In this weekly blog episode: Snippets from my week. The Last Comms Unplugged. Some new scented candles.
This week’s weekly blog episode comes to you from my makeshift standing desk. That is, the wooden trolley (this common Ikea item) we have in the kitchen to give us a bit of extra worktop space. I like standing here to write, even though it’s definitely a little too low to be comfortable for more than 20-minutes at a time. We really should get a proper standing desk for our home office, but while we’ve been talking about it for years, we still haven’t gotten around to it. Any standing desk recommendations? Apologies, I digress.
Anyway, it’s 7am on Sunday morning, it’s dark and wet outside and I’m still in my pyjamas. But I’ve got a cup of tea on the go, one of my new scented candles burning in the window, and I’m doing a bit of writing while the house is quiet. This is when I do my best writing, I think – first thing in the morning, before the day really gets going.
In today’s episode, I want to take you back a week and chat a little about my experience at this year’s Comms Unplugged event down in Dorset. I also want to remind you that it’s National GetOutside Day this coming weekend. But first, a few random thoughts on the week just gone.
Snippets from My Week
It was a busy week at work, but around that I’ve been able to keep the promises I made to myself in last week’s back-to-school themed episode. I’ve enjoyed spending One Hour Outside every day, have been writing daily (mostly stood in this exact spot), and have served up some decent home cooked dinners, including this new-to-me curried rice recipe.
I ticked off both runs from my get-me-fitter plan (have you read my article about trail running in Dorset?), and found a little stretch of pretty trail I can include in a short circular run from home. In my other One Hour Outside time, I’ve been listening to Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood – I’m about halfway in and I’m really enjoying the newly published cosy autumnal story.
What else? We had brunch at a greasy spoon style café on Saturday morning. You know, the kind of place where they put your beans on the plate and not in their own little container. And I had a perfectly gooey lemon blondie from Baked by Grace via Hallowed Grounds in Cheltenham.
Oh, and I can’t not mention the, quite frankly, Biblical weather we experienced on Friday afternoon and evening. We had rain so utterly torrential we could barely see across the street – and the largest hailstones I think I have ever seen, certainly in the UK.
It rained and rained, and some weird cloud ceiling phenomenon meant the sound of hail and thunder just kept bouncing around between the ground and the cloud, rumbling on for what seemed like hours. I couldn’t help but stand at the window and watch the weather show its power. It made me very grateful I wasn’t outside at the time – I’d have been soaked in less than 30-seconds!
The Last Comms Unplugged
Going to Comms Unplugged always feels like I’ve pressed the reset button on my career. I never fail to come home refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes next.
This is my fifth time at the conference-come-retreat for communications professionals, and once again I am pleased I made the effort to go. It’s not easy to persuade my introverted self to join in events which rely on networking to get the most from them. But there is something so inviting and involving about camping in a beautiful field in Dorset surrounded by nature and a community of passionate Communications professionals.
The Outdoors is Key
The premise of Comms Unplugged is that professional and personal development are intrinsically linked – and, especially, that you can’t work if you are not well. The team believe that the outdoors is food for body, mind and soul, and that being outside is a great place to learn. And you know I agree with that! The values of CU and my own One Hour Outside project are so aligned, which is almost certainly why I’ve felt so at home at this event.
Based in marquees in a field in rural Dorset, delegates camp out, there’s no technology used for the workshops (old school!), and there is plenty of focus on spending time in nature both during and between sessions. Oh, and there was some line dancing – which was honestly the best fun!
I reckon the line-up of speakers and workshops was the best yet. Or maybe I was just in the best frame of mind to take it all in this year? Either way, it is always inspiring to hear from industry leaders who are passionate about their craft. I particularly enjoyed the sessions on crisis communications and dealing with difficult people, and while I rather hope I won’t need any of the advice given any time soon, I brought home some useful tips and tricks that I’ll keep in my back pocket just in case.
Camping in the Cold
This time last year I was writing about how Comms Unplugged had taken place during a heatwave, and we’d all been grateful for the supply of iced tea and sun cream on hand to keep us comfortable. This time was different… it was incredibly autumnal and very cold. I had a hire car to get me to and from Dorset (a massive Mercedes GLB 200, for some unknown reason), and made the most of the huge boot by packing as many layers as possible, including the duvet from the spare bed, to keep me warm at night. I was snug as a bug in a rug, which was something of a relief.
And while the evenings were still spent sharing stories and laughter under the stars, the first couple of nights were definitely more about being inside the marquee than outside by the campfire. It didn’t matter, of course; the sense of community that Sal, Georgia and Darren have created is truly special. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive, making it easy to form friendships and professional connections.
It is the one event each year that I really allow my professional and personal lives to collide. It’s a super relaxed, easy going, but very worthwhile few days out of the office. Sadly, this was the last one of its kind, so I can’t recommend any Communications people reading book the date in your diary for next year – but I am very excited to see what the team do next.
National GetOutside Day – This Sunday!
As I mentioned in my last weekly blog episode, this Sunday we celebrate National GetOutside Day – have you made plans? It’s the perfect excuse to step away from our screens and soak up some fresh air. Some might say getting outside on a designated day such as this is mandatory!
This year’s theme is The Outdoors is Yours, which is all about celebrating the amazing natural spaces we have right on our doorstep. Whether it’s a local park, a hidden trail, or even your own back garden, there’s so much to explore and enjoy.
Need some ideas? Here are a few from me:
Nature Walk
Grab your walking shoes and head out for a stroll. Whether it’s a leisurely walk around your neighbourhood or a hike in a nearby nature reserve, walking is a great way to connect with nature and get some exercise.
Picnic
Pack a hamper (or backpack…) with your favourite snacks and find a scenic spot to enjoy a meal outdoors. It’s a simple yet delightful way to spend time with family and friends.
Cycling
Dust off your bike and go for a ride. Explore new routes or revisit your favourite paths. Cycling is not only fun but also a fantastic workout.
Gardening
If you have a garden, spend some time tending to your plants (apparently, we should have cut back all our lavender by now, I should probably do that!). Gardening can be incredibly therapeutic and rewarding.
Play Games
Bring out the frisbee, football, or badminton set and have some fun. It’s a great way to get active and enjoy the company of others.
Get One Hour Outside
National GetOutside Day is also an excellent chance to kick start your One Hour Outside habit this autumn. Committing to spending some time outside each day can do wonders for your physical and mental wellbeing. Plus, it’s a great way to appreciate the changing of the season and all the beauty that comes with it.
Remember, the outdoors is yours to explore, enjoy, and protect. Let’s make the most of it! Keep an eye on my Instagram Stories on Sunday to see what I get up to.
In the Mail
Camp Out West Candles
I’ve got a new Currently Loving post coming soon, but I didn’t want to wait to tell you about my recent delivery of scented candles. I treated myself to a set of Camp Out West’s scented candles via their shop on Etsy, and they are really lovely.
Hand-poured in the heart of West Wales, these soy candles are a delightful blend of subtle yet beautiful nature-inspired scents. I went for the tester set with five different candles, and I am thoroughly enjoying burning them in my home office while I work. So far, my personal favourite is the Dawn candle, with its refreshing geranium and orange notes. The Embers candle, with its rich coffee and vanilla aroma, is a close second.
These aren’t blow-your-head-off or make-you-sneeze scented candles. But they look and smell lovely, perfect for a small room at this time of year. Would recommend.
See You Next Time…
I nearly forgot to mention in my Comms Unplugged piece how touched I was to be presented with a CU Award. A special addition to the event this year to celebrate the last one of its kind, the team gave out a bunch of semi-silly awards to various delegates, and on Friday evening I was incredibly surprised to receive one myself. Georgia said it was because I as a true champion of the great outdoors, and mentioned how my One Hour Outside project fits so well alongside the values of CU. It’s honestly so nice to have been noticed. It means a lot. Thanks, guys.
Next week there will be talk of how I spent National GetOutside Day, and hopefully something about a nice motorcycle ride if the weather plays ball at the weekend. Oh, and we’re off for dinner at Hickory’s Smokehouse, so I’ll tell you about that. I hope that however you spend the time between now and then doing things that make you happy.
See you next time.
Support Splodz Blogz… with tea 🙂
If you enjoyed this weekly blog episode and fancy supporting me and my mini adventures this year, you can “buy me a coffee” for £3 (well, a cup of tea, if that’s okay?). Head over to Ko-fi to find out more. Thank you.
What do you think? Comment below...