Over the past few years, we’ve learned a lot of new skills.
We grow vegetables, bake bread, and make Greek yoghurt. All our cakes and cookies are baked at home, we temper chocolate, and there is a healthy supply of homemade vanilla extract brewing in the linen cupboard.
Our friends will occasionally ask us why we bother. They point out that in Sydney’s Inner West (where we live), there are excellent artisan bakers and fabulous organic markets. And over the years, I’ve given a variety of answers – our lifestyle saves us money, we eat less processed foods, it sets a good example for our sons. But lately I’ve been giving the question more serious thought.
Four years ago (almost to this day) when we started Fig Jam and Lime Cordial, Pete and I were struggling. Not in our relationship, which thankfully has always been solid, but with a conflux of life circumstances that had left us badly shaken and unsure of the future.
At that time we were already baking bread. Gradually, we tried new things – there were so many aspects of life that we didn’t have control over at the time, but we could still figure out how to churn butter from old cream or turn a box of apricots into jam. Recording our adventures on this blog meant that they weren’t lost in the ether, and gave us an opportunity to share them with all of you.
And I suddenly realised the other day what the past four years have really been about. Our psyche – our sense of self-worth – had been battered. We had lost confidence in our ability to deal with what life was throwing at us. And gradually, over the past few years, we’ve worked at restoring it. By trying new things, and eventually mastering them, we have incrementally rebuilt our self-confidence.
Every time we learn a new skill, regardless of how minor it is, it empowers us.
That empowerment is double-sided – firstly, we gain knowledge which can often be used to the benefit of our family and friends. Perhaps more importantly though, with each addition to our skill set, we grow more confident in our ability to tackle the new and unknown. The future is less daunting when we can look back on our past achievements.
And it doesn’t matter whether or not it’s a skill that we’ll continue to use – each and every time we accomplish something, we’re able to say to ourselves, “Look at what we can do! Who would have thought that was possible?”
In short, it makes us feel good about ourselves.
Dearhearts, life can be brutal. Sometimes we are weighed down by what feels like unbearable worries, other times the rug can be whipped out from under our feet. If that happens, the advice we offer from our limited experience is this – take baby steps to restore your self-confidence. Seek a sense of achievement in small, manageable tasks, and gradually build upon it.
It doesn’t matter what you undertake – I have friends who have found incredible joy and satisfaction in everything from sewing to basket weaving to astronomy – just don’t start with anything too big. Knit a scarf before you attempt a sweater. And accept that skills worth having sometimes take time to learn – don’t be disillusioned if your results aren’t perfect straight away.
The older we get, the more we realise how little control we actually have over what the world throws at us. All we can do is shore up our own self-esteem, build its foundations as best we can, and hope that it will fortify us against the vagaries of life.
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
To make anything by ourselves is the best… There is not a beautiful taste more than what you grow in your own garden. So, I know, I can understand this and I admire, and I dream too… Blessing and Happiness, Thank you dear Celia, love, nia
Thanks for understanding, Nia! It means a lot to me to have wonderful friends through this blog who “get” what I’m trying to say! xx
Well said! To quote my favourite saying (which I believe came from John Lennon) “Life is what happens to you as you make other plans.”
Michelle, it really is! And sometimes we’re so busy looking ahead that we miss it! :)
What a lovely post! I would add too, that that sense of empowerment makes us better citizens and neighbours too. It creates the sense of adulthood that lets us stand up comfortably and without rancour to public and private bullying, stand up for beliefs, stand beside others in need.
Linda, thank you – that’s a very wise and true addition to what I was trying to say. Being empowered gives us the strength to focus beyond just our own small concerns and allows us to be confident in our convictions.
Thank you
Most welcome, darling. x
I was/am a writer with three beautiful children who I’ve chosen to be at home with over the last 5 years. It’s wonderful but sometimes a mother’s self esteem takes a battering, especially if you are used to the satisfaction of mental challenges, a pay packet and the occasional pat on the back. Sewing, cooking and gardening have kept me sane and given me the satisfaction I’ve craved. The kids have learnt so much just by being around this home based industriousness and wonderful times have flowed from it. Thanks for putting it into words!
Tracey, I know exactly what you mean – I was a stay at home mum for seven years when the boys were little. It’s a wonderful time, but we have to redefine ourselves, don’t we? I wouldn’t trade it for the world though! :)
What a beautiful post – congratulations on the way you tackle life’s challenges and even more, for understanding what it’s all been about. You are great role models for your children.
Grandma, thank you so much for saying that. I hope we can teach our children to be resilient – it’s not easy in this day and age.
You’re right Celia. Don’t look back. Never ever give up Hope. Enjoy today because really that’s all we have. If life kicks you in the teeth (as it has done to me often) then get up and give it the middle finger and try again. If you always seem to be going one step forward and two steps backward never be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes it can come from the most unlikely sources (such as your blog) and from someone you have never met. It’s also nice to know you are not the only one and you don’t need to try and soldier on in silence :-)
Granny, thank you – that’s been the nicest thing about this post – all the people who understand and empathise. I didn’t expect it, to be honest, but then again, I guess everyone has their own story and their own share of difficulties. xx
lovely post celia..x o jane
Thanks Jane.. xx
Celia dearheart: methinks many of us reading your post will relate wholeheartedly – thank you so much for putting both your and our thoughts and feelings into such clear words. If I told the story of the last three decades of my life, no one would believe [at least so my friends who do know tell me]. Thank God the higher Powers somehow have blessed me too with the tenacity to say ‘OK, that is over and can’t be changed – turn that proverbial 6 1/2 degrees and a new set of circumstances faces you – come on say ‘Yes, I can’!!
Eha, good for you! The ability to dust off and try again is indeed a gift from God! x
Lovely thoughts. Thanks.
Thanks Paula! :)
Wonderfully expressed. Through what you & Pete have done to empower yourselves, and your generousity in sharing it (in so many ways) you have touched and inspired others on their own journeys, not least of all me. Synchronicity at work here, as I also was thinking along similar lines about how blogging has given me a whole new set of wonderful mentors. Thank you :)
ED, it’s been a joy to get to know you as well! One of these days, we’re going to have to get that coffee.. :)
Beautiful post, Celia xox
Thanks darling. x
Good morning love, I have just re-read this as I sit in the quiet with my first macchiato and I love it even more.
You wrote: ‘Our psyche – our sense of self-worth – had been battered. We had lost confidence in our ability to deal with what life was throwing at us. And gradually, over the past few years, we’ve worked at restoring it. By trying new things, and eventually mastering them, we have incrementally rebuilt our self-confidence. Every time we learn a new skill, regardless of how minor it is, it empowers us.’
This touched me deeply, Celia, as you know I’ve been in a similar position through the twists and turns in my own life. It is a marvellous feeling to be re-empowered, Celia. To have the strength to continue and to find things one loves. It gives us something to lean on when things get tricky again.
You are a deeply wise woman, my friend, and I’m very glad to know you. xox
Bless you, Lizzy. Thank you for taking the time to leave another comment – it means a great deal to me, because I know that you know what I’m truly saying here.
A little tangentially: Frank Oz once said, ““The craft is your rocking chair, you lean back on it so you can rest, and then have the artistry..”
I think it’s an analogy for life – our sense of self, which we build and nurture, is our support – we can lean back on it like a rocking chair when we need support and comfort and rest from the hard bits of life.
Much love.. xx
“… and accept that skills worth having sometimes take time to learn” – this, more than any other sentence, jumped out to me. Thanks for sending that message. And thanks for a lovely, thoughtful post to read on a Saturday morning.
And I promise I’m not just being a nag about sourdough bread, Rachel! :D Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts – it’s lovely to be able to get them out at last, this post has been brewing for a few weeks now.
Such beautiful words Celia, thank you for sharing that with us today. Learning, creating, achieving, & perfecting is so good for the soul & the heart, & it can help us heal & get us through those tough times.
I love the fact that you are not only setting a good example for your boys but you are also creating lovely memories for them to remember & cherish. That’s priceless.
Moya, you’re so right! For me, there’s something about being able to see what I’ve made with my own hands that is remarkably satisfying. It doesn’t have to be physical though – I have a friend who thrives on her gradual mastery of French! :) We must pop in soon – I was just telling Pete that!
I like to keep my hands busy in front of telly, and get a lot of pleasure from the little knitted or crocheted kitchen cloths and/or coasters I make. I also love to grow fresh herbs. Your post absolutely reinforces all that is good about ‘home made is best made’. Thank you!
Lisa, how wonderful! I was given hand made kitchen cloths recently, and treasure them enormously! You’re so right about homemade – there’s nothing quite like it!
I agree wholeheartedly, Celia! When you aren’t in control of the big things, take control of what you can. And learning and trying and achieving and accomplishing are so full of positive steps and generate forward actions and emotions that slowly the world seems to right itself.
Thanks for sharing- always- Celia you are such a giver.
May God bless you and your family.
Heidi, so many people have left such wise comments, thank you! Your words are so true, although it’s not always easy to explain, is it? But we try and find enjoyment and satisfaction in the minutiae, especially when the big picture is intimidating. :) And thank you, God blesses us every day! x
This post almost brought a tear to my eye Celia. You have expressed this beautifully and I couldn’t agree more. All of these achievements and skills make our lives richer and more rewarding. Empowerment indeed! x
Jane, thank you for understanding! The life you and your family are living is empowering to all of us who read about it! (Pony rides before breakfast! How idyllic is that! :))
I can so relate to this. My working life ended before I planned and facing life on the pension has led to new and renewed skills. I make more from scratch and it is definitely rewarding and confidence building. Your post has inspired me to have a go at sour dough bread (yet to do) and I made a small vegetable garden this year. Unfortunately it isn’t doing so well as I had a fall Christmas day and fracture is still healing. Thank you for sharing and inspiring through your blog.
Marg, I’m so sorry to hear about your fall – I hope you’re completely better soon. I hope your breadmaking and veg growing adventures give you as much joy as ours have!
Wow, Celia. Everybody else has said all that I thought. I second Heidianne’s wish for you.
Thanks darling. And thanks for your email this morning – brightened up my day! x
Beautiful words Celia. I whole heartedly agree; what you do have control over truly IS empowering. Thank you for sharing your story with us. You probably don’t realize it, but you are a true inspiration. Whether it’s bread dough, or a picture of your boys walking down the street your blog is a calming, peaceful spot in my world. Thank you for keeping it up and for empowering me :) xx
Emilie, that’s so kind of you, thank you! And thanks for mentioning that photo – it’s one of my favourites, so I’m really pleased you liked it too! x
Brilliant post Celia! Learning something new is so good for us. My 92 year old mother in law is still learning :)
Tandy, I hope I’m still learning at 92! I hope I’m still HERE at 92! Good for her, she must be such an inspiration to you all! :)
There are different names for the journey we in-common souls are on but I agree that it is about empowering ourselves, re-skilling ourselves and also about being more sustainable in our footprints on this planet.
“And it doesn’t matter whether or not it’s a skill that we’ll continue to use – each and every time we accomplish something, we’re able to say to ourselves, “Look at what we can do! Who would have thought that was possible?””
My next little step will be chocolate tempering thanks to your post the other day.
Thanks Rose! :) Chocolate tempering just needs patience and the right kit. x
“life can be brutal. Sometimes we are weighed down by what feels like unbearable worries, other times the rug can be whipped out from under our feet.” I think that the world is divided into people who breeze through life and those that find life hard. Hands up to being in the latter category. “The older we get, the more we realise how little control we actually have over what the world throws at us.” So true – it’s calming words of wisdom, like those above or just about how to make a great loaf of bread, that help me find joy in each new day rather than a set of insurmountable hurdles. Thank you Celia
Sally, I agree with you – except I’d add that everyone has their share of woes, and you’re right, some people breeze through them, whereas the rest of us struggle. I have to say though, I like the battlers better – I’ve often found breezy people dismissive and a little lacking in empathy!
I am really hoping the sourdough works well for you, darling! x
“Some skills worth having take time to learn.” That is so true! Some things take time and practice to perfect. Perserverance in some cases! But the results are far-reaching. Lovely post! Thanks!
The blossoms are beautiful. What bush/shrub/tree is it?
Manuela, thank you! The flowers are from our ornamental flowering prunus – it comes out with the most gorgeous blooms in spring (this photo was taken last September).
Celia, I have said it before, but I will say it again. I don’t know where you have been but you are in a beautiful place at the moment. Congratulations on all of your (and Pete’s and the kids’) achievements.
Thank you, darling. xx
I so agree, Celia. It is the feeling of self-reliance that keeps me farming – and causes frustration when government, banks and supermarkets treat farmers as un-necessary. I am lucky enough to have learnt so many skills from my parents and their families. I wish others the same good fortune.
Meg, it really IS good fortune, isn’t it? And so often when life circumstances push us to learn these skills, we don’t feel fortunate! But look at the outcome! We’re not self-sufficient, but we ARE empowered, knowing what we’re capable of achieving. :)
I loved this post from you. Learning new skills is things that we should never give up. The bonus of course is the gained confidence :D
Thanks love. You’re always learning so many new things so quickly – I don’t know where you keep it all in your brain! :)
What a lovely post. I am glad you share so much with us. When I met you I felt I had known you for years…which I suppose I have.
Thanks Deb! Didn’t we have fun when you were here – I hope we get to do it again soon! x
Very special for you to share this lovely post with us Celia. I often say you are never to old to learn and that encompasses so many different things.
Have a beautiful weekend Celia.
:-) Mandy xo
Thanks Mandy! You’re so right – we really are never to old to learn!
The Road Less Travelled: brave choices which you both made. Well said.
Thank you, Peter. May your brave choices bring you joy as well. xx
thank you…
it is really a blessing the time we come to realise (the sooner the better) that there is no need to struggle for control over ourselves, over other human beings.
and whenever a “difficult” situation arises (and that is very true for all of us) i remember my mum’s saying: “empower yourself when sufferings are shown up, and aim for their “going away” with the minimum cost”.
my dear mum even at the latest stage of parkinson disease teaches us with her patience and love every day to endure everything and be happy and fulfilled by love in every humble yet great aspect of life. so thank you all.. love
✿◠‿◠) gina
Gina, it’s a remarkably freeing thought isn’t it – when we can just let things go. I hope your mum is ok. xx
Beautiful post. Your post and knowing you have made me more aware how lucky I am and I hope it has made me strong for any bad hand I might be dealt in the future, Celia. xxx
John, you are so kind, thank you. It’s been a joy finding you and Roz through the blog. We can’t wait to see you guys soon! xx
Thank you – words are not adequate to express my gratitude for this post which speaks directly to me at a difficult time in my life. If I were on the same continent I would send you a cake, a jar of marmalade, some biscuits….. all I can do is say
Thank you
Penny
Penny, thank you so much for letting me know – I’m very touched that you found my ramblings useful. I hope your difficult time is short, and it works out ok in the end. Take care. x
Thank you for a lovely post, Celia. This is a lesson I bored my nine year old with the other day – I can’t always control the situation I’m in but I can control how I choose to respond to it. And after that I gave her chocolate.
Jo, that is a wonderful life lesson! May I share with you this post?
https://figjamandlimecordial.com/2010/03/07/parenting/
I really enjoyed that post when you first wrote it (and again this time). I cut and pasted Nic’s comment about a proportional response which put so beautifully many of my thoughts at that time. I also told Rosie the other night that I’ve only learnt these lessons in the last couple of years and I’m trying to start her early on the path!
timely words for me – and a reminder that an attempt at sourdough might just be what I need at the moment – I think blogging is indeed about little victories that in the past have been recorded but perhaps not shared so widely – glad to hear you have taken strength from your endeavours and your blog!
Thanks Johanna! Good luck with the sourdough – it’s a very rewarding exercise! :)
Have you seen how much a loaf costs at the store? That’s reason enough to be empowered! In any case, your post was very touching. And the comments above are so nice to see. You’ve obviously touched others.
Greg, you’re right, of course. I once figured out it costs us 65c for a loaf of sourdough, as opposed to $8. I love that. :)
What a lovely post about how you have handled life and and the benefits that have come from dealing with what you faced. We have all been the lucky recipients of your efforts as well as you and your family. Thank you!
Karen, thank you, that’s very kind of you! It’s been a fabulous four years, and we’ve met some wonderful folk (like you) through this blog! :)
A well-written, thought-provoking post, Celia. There are so many advantages to remaining a work-in progress, open to learning new things. Thank you for this, Just look at the wonderful comments you’ve engendered.
John, thank you – the comments have been both surprising and greatly appreciated. Sometimes when I write these posts, I just hope that people won’t think I’ve gone bonkers. :)
Well said! Blogging has helped me in similar ways. It has helped me meet a new and fantastic community. It has improved my cooking abilities tremendously. It has given me some thing I am good at, something that makes me stand out of the crowd just a bit (previously I was average at everything but with no real talent). I am so glad that I have “met” you. Clearly you are dear to others too!
Anna, I can’t believe you were ever average with no real talent! But I know what you mean – it’s nice to have something that we do well and can feel proud of! :)
I can’t walk much less run a straight line. I have NO athletic ability. I am not particularly smart (thought I am smart enough to graduate college). I can’t sing or dance. I have no amazing talent like drawing, playing a musical instrument. I speak English only.
But I can cook circles around most American girls my age. I am a good nurse (not the best but certainly not the worst). I am well read for my age (a definite point of pride).And some how I managed to catch a great husband, have the job I longed for after I passed my boards, and I have some pretty awesome friends in real life and in the blogosphere. I think things have worked out pretty good :)
Exactly what I needed to hear today, my friend. We call them”manias” around here, whether it’s guitar building, toymaking or model painting, cooking or sewing… it keeps us sane in a crazy world. The hub is off this morning smoking bacon with a chef friend of ours.
“New is good” Hugs, Maz. :-)
Maz darling, you know what we call them? “Enthusiasms”.
Here’s why:
In the Wind in the Willows television series, there’s a scene where Toad’s eyes glaze over as he becomes entranced with a new obsession, and Badger deadpans to Rat and Mole, “I fear, my friends, another enthusiasm..”.
I can’t help but think that you’d appreciate that.. :D
What a lovely post Celia! We’re currently in the midst of a shift too. Thank fully, not out of necessity, but out of want. We’re learning how to make our own breads, yoghurt and what we can plant at various times of the year. What a joy it is to know all these things.
How wonderful, Clare! I hope you find as much joy in these things as we have! :)
I can relate completely. The past few years have had major ups & downs for my husband & I too (though, like you, we’re as strong as ever) and I’ve taken to learning how to do small things for myself. People think I’m a but nuts for turning bar soap into liquid soap, but it saves a bundle of money & we always have a giant stock on hand.
Thanks for stopping by, Vanessa! And good for you! :)
Thank you Celia for this post. I too was faced with the challenge of restoring my life. Fortunately a good friend encouraged me to start a blog and this connection with others in the blogging world has made a huge difference.
Norma, I’m so glad to hear that! It’s been wonderful getting to know you! x
I loved your writing today, Celia. You know, I’ve thought about this many times.. why do I bake, cook, knit, blog.. And I think you’ve found the answer. So often I retreat to my kitchen or my studio to create something that helps me find peace… it’s my response to, yes, the brutality of our world. And then I come here to read your creative endeavours.. and am uplifted and encouraged that the world could be a better, kinder, gentler place. xx
Smidge, thank you for understanding – I think creating things with our hands give us a sense of satisfaction and pride that we don’t really get from anything else.. xx
Dear Celia,
This is such a beautiful and uplifting blogpost. And I am willing to bet my last dollar you never set out to save money for baking your own bread and growing your own vegetables. When you are passionate about a good cause, being able to visualise the end result and the benefits fuels the daily “chores”. Whenever I read your posts about the beautiful vegetables that you are growing and your chooks, I can feel the love you have for the things you do and what it means to your family. That, in itself, is an achievement, let alone enjoying the fruits of your “labour” and the money you save.
My similar experience is when I set out to learn a difficult piece of music on the piano. And I always say to myself this piece of music is worth my “pain” because it is a skill that is worth my time and effort. It is always daunting at the start. But taking “baby steps”, the “pain” in committing the entire score to memory and eventually hearing the melody begin to take shape is truly exhilarating. When the piece finally becomes “second nature” is when I equate that to the bountiful harvest that you show us from your garden.
Chopinand, thank you – I’m sure learning a difficult piece of music and committing it to memory would be very empowering indeed! :)
beautiful post Celia…your words have resonated beautifully to a lot of people.
xxxx
Thanks B.. xx
Celia what a beautiful post and such very wise words. Your empowerment has empowered so many. So many of the things that I’ve tried and new skills that I’ve learned I have started because of your inspiration. xx
Claire, that’s such a nice thing to say, thank you! xx
That’s a lovely post Celia and so true. I think the wheel has come full circle now and we are beginning to value the craft skills again. It is not long ago that crafts like cookery, sewing, and woodwork were undervalued and only the less academically able people learned them.
Now we have a more rounded picture of self-worth – and that is good.
Pat, now that’s an interesting thought, and you’re absolutely right. I think it’s great that we really are valuing the basic skills again!
Anything that makes one feel confident and content with one’s lot in life is all good, lovely post darling. xx
So true! Thank you.. xx
I could’nt agree more with the content of your post, thank you !
Hi Celia
I would like to publish this about your latest post, on my blog (which is 99% in French) :
“« Every time we learn a new skill, regardless of how minor it is, it empowers us », according to Celia, from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial (un blog australien).
So true.
She goes on :
« That empowerment is double-sided – firstly, we gain knowledge which can often be used to the benefit of our family and friends. Perhaps more importantly though, with each addition to our skill set, we grow more confident in our ability to tackle the new and unknown. The future is less daunting when we can look back on our past achievements. »
I agree. Don’t you ?
To read her whole post on Empowerment, please click on its title.
And don’t hesitate to read Celia’s other posts, they’re full of real life and energy, isn’t it exactly what we all need ?” ”
I wanted to ask your permission – is it OK with you if I copy and post those two quotes from your site ?
Thanks, and keep on publishing with such vitality :)
Flo
Flo, thank you so much for asking, and I would be honoured if you’d publish that on your blog. Thanks again! :)
Celia
Great, will post it tomorrow morning, Paris hour. Thanks again ! ! :)
I’m so proud to be your friend Celia. It’s true that life can be brutal and your world can be turned upside in an instant. You guys are true survivors and an inspiration indeed.
Learning new skills is empowering and helps regain a bit of control and dignity when things are out of our hands. Confidence and self esteem are so important to a healthy attitude and our value of self.
You and Pete are amazing, and your lifestyle is certainly enviable with your close family relationships, your beautiful boys and your cottage industry and garden. You are some of the richest people I know. Thanks for sharing the wealth with us too. Xox
Becca, you are just so lovely, thank you! And you’re very wise, because that is exactly what it’s about – giving yourself back a little dignity. Thanks again, darling. xxx
Thank you Celia for sharing your words, your ideas, your recipes, your bread and your lives with us all. It is lovely to have b-rightness to our dull February days over the other side of the world and to feel that we are all in it together. Thanks.
Thank you! It’s lovely to be communing with like-minded kindred spirits from all over the globe! :) Hope the sun comes up soon over there! x
A lovely story and sentiment.
Thank you…
Like your other commenters, I find this post speaks very profoundly about life and the human spirit. I think we often cherish an illusion that we can control what happens to us in a macro sense but we can’t. Life often bowls spin balls at us out of nowhere and carefully laid plans get rudely shattered at the drop of a hat. The ability to cope is so often, I think, in both accepting the inevitability of this and finding things in a micro sense that we can make happen and give us the satisfaction of completion and creation. What you say about baby steps is so crucial and as the saying has it, one mustn’t forget that it’s from little acorns that giant oaks grow. All power to your creativity, Celia and may it continue to bring you much joy and satisfaction in time to come as well as the great encouragement that life is only partly what it throws at us out of the blue and the rest is what we create from it in all sorts of ways. We can’t always control the first but we always have a choice about the second. E x
Elizabeth, thank you for taking the time to leave such a considered and well-written comment. I think you’re right about accepting that things are going to happen – as the famous quote by M. Scott Peck says:
“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.”
I think (hope!) you might enjoy this earlier post that I wrote about Big Boy.. :)
https://figjamandlimecordial.com/2010/03/07/parenting/
A truly wonderful post Celia, your comment about baby steps is so true, and like any other human I often forget to take them and go leaping ahead, worrying about things when actually I should take stock and baby steps.
People wonder why I ski, and sometimes its hard to explain – you are up in the mountains, in fresh air etc etc. But for me this last season has been all about what I’ve personally achieved, and I know in the scheme of things it’s small but it’s still so important to me, and I’ve gained so much happiness from achieving a few new things (like going down Black pistes and going off piste) my sense of self has grown. Onwards I say!
All power to empowerment I say!
Good for you, Claire! Isn’t it fabulous how even small achievements can nurture and enhance our self-esteem? Mind you, skiing at all sounds like a huge achievement to me (I’ve never managed it successfully), and one I’m in great awe of! Sounds like you’re having a fabulous time, and I’m really happy for you! :)
Beautifully written, Celia. The simple pleasures in life are the best.
Thanks Christine.. x
[…] Celia inspires me with her flair for living, food, family & friends but her post about empowerment touched me, because she has empowered […]
[…] Celia wrote a lovely post on how learning new skills has empowered her. […]