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 "How do you love yourself?"
I took this picture in the French Alps. It reminds me of the beauty and cruelty of Winter. There's light and shadow. I love skiing, it makes me feel alive. So close to nature, the majesty of the mountains, the clear fresh air. In the day I generally ski on the sunny side of the mountain and enjoy natures light show through water crystals and clouds. In the late afternoon tired and at the same time exhilarated I ski home and into the shadow of the mountain. I do it carefully as this is the time of day when disaster can strike. After a day in the sun it is difficult to see the uneven, icy piste. My senses are on red alert and I can feel fear. It is incredibly cold compared to the light side. I feel alive.

The picture also reminds me of my journey of loving myself. Loving myself is for me like climbing a mountain. As I get higher, the view gets better. I remember reaching what I thought was the top of my mountain only to discover it was the top of my first peak and there was another peak behind it that was even higher. I felt devastated because it took what I thought was all I had to get there. Someone, who to this day I hold in my heart and I always will, suggested to me, "Why don't you turn around and look at the view?" I did and I got quite emotional firstly because of the wonderful view and secondly because I realised how hard I was on myself on my journey to loving myself. I realised how ironic this was and then I laughed and I laughed and I laughed. No matter how many peaks I get to the top of I know there will always be another waiting at the back of it. These days I take a few steps and I take a look at the view more often than I used to. Thank you "G" I love you.

So, looking at the view is a way that I love myself and another way that I love myself is to have a regular massage. It is a way of keeping my own glass full and then anything that spills over I can give unconditionally.

Reflections

This is the time of year when I traditionally look back over the past year. I am asking myself the following:

• What/who would I like to let go of in my life?

• What/who do I choose to bring into my life?

• What have been my disappointments?

• What have been my excitements?

• Where have I made a difference for others or the environment?

• When did I love myself?

• When was I unkind to myself?

• What is different now compared with last year?

• Who do I need to thank that have helped me?

• What am I grateful for?

• To whom do I need to say, “I love you”?