I love learning.  I wish I had realised this more at school and college which may have enabled me to knuckle down more, but what I didn’t realise at the time was that I was only interested in learning about things I was passionate about.  It was no coincidence therefore that I was able to get my highest GCSE marks in English and History (both subjects I enjoy immensely) and I was dire at everything else. I was lucky enough to obtain a merit in my Business and Finance qualification (Karen Brady eat your heart out!) and this has set me in good stead throughout my career and for that I am grateful.

However, there is something that I has always been interesting to me my whole life, and it has taken me a long time to finally
realised this could be my destiny. It has evolved over the last couple of years and has left me feeling the healthiest and happiest I have ever felt in my life, thus wanting to “pay” this feeling forward to others. I have finally entered into my dream to become a Personal Trainer (with a few specialities up my sleeve!) and the very steep learning curve started late this year.

I would like to credit a few people who have made this decision easier for me; my husband and family for their amazing support with this decision who have given me the courage to finally take this step; the people we have loved and lost who
have given me the “life is too short” attitude and just go for it  and the people in the fitness industry who through their blogs, podcasts, articles and inspiring stories have made me realise that this IS possible and to make a real go of it!

I realise the level of commitment I am taking on.  As you know I work full time in a job I am also passionate about, and I have two young children that are my priority. I am also training for the London Marathon in April, and after writing that I do realise that I am quite QUITE mad! But life is for living, taking chances, and spending it as happy as you can. This decision makes me happy.

So as I say goodbye to a very testing, yet wonderful 2013, I welcome 2014 and the changes it will bring.  I look forward to sharing my journey with you and there will be a few changes to this blog as I venture through this journey.  

I wish you a very Happy New Year.  May it deliver all your dreams.

xx

 
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Hugs on the last day of school
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Thats me with all the hair!
There has been a lot of talk in the news this week about the nations 16 year olds getting their all -important GCSE results. 

Instantly I am propelled back to that time.  Of waking up early and eager to get to the school office to get my results, anticipating that this little slip of paper could determine my future.  If only I realised back then that the future would hold more worries than I would care to imagine than just this.

It also made me think.  Who was I back then?  Who have I become? Should I be proud?  If only I could have a glimpse in the future.

So 17 years later, here is a letter from a woman, to a girl…

"Dear Colette

I write to you on the morning you are getting your GCSE results.  I know you have worked hard, but I also know you could have worked harder.  You know that.

The friends, who have led you astray these past few weeks I can tell you now, will not be part of your future.  You have bound to be friends forever, and they will also hold a special place in your heart, and you WILL be in contact again.  But for now leave them behind you.  They each have different paths they wish to take.  Give it a few years and you will understand this.

However you do have two friends in particular who will go on to be the best friends you could hope for in your adult life.

When you open your results this morning, please don’t be disappointed.  You have done ok.  Not brilliantly, but ok.  And that will get you started.  You will just have to work that little bit harder at college to prove to everyone that you are capable. 

You are not a natural academic, you will come to realise this in time.  But you do have a lot of confidence and that will count for a lot in your future.  Just keep striding forwards with your head held high, and for goodness sake, wear a pair of heels.  Those clumpy DM’s do not impress anyone!

I know you look in the mirror and see someone fat.  You are not.  The last few years you have been the slimmest you have been for a while.  Just go easy on the chips and mayonnaise at college.  And the beer!  I know you won’t believe this now as you are not keen on exercise, but in the future you will adapt to a healthy lifestyle that makes you love exercise and the benefits it can bring. 

Be kind to the boy that keeps asking to walk you home from school.  I know you are seeing someone else at the moment.  Someone much older.  But this kind, local boy will one day make you the happiest woman alive, and will give you the greatest gift of two wonderful children.  Yes!  Children.  I know you don’t wish to consider children in your future, but they will be there.  And you will be overjoyed.

Stop smoking.  Seriously.  Stop.  They may be cheap now, and it may be a little dark and dangerous habit to impress the peers.  But when you are trying to give them up in the future when they have drained your health and your bank account you will wish you never started.

Dye your hair.  Please.  The bleached front and brushed out perm look really does nothing for you.

Work hard.  Put in all the hours you can and save up as much money as you can.  You have a wonderful life ahead of you and so many nice things to look forward to and pay for…..DO NOT, I repeat  DO NOT apply for that credit card.

Be nice to Mum and Dad.  You may not realise this but in the future when you have children of your own you will appreciate what they did for you and the sacrifices they made.  Think twice before you slam that door.

Ring your Grandparents.  You don’t have much more time left to talk to them as adults.  They are good, kind, knowledgeable people. Pick up the phone, pay them a visit.  They love you more than you will ever know.

Learn how to apply make up.  Seriously, you still don’t have a clue in 17 years time and that “grunge” era did women our age no favours!"

So there you have it.  My older “responsible” self advising the girl I used to be. 

What would you say to your 16 year old self?