First things first, I have a little update. I’m going to be posting on a fortnightly basis while I devote my time and attention to my blog, Newcastle Sparkles. I’m currently revamping the site, optimising older content, and creating new posts - and as I’ve discovered, this takes a lot of time. (Especially when your website develops a tech issue and you have to restore a previous backup, losing all your edits in the process.) On the plus side, it means you don’t have to read my ramblings week in, week out anymore!
Speaking of ramblings, today I want to chat about my lovely local park, which I visited yesterday with my sister and two-year-old niece in tow. It was bustling with children running around, laughing, and you know, just being kids. I couldn’t help but feel envious. Imagine being so blissfully unaware of the goings-on in the world right now? Also, when did kids become so stylish, with their colourful tie dye leggings, metallic bomber jackets, pink tutu skirts à la Sarah Jessica Parker, and miniature biker boots? I felt mega frumpy by comparison - my wardrobe definitely needs an overhaul…
But it wasn’t just fashion advice I gleaned from my visit - I took a few other pearls of wisdom away with me too, which I think us adults could all learn from.
Ready to play?
Do what you want
With so much to choose from - climbing frames, swings, slides, roundabouts - my niece had her pick of the lot! She tried most of the activities during our two-hour visit, but she had her definite favourites and kept returning to those. She wasn’t fazed by clusters of other kids hanging around, or having to wait her turn. When she wanted to do something, she went ahead and did it.
Lesson - if there’s something you want to do, just go for it and give it a try! Even when others are ‘watching’ your progress.
Be sociable
I love seeing how my niece interacts with other little humans! She’s starting to talk a lot more and it’s the cutest thing seeing her babbling away and pointing at clouds and dogs, shouting ‘look!’. The majority of the kids in the park were playing on their own or with their parents/carers, but my niece literally had no fear - approaching other kids, often much taller and a few years older than her, eager to say hello and play with them. I was amazed. Imagine having that kind of confidence at such a young age?
Lesson - talking to others IRL (obvs post-social distancing) is something we could all do a bit more of in our personal and professional lives to help make new connections, spark a conversation, or simply brighten someone else’s day. Let’s stop hiding behind our gadgets, folks!
Don’t give up
My niece managed to climb a short rope ladder all by herself which, my sis tells me, is the first time she’s done this. She took her time to suss out where to place her little feet, how to grasp onto the ropes, and then pull herself up onto the platform. It was great to see her perseverance. She then climbed the ladder over and over again, confident in her new-found abilities. It reminded me of the time I did a Go Ape treetop challenge - I certainly didn't have that level of tenacity. My friend literally had to bark orders at me before I would even attempt any of the obstacles!
Lesson - whatever the pursuit, stick at it, even when you think it’s impossible. And don’t look back (or down!).
Ask for help
Despite my niece’s determination to do many of the playground activities by herself, there were times when she knew she simply couldn't do it on her own, whether it was being too short to climb onto a rocking horse or being slightly unsteady on her feet to reach the top of a playground mound. When she needed our help, she would look over to us or grab our hands and lead us across the park to where she wanted to be.
Lesson - recognise you can’t do everything on your own. You’re not a master of all trades, and it’s definitely okay to ask for help when you need it.
Have fun
Kids know how to have good fun - everything is a game and the everyday ordinary stuff we don’t even notice as adults sparks curiosity and joy. It’s quite sad how we lose this cheerful outlook as we grow up. It’s understandable though - adulting can be a serious and stressful affair, and those shiny moments of excitement tend to become few and far between. But what’s life without any enjoyment?
Lesson - let’s bring the fun back into our lives, whether it’s picking up a new hobby or planning activities with our friends post-lockdown. Something, I’d say, that’s needed more than ever before after the year we’ve all had.
February 22 mixtape
Article of the week
We now know the ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown, but last week in anticipation of Boris Johnson’s announcement in England, this HuffPost article explored people’s thoughts and feelings about it. I think these sentiments still ring true after the press briefing today - a mix of caution and excitement. Oh, and the article features a short comment from me!
Tweet of the week
I took a screenshot of this image on my phone after spotting it on my Twitter feed and, for me, it perfectly captures the mood right now. I think we’ve all slumped into a bit of a lull and don’t have that much to say anymore. I know that many of my WhatsApp chats are eerily quiet compared to the first lockdown, and I’m finding it particularly hard to reach out to people and talk.
See you in two weeks
Alexis 💕
www.alexisforsyth.com
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Photo by Daniel Ruyter on Unsplash