Onwards and Upwards – Big Steps – Bristol Steppin Sistas

Since the last time I spoke about the continuing journey of the Bristol Stepping Sistas, we have now reached out to more Sistas and we are making more positive connections by collaborating with other walking groups.

The season has been really busy, and I am pleased that the group has grown yet again. I have received some lovely feedback from some of the Sistas about the impact on how the walks has made a positive contribution to their health.

With regards to my health I have learned so much from others in the group and learned how to self-teach myself on how to space my time and energy. Sometimes it can be challenging, but I understand all about teething problems with any newly formed project – its lessons and tests and the only way I can find a solution to problems is to carry on being in my own space and using my energy to look after myself when I am not leading the group.  I no longer worry about things that isn’t worth my time, because the way to deal with it, is knowing and remembering everything is down to me and my reaction.  Reactions are more important and for me to keep on practicing the Self Cares – There have been barriers and there always will be.

I have always believed and experienced that 

nature is a natural environment, which can help you to feel more grounded, less stressful and a natural healer for most health problems, especially mental health.

My aim is to carry on encouraging more Sistas to come and join us in our natural habitat, where we can have a break from a stressful lifestyle, as women are known to be nurturers and sometimes we seem to take on more than necessary, so I feel its important to ‘drop the load’ If or when things start to get heavy and become a burden.

We were born free and I believe we should be able to pull out the ‘freedom’ from within us and make way for growth for bigger things in outdoor spaces. 

Everyday is a new day, and I always show gratitude when I wake.

Strong Black Woman

I hear this most of the time – I would like to express that I disagree with being called a strong black woman, the way I see the word ‘strong’, it portrays me as being able to take on the whole world, and that I can fix anything, it makes me feel a little vulnerable, because it gives others a message that I can withstand or put up with anything, and this is not entirely true.

Achievements 

Now I feel proud to be a qualified lowland level 3 walk leader, its not about the paper. To me its about having the confidence to walk in open spaces and being able to lead other people into the unknown (places I have never walked before)

Also, I have learnt more about walking outdoors, than ever before. I love and enjoy taking up the fresh air and feel the energy in forest, fields and coastal areas, and to take safety has a priority – keeping safe whilst enjoying the natural beauty of the earth.

I have been nominated for 3 awards this year – one for the Rise Awards, September 10^th, Bristol and two for MTM Awards, November 26^th Health & Wellbeing and Special recognition. 

I wasn’t expecting anything like this in my entire life, because I believe no matter whatever good we do in the world, we will be rewarded in whichever way.

How to get involved with Bristol Steppin Sistas

We have a Facebook group that we recommend joining in order to get more involved. It is a very welcoming community, and its where we post information about our walks.

The Facebook group, titled ‘Bristol Steppin Sistas (All women of colour welcome)’ can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223891986148385/ or email [email protected]