January 1st 2021

Happy New Year! What better way to start a new year than by dragging your beloved family around Arthur’s Seat? In today’s case, literally none.

With 2020 being a whole heap of rubbish for most people, I wanted to start 2021 with purpose, positivity, pondering and, eh, posturing? No, that’s not right…with purpose, positivity, pondering and putting one foot in front of the other for charity. (Better. Not perfect but better)

I came across Refuge’s Step Up for 2021 challenge on social media and I knew I just had to take part. For three very good reasons.

1) I can’t think of a better thing to do to turn around the mess of 2020 than raising money for an amazing charity.

2) The figures on domestic abuse in the past 9 months, since the start of lockdown, are utterly devastating. The work that Refuge do is incredible and give hope, support and a voice to those to need it. Sadly, they are needed more than ever now so anything I can do to help will go a long way.

3) When I was younger, I was in a difficult relationship so it just resonated with me on a personal level. But more about that another day. Today is all about positivity and starting my challenge.

The day dawned bright, chilly and perfect for a huge walk. I wanted to start strong with one big walk to get the ball rolling. I know other days will involve a couple of smaller walks to get up to the 10,000 steps (and others I guarantee will smash that number out the park) but today was a good day for a good walk so I brought whole Daft Family Household with me.

We set off after breakfast and got home in time for a late lunch, with my fitness watch buzzing on the way back to the car to let me know I had hit the goal already. Not a bad start at all.

I know it won’t always be this straightforward or easy but neither is life so I’m more than happy to take the easy A today. 11,000 steps clocked by 1.30pm, in the warm winter sun, with two of my favourite people? Not too shabby at all.