2015: My year to be Brave

To welcome in the new year I went to the Channel Island of Jersey with friends. The air was fresh, the views outstanding, and despite freezing temperatures the skies were blue and the sun was out. On my first morning I went for a run along the beach....something I very rarely do, it was December 31st - my last run outdoors was in Kolkata in January!

Every year I like to do something unique to mark New Years Day - previously it's included a private flight over the Himalayas in Nepal, snorkelling in Bali and hitchhiking in the British countryside...this year I decided to swim in the sea in conditions that most normal humans would never consider!

The first two times I ran in inspired by my friend Obie who joined me on the mission and we both screamed from the pain. The water was so cold it hurt but then my legs went totally numb and I couldn't feel them. I maybe should have given up but I was committed to a full-on swim. The water was shallow so the only way I could swim was if I went deeper in - that's when it clicked this required extreme bravery!

So third time lucky went for it, stayed there a while and swam - it felt amazing! A local couple passing by offered to take our photo then emailed it to us which is the one above.

Afterwards my teeth chattered all the way back to our apartment but a hot shower thawed me out.

I'm going to remember this morning every time I get unsure, nervous or scared about something. Bravery boosts confidence and makes you feel great when you've accomplished your goal so my hashtag for life in 2015 is #BeBrave.

And here's a few more pics from Jersey just because it was so beautiful...

Sunset In Brighton

When I was at sixth form college I (like most 17 year olds) used to cover my folders with pictures of my favourite bands but there was one girl in my year who stuck photos of sunsets on hers. She liked carrying sunset around with her. At the time I didn't think much of it, sunset was sunset - the time my parents would pray and so my sisters and I had to turn the telly off.

As I got older things changed: I am now obsessed with sunsets - I've even had various shades of sunset coloured hair; but nothing beats the real thing. Last Saturday when I was doing my Christmas shopping in Brighton I looked up at the sky and this is what I saw....

The most beautiful sunset I've ever seen in the UK. It spread across the horizon without anything obscuring the view. I found a chair, sat down and watched it for 30 minutes as it went through a palette of pinks, purples and oranges. Utterly Amazing.