It is a glorious sunny evening as I write. And tomorrow (at the time of writing) is my birthday. Shortly I'm going to head off to spend tonight at the bird cliffs, and wake up there on my birthday. The best birthday present to myself!

As well as revelling in the beauty of the gannets, other sea birds and glorious scenery, I will probably spend some time tomorrow reflecting on all the blessings, past and present, in my life. Gratitude is a profound self-kindness, and helps build on a positive outlook on life. I'll also probably spend some time reflecting on how I live my life, and acknowledging what's most important to me. For example, my love of and respect for animals and deep care about the lives they lead led me to become vegan, around ten years ago. Various food items were difficult to give up. I loved eggs! And fish! But the deep satisfaction of knowing I am honouring my deepest values keeps me going with my pledge.

Talking of eggs. At the bird cliffs I will visit the nest I wrote of in my Easter gannet tale! I've been visiting it regularly, and all seems to be going well, with a diligent parent always nest-sitting , with the egg held between their huge webbed feet. Apparently it takes exactly six weeks from laying to hatching. The chick starts peeping inside the egg, signalling to the adult to change the egg position to the top of its feet, to allow safe hatching. I think the six weeks is nearly up! I'm excited. I'll keep you posted.

This week's self-kindness invitation is to perhaps take time for yourself to reflect on what values you hold most highly, and to kindly check in with your sense of how best to honour these, given your current resources. Making a small move in the direction you wish to take can help foster a sense of inner peace. Climbing a mountain starts with the first step. I didn't turn vegan overnight.

Go well.

In warmth and kindness

Barbara