It’s difficult to know where to start today’s mailing. As I write, a few days before you receive it, I am entering day five of a vigil at the gannet nest. I’ve cleared my diary to spend as much time as I can there each day. The chick could fledge any day now. Today, they are thirteen weeks old!

I’m coming back to this writing at the end of day five. As a kindness to myself tonight, I am going to keep this short. I want to simply bask in my experiences of these amazing days with the chick without feeling the need to capture everything in words. I am indescribably grateful for the privilege of watching this gannet family all these weeks. How blessed am I.

Next week, I plan to write more about the chick. Meanwhile, I will share a few photos from the last few days.

Each day has been amazing immersing myself in the beauty of these stunning birds, and observing the chick’s behaviours and interactions with the parents. Some moments are tender, some less so. One day I got completely soaked in a sudden downpour, including hail, and then the sun broke through to reveal the most stunning rainbows nesting under one of them was simply magical. Awesome Nature.

This week’s self-kindness invitation is to check in with yourself about your needs around any significant experiences you are currently having. Whatever their nature, give yourself permission to process important life moments in the way that feels right whether on your own, with others, or simply taking the time and space you need.