteers, those who would like to help with fundraising, PR & Marketing, even if you don't want to be ‘on air’. Local businesses are invited to sponsor individual shows, or donate prizes for our competitions. We are still in the process of deciding scheduling and we’d love to hear what kinds of programmes yu’d like to hear. So far we have plan for a morning magazine style show- based on the mag ‘Shepton Shout’ which was produced by trustee Nick Tolson. It could include everything from local topical debates, poems, fictional stories and recipes - like Karen Mercer’s vegan chocolate brownies! Bake along at home. There will be a series of health & wellness shows, offering advice and guidance from local therapists. Spotlight on local businesses, community initiatives, and clubs. Radio Shepton would love to pop along to Knit & Chat ,Shepton Man Shed, the WI, RBL and even the Ukulele club. Our other trustee, Sue Ayton, runs Pocket Money Studio- and she’d love to promote and showcase local bands, musicians and singers. My background is in dance music shows, working with club nights, DJ’s , festivals and events. Other volunteers have suggested live phone in and request shows, collaborating with local schools, church and community groups and youth clubs. The sky is the limit, with your help! Follow our active facebook page facebook.com/radioshepton or email [email protected] |
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