about helen > life interests

My current life interests are varied and include: Buddhism and meditation, kickboxing and boxercise, swimming in open seas, trying to run long distance (with some plans afoot for charity runs for the mental health charity Mind in 2005), and generally getting fit (not fat - in case you haven't worked this one out yet!) as well as creative writing.

Much of my time on my current sabbatical has been spent on development of www.hagsharlotsheroines.com, the creative writing website about pioneering women across the ages (please check it out!) delivered by Genderquake Limited as well as exploring other creative interests like drawing and painting which I haven't done since school.

In the past, I derived my self-esteem from work and my professional interests, but I am pleased to say that over the last seven years, I have been self consciously trying to shift the balance between work and life, and get more effective balance and integration and I am pleased to say that I am now in the rather delightful position of discovering that my self-esteem now comes from other areas of my life - like having time to explore these interests, develop my skills and creativity, getting fit (not fat!) and leading a more spiritual life.

Apart from spending time with my three cats, and living in the Bryant and May Matchstick Factory where Annie Besant and the infamous MatchStick Girls struck a blow for women's rights in 1888 (check out this story on www.hagsharlotsheroines.com), I enjoy travelling, holidays with an adventure or difference, (like a swim trek - see www.swimtrek.com or writing and meditation retreats - visit my review of this on www.hagsharlotsheroines.com in the writer's toolkit section) and spending time with my friends and family in North Wales and Brighton.

That said, I have no doubt that my interests will continue to change - and develop, and I look forward to refreshing this page in the months and years to come.

Please also visit my favourites.