August 15, 2021
We can all benefit occasionally from stepping back and looking at our life from a fresh angle – whether that’s the food we’re eating, what we are doing (and what we might prefer to do instead), and who we spend our time with or want to see more of.
The summer, when many of us have the opportunity to take a break from work or other demands, is the perfect time to take stock – especially now, as we look through the lens of Covid-19 and see how the pandemic has altered our lives.
I’m taking the opportunity to pause and make a few changes myself. Why not use a staycation or sunny summer weekend to do your own version, and share your ideas with the Nourish community on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter…
Clearing out the food cupboards, fridge and freezer and using up the contents before I restock. I've been feeling jaded with cooking recently and need to reboot my passion. I hate to waste what I have, so I’m going to use inventive combinations of ingredients to make soups and sauces to stock up the freezer. That way I get creative with cooking again and use up my leftovers.
Creating a food holiday map. As I'm not going abroad for a summer break, I’m recreating the experience at home by eating favourite foods from previous trips. I’ve ordered French and Italian cheeses and gorgeous Greek olive oil. But I’m also investigating the fantastic local product available here on the Cumbria/Yorkshire border where I live.
Celebrating successes. Life is fast paced, so it’s really important to stop and acknowledge good times, whether it’s finishing a course of chemo, your kids’ A level results, or career wins. I’ve invited friends over to open some bubbles to celebrate our successful crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs, before my work on growing Nourish by Jane Clarke continues.
Wild swimming. It’s my new passion! My aim is to swim throughout the winter with no wetsuit, inspired by women like Gilly McArthur who runs Blue Mind Swim cold water swim coaching in Cumbria. I am also joining a rowing club up on the Lakes.
Planning my new garden. I’m filling the borders with Sarah Raven dahlias and tulips, and Claire Austin irises.
Plotting my next 12 months. It’s an annual tradition for me to read Your Best Year Yet by executive coach Jinny Ditzler, who sadly died from a rare neuromuscular disease last year. She created a process and set of questions to help set goals for the year ahead. The start of the academic year always seems a good time to reset and focus. Look out for my big plans for Nourish by Jane Clarke in the months to come.
