So summer is coming to an end and we have been on the road for almost five weeks. It’s been a wonderful holiday weaving through France, drifting from village to village. We clocked up 3,000 miles in the process so we’ve definitely got around. On the whole we’ve all got on really well as a family, with everybody enjoying day-to-day life without worry.

As we veer back towards England the weather noticeably changes and becomes more unpredictable. The familiar gloom begins to drift into each passing day and both myself and my partner begin to sense that all is coming to an end for this year. The closing days of summer. Back to the old routine, back to school, work, school runs, dinner time, bed time. Groundhog day incoming!

To be honest I don’t fear returning, but it will be the weather that I am going to miss. Since abstaining I have become more attuned to nature, weather and my physical surroundings. It’s interesting that I never used to care about the climate so much during my alcohol fuelled dependency, but now it can really change my outlook on my day. I’m beginning to question whether I would like to remain in England for the rest of my life. It’s not like I’ve never thought about it  before, taking the plunge, I’ve just never had the gusto to act on my thoughts until now. My triumph in conquering alcohol has given me confidence to attempt new things in my life, and I’m so much happier for it. So I am beginning to visualize myself living somewhere else for real this time, not just in my dreams. I’m glad that my partner feels the same way and that perhaps one day, sooner, rather than later, we can make the move. It doesn’t have to be forever but with the option to be either / or. I guess that comes with living your life in the present, not dwelling in the past or speculating on the future, only existing for what you could do today, and now.

My evolving mindset has allowed me to be more productive in all areas of my life from relationships to interests. I’ve been making lots more music, writing a song a day and participating in lots of culinary activities throughout our tour de France. It’s been great to be with so many different people throughout; resting, dining and partying. I am truly blessed to be able to lead such a rich lifestyle. I’m proud that I had the balls to make this step, quit my unenviable toxic job, swerve alcohol and begin work repairing my mind and body. And even though I am far less cash rich, I am no longer time poor. I’m hoping that going into next year I can begin to challenge myself to accomplish further goals that are important to me. As I’m becoming more and more creative I want to be able to share this with people and perhaps spark new working relationships. Now that I feel I’m over the tsunami of change and drained energy levels that accompanies any addiction resolution, I’m ready to use my energy, not only in creating for myself but also sharing with others, which in itself requires discipline and  dedication. As with any artists, the fun times are making and creating, the hard times are usually the sell. Over the past 6 months my body has been through a lot and my mind even more, but I feel cleansed now and stable. Ready to turn the key and unlock my potential. It’s time to immerse myself in some tangible goals for the next six months, and even though I have some ideas, I’m completely open to new ones too. I’m in no rush to decide, but for now it’s going to start by finishing off the songs I’ve created over the summer and possibly releasing them to artists with whom I wish to work with. My other goal that I’m planning to achieve this year is to develop a leadership coaching service for senior leaders in further education. I’m still passionate about developing teachers and enhancing learner experiences in the classroom, from all of those years I spent as a head of curriculum, vice principal and quality nominee supporting young creatives within the sector. In some way I feel selfish holding onto my knowledge and never using it again. I need to give back and will be developing a way to do this too over the coming months.

One small thing over the summer has taken a bit of a back seat, and I’m sorry to say, it has been daily exercise! I’ve been enjoying the social time and less energetic existence in the sun and so therefore have piled on a few kilo, that I should shed upon my return. I’m not worried though because I’ve been eating so well and my mind is replenished. I’m a healthier version of myself than before. Next week we will be back in Blighty and no doubt I’ll be hitting the gym, playing tennis and hopefully swimming at my local lido in the sun.

My second chance is in full swing and I’m not missing beer or wine for an instant. Perhaps I will never drink again…