Blue Turtle Physio Monthly Blog: Finding balance...
Issue 4
Sorry I am a little later than planned with this month's blog, and for good reason! I've been busy in the clinic with all my lovely patients, as well as building and launching The Turtle Nest. It's been a busy but exciting time, and I'm looking forward to sharing more about it with you.
The temperatures have dropped, the scenery around the clinic is changing, and honestly, I'm here for it! There's something about autumn that makes me want to light the log burner, get cosy and enjoy the slower evenings.
So, before we get into what's been happening in the clinic, grab yourself a cuppa, get comfortable, and let's catch up.
I wanted to start with something a little more personal. As the seasons change, I've found myself reflecting on my own wellbeing, and I wonder if some of you might be feeling the same.
I absolutely love autumn. I look forward to cosy nights and, dare I say it, the countdown to the C word! But recently, I've also found myself feeling a little snowed under. Endless to do lists, constantly chasing my tail and feeling like there's always something else that needs doing.
I've always been determined that being busy would never affect the care, attention and service I give to my clients. However, I've had to recognise that looking after everyone else also means looking after myself.
It's easy to put our own needs at the bottom of the list, telling ourselves we'll exercise when we have more time, eat well when life gets less hectic, or rest when everything else is done. But what if that quieter, less stressful moment never quite arrives?
For me, it's time to be a little more intentional with my own self-care. Not because I need to do more, but because I want to feel better, have more energy and make space for the things that matter most.
We often approach goals as another list of things to achieve, improve or tick off. But perhaps they don't always need to be about pushing ourselves harder. Maybe they're about creating a little more breathing room, finding joy in the everyday or learning to say no when we need to.
My own autumn goals are simple: to make time for exercise because it makes me feel good, prepare my lunches for the week so I'm nourishing myself properly, and spend more quality time with my family.
Nothing groundbreaking but all things that help me feel more like me.
Whatever your goal looks like, remember that it doesn't have to impress anyone else. It just needs to mean something to you.
Reflecting on September
September has been a bit of a whirlwind, in the best and hardest ways.
In the clinic, I've had the privilege of seeing so many of my lovely clients make progress. Whether that's experiencing less pain, getting back to the activities they love, feeling more confident in their bodies or simply finding everyday life a little easier, this is why I love what I do.
September is also my birthday month, along with my wife's, and this year feels a little different. It's my last year in my twenties, which feels quite surreal! Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I think about the life I'm building, the people I get to work with and the fact that I get to call something I'm so passionate about my job.
But September has also brought some moments that have reminded me just how precious life is.
Sadly, I lost my grandma, who lived to the incredible age of 99. She was the queen of our family, the real OG, and someone who will always hold a very special place in my heart. One thing she said to me that I'll carry forever was: “I knew you'd be alright, Lowri.”
I don't think I'll ever forget those words. There's something incredibly comforting about being reminded by someone you love that they believe in you, even when life feels uncertain.
Amongst all of this, I was lucky enough to escape to Iceland, where nature has a wonderful way of putting things into perspective. Standing amongst those vast landscapes, watching waterfalls tumble and rainbows appear, you feel so wonderfully insignificant in the grand scheme of things. And, strangely, there's something quite blissful about that. All I can say is: waterfalls and rainbows! Iceland, you were something else.
Coming back to clinic life, to the new patients who have walked through my door and trusted me with their care, thank you. To my existing clients who recommend me to friends and family, support my little business and continue to put their trust in me, it genuinely means the world. And to my lovely colleagues at the other clinic where I work on Mondays and Fridays, thank you for your continued kindness, encouragement and support.
Running a business can sometimes feel like you're juggling a hundred things at once, and it's easy to get caught up in what still needs doing or what comes next.
So, as we move into October, I'm taking a little of that perspective with me. A reminder to slow down, spend time with the people I love, appreciate the work I get to do and remember that life doesn't always need to be about what's next. Sometimes, it's enough to appreciate where you are right now.
Clinic Updates:
I manifested having The Turtle Nest completed by September, and that's exactly what happened! What started as an idea has now become a reality, and I couldn't be happier to finally share it with you all.
Firstly, a huge thank you to Tally, Iain, Chris, Adrian and Josh. Whether it was offering advice, lending a helping hand or getting stuck in with the actual building work, I am so, so grateful for every bit of support. Projects like this really do take a village, and I couldn't have done it without you all.
The Turtle Nest has been a real labour of love, with plenty of hard work, care and attention poured into creating a space that feels welcoming, calming and full of possibility. There have been plenty of cups of coffee and a healthy dose of smooth '70s tunes to keep us going along the way!
And now… it's ready!
The Turtle Nest is officially open for bookings, and I'm so excited to see what unfolds. From wellness retreats and workshops to classes, yoga, Pilates and content creation, the possibilities are endless. If you have an idea for how you'd like to use the space, I'd love to hear from you, we can probably make it work!
Whether you're a wellness practitioner looking for a space to host a class, a teacher planning a workshop, a content creator searching for somewhere with a little character, or simply someone with an idea you'd love to bring to life, This could be just the place.
Want to find out more or enquire about booking? Click below...
A little behind-the-scenes magic
As much as I'd love to show you the final reveal, one photograph simply doesn't do justice to the work that went into getting this space ready.
So, I thought I'd share a few snapshots from the build too, a little glimpse behind the scenes, from the hard graft and the finishing touches to the moments that made it all worthwhile.
Every little detail has been considered, and there's so much love, care and hard work behind what you see today.
The reveal...
Here's to new beginnings, bringing people together and seeing what we can create at The Turtle Nest.
Wellness Tip of The Month:
'Rest Is Productive, Too'
As we move further into autumn and the evenings draw in, it's a good time to check in with ourselves and think about whether we're giving our bodies and minds the rest they need.
We're often so focused on what we need to achieve, the jobs on our to-do lists and how much we can squeeze into a day that rest becomes something we do only when everything else is finished. But the truth is, our wellbeing isn't just about how much we do, it's also about how well we recover.
Rest doesn't have to mean spending an entire day on the sofa. It can be taking ten minutes to enjoy a coffee without distractions, going for a gentle walk in the fresh air, reading a few pages of a book, stretching after a busy day or simply heading to bed a little earlier.
From a physical perspective, recovery is an important part of keeping our bodies healthy. Sleep supports tissue repair, muscle recovery and normal immune function, while taking breaks from prolonged activity can help us manage fatigue and maintain our energy levels.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott
A Motivational Quote
To keep us all inspired, here is a quote:
“You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step".
– Martin Luther King Jr
What to Expect Next Month
The Blue Turtle Solar Light Show! (Of course, its getting dark...and they are so cool!)
Client spotlights (with permission) to highlight your hard work and determination.
Hopefully some Turtle Nest bookings & starting my own outdoor weekly classes.
Contact details:
Email - blueturtlephysio@gmail.com
Phone- 07356294999
Hi Lowri
I loved reading your blog and resonated with all you have written. We sometimes try to be all things to all people and totally forget about ourselves in doing so. Thank you for all your support and encouragement every time I come for a session. It really helps to keep me on track with my recovery.
Congratulations on your exciting new project
Its clear its been a team effort but you should be so proud of what you’ve achieved
Second my sincere thanks to your dedication in treating my recent injuries
From being unable to walk climb the stairs or sit without constant pain your gifted talents haveworked wonders
Now im pretty much pain free back walking up to 3 miles and now a hill climb
Im deeply grateful for you and your dedication in getting me back to health
Thank you
Again congratulations on your achievement and may your skills talents and kindness continue to help us in need
Enlightening, interesting & motivational as always Lowri. We've talked about this before, that it's important to remember to look after yourself so you're in the best of health to look after others. See you soon x