The Beauty of Going for a Walk

I have many memories of going on walks with my family. It was something we often did. Something to get us out the house, get some fresh air and blow the cobwebs away. Maybe it was something to wear us out when we were young and full of energy, and something free that we could all do together.
More often than not we wouldn't even get in the the car. We would simply walk out the front door and see which direction took our fancy.
I remember walking to primary school. There was a few others from the village that also did and we would sometimes be all walking together. Even though it was at least a half an hour walk, only the rain or lack of time would stop us. In the Summer we would enjoy the walk more, playing and chasing each other on the way home. I remember the steep hill we had to walk on the way out of the village and the many times that I fell and injured my knee. In the Autumn we would collect conkers and play with them in the school playground.
I remember many of the walks we took as a family to Meanporth beach. I specifically remember the time when my Dad taught me how to whistle. He spent the whole way there showing me with persistence how to shape my lips and blow, demonstrating himself, until I finally mastered it. I then spent the whole way back whistling, so pleased with my achievement. 

When we got a dog, I would walk him to the beach with my Dad almost every day of the week. I would love running across the beach with Sam, chasing him and throwing sticks.
On a cold windy day we would often get wrapped up warm and walk along the cliffs, or drive to kennack or cadgwith and take a walk through the woods. We would appreciate our nice warm house all the more when we returned.
If I ever needed time to think. If life ever felt like it was getting too much. If I just need time alone. I would take myself out for walk, usually with Sam, to the top of the cliffs. I would sit on a bench up the there looking out to sea, listening to nothing but the wind and waves, and the thoughts in my head.

It didn't even matter if it was wet outside. We would dress up in waterproofs and embrace whatever the weather was. 

In the autumn our walks would often take us blackberry picking. This was something me, James and Dad normally did and then Mum would make a lovely apple and blackberry crumble with our pickings. On cold days we would sometimes stop to get a hot drink from a cafe on the way back.

I've realised I don't go on walks hardly at all anymore. Where I live now is quite different to the cliffs and valleys and beaches of Cornwall. I had lived in Cornwall my whole life and so knew the place well. I knew all the places to go on a day out, all the beaches along the coast, all the footpaths we could walk along. There's certainly advantages to where I'm living now but there's also many thing I miss in Cornwall. I suppose after time, and a lot of exploring the area we will get to know the place we live now better.

Family

Family are so important. They are pretty much the only people you will have throughout your whole life who will stick by you, love you, and support you, no matter what you do. They are some of the few people we can trust, depend on and talk to about anything. Sometimes we take for that for granted and don't appreciate all the things they do, but I don't ever want to forget how special the people in my life are and all the times they've been there for me. Families have their ups and downs, but a family will always get through those times. You don't choose your family, they are who they are and I guess that's why family's are always there for each other.

One day I want to have a family of my own, that's one of my dreams. I think about everything I want to have for my family and what I want it to be like. The way I'd like to bring my children up. One thing I think that's pretty important is maintaining traditions, old and new. Everything from putting up the Christmas tree on the 12th of December, to eating pancakes on Pancake Day, making Birthdays special and getting into fancy dress for Halloween. As well as things like homemade traditional meals, Sunday roasts, family walks, days at the beach, and just spending time together to make everyday special.

Talking to my brother...

One of my goals was to talk to my brother at least once a week. This is because I have recently moved out of home, and so I'm not always there for him like I was to talk to etc. So if I call him at least once a week that will be my way of still being there for him.
I think I can say that this one I've completed. I started phoning regularly, but my brother said: "I can't be bothered to hold the phone when you call me."...I know, so lazy right! So he suggested using skype, so now we've been talking on skype almost every night. It's a great way of keeping in touch as well as being able to see each other. Also, he uses the computer ALOT, and using skype he can show me what he's up to (show me his screen).

So, Skype was my solution to this goal, keeping in contact with my brother. I'd highly recommend trying out Skype for anyone who wants to keep in contact with friends/family who don't live close by.