Hey, can you tell everybody where are you based and what you do!
I’m a health and nutrition life coach entrepreneur, run my own health and wellness business ‘Happy Thistle’ & am a stand up paddle board instructor. Hugely passionate about Scotland, my family, having fun and inspiring others to live full out. I live on a wee farm near selkirk.
Formally I was a TV presenter for Sky Sports & GMTV. I’m a Mum of 3 and my main purpose is all about inspiring and helping others be happier and healthier versions of themselves., I believe every day is a blessing, especially after healing my body following a horrendous horse riding accident (broke 3 ribs, punctured my lung and had a charity horse race to do in 8 weeks) a few years ago which ignited my passion for nutrition.
I have always loved the outdoors and always used running as therapy!! Anytime I am stressed or need to work something out I put my trainers on and head out the door. I now run in the fields near my home with my 3 dogs Mowgli, Baloo and Selkie.
How long has the outdoors been a part of your life?
I’ve always loved being outside, I am obsessed with the sun and have always been. Anything to get a suntan! we had an old disused railway track at the back of the house I grew up in and I was always in the ‘plannie’ climbing trees, catching bees I was a real tomboy when I was wee and loved all the getting mucky stuff, hanging out on my tomahawk bike with my friends, racing in the street, all the stuff the kids don’t do now!!.
What’s been your favourite trip or adventure?
I love travelling and have been fortunate to have travelled all over the world. The best place in the world though is Scotland in the sunshine. I love the Highlands, especially the west coast and Gairloch where we'd holiday lots as children. I visited Harris and Tiree for the first time last year and OMG it was wonderful. There really is no better place in the world. I just LOVE Scotland.
How do you make find a balance between being active and life’s other responsibilities i.e. work and family?
I now run my own business and have done for the past 9 years. So it makes life easier when it comes to being flexible for my children.
Is there anyone who inspired your love of the outdoors?
When I was in my 3rd year at school the school have a 2 week trip called ‘ projects’ where you climb mountains and stay in youth hostels. I loved it. It was my first taste of munro bagging and I loved it.
Do you find that being outside has a positive impact on your wellbeing and mental health?
I spend as much time outdoors as possible. Either running, horse riding, or stand up paddleboarding ( I became an instructor last year) definitely helps me stay happy. I love the walks near here. The 3 brethren, duchess drive, Eildons. Even in winter..as my granny said there is no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothes…it’s so true, I love running in the rain ( just as well as I live here now)
I always say to my clients…GET OUTSIDE. There are so many studies that back this up and the link between being in nature and happiness is huge.
What is it about running specifically that you love?
I love running especially with my dogs. It’s just that thing about being in nature, no-one around, lost in may own thoughts. I run every day and have done now for over 2 years. I don’t run far ..but enough to get my heart rate up and a wee bit of time to myself. Sometimes I just run on the way out and then walk back.I love it and am so grateful I can still run. I had a bad riding accident a few years ago and ended up with slipped discs in my back. I was told I wouldn’t be able to run again..so that’s why I am always so grateful and passionate about health and helping others with regards to their health. Life’s way way too short not to get out there and enjoy it.
When did you discover FINDRA?
A few years ago when Alex started the brand up. I was so excited about hearing there was a cycling brand targeting women.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be kind to everyone as you don’t know what they are going through behind closed doors. My dad always told me to treat everyone with the same respect whether it was the queen or the bin man. Be kind to everyone.
On writing this blog, what do you feel is the key motivational or inspirational message you would like to highlight to our followers that would inspire them to get outdoors more?
The average person spends 90% of their time indoors…no wonder mental health is such an issue.
Getting outside is free. We know it calms our central nervous system down. We know it lowers anxiety. Being in nature and outdoors boosts our mood…just 15 minutes a day can make a massive difference. Pop your trainers on if in Scotland pop your waterproof on and get yourself outside….even better to the nearest park or wood. Trees are so good for our health too. Go tree bathing if you have never done it or go hug a tree..you’ll feel like a loonie at first but soon enough you will become a happy loonie!!
Favourite Book?
"I love the book by jack Canfield 'The success principles'. I have done a lot of personal development reading over the past few years and this book is a great place to start and revisit.
I first read it 9 years ago and was reading it when I had my horse riding accident 5 years ago. It helped me stay positive and actually in one page it said ‘ get back on the horse’ I love it."
Favourite Quote?
"I love this quote…I am a real believer in you can achieve anything in life but you need to believe and back yourself..with a little bit of unicorn dust!!"
Favourite Song?
The Corries "Will Ye Go Lassie Go "
"I lived out of Scotland for nearly 20 years. This song always reminded me of home. It used to make me cry cos I was so homesick and now I listen to it and am so grateful I live back in the homeland!"
