Today has been the first morning that I could devote exclusively to Your Time since the beginning of lockdown back in March. Whilst I continued to offer online and telephone counselling, I just didn't have the time or headspace to think creatively. I have sorely missed it!

Walking has always been my sanctuary and my way of fitting the jigsaw pieces back together again. Without sounding too 'Wuthering Heights', I am in love with the smell of the earth, the feel of the wind on my face, and the call of the red kites wheeling above. It's my thing. I have even completed two ultra-walking marathons. This morning was particularly spectacular, it takes my breath away to observe the change of seasons. I used to dread autumn and winter, thinking only of the darkness and death of summer, but now I celebrate the colours, rejoicing in crisp morning walks, taking time to notice what is new and different. I am glad to be alive to bear witness. I’m still not too keen on evening walks, but the chance of watching barn owls over the nearby fields is enough to get me motivated and out. That and our large golden retriever…

For me, there are parallels between walking and counselling; The journey to change is not necessarily easily won, sometimes the changes are slow to appear, like walking over a freshly ploughed field, you may get bogged down for a time in what has been. Sometimes the beginning of change can be anxiety provoking and the ‘newness’ may feel unwelcome after what has come before. On other walks you may rush to the end and miss the small things which might point to another way, another direction. However, if you keep on your journey, and allow it to unfurl, taking time to notice what the path looks and feels like; that change can become a reason to rejoice and a place of psychological freedom. In my opinion counselling and walking are best undertaken one step at a time, in the direction of your choosing. Maybe a counsellor is like a good, honest, walking shoe? Providing consistent support and grip in sometimes tough terrain, and being with you through the mud, rain, sunshine and showers, and whatever else your journey takes you through. Bearing witness to your travels, and, when your walk is done, you can take them off and put them away until you have need of them again.