Kayaking in Killarney with Outdoors Ireland. A must.

Kayaking is fun. Kayaking in the beautiful surroundings of Killarney, including Lough Leane and Innisfallen is something everyone should try at least once. I was so ignorant of the amazing nature that exists in my home county. 

Back to the start.

I've had this love/hate relationship with water every since a very scary water incident as a kid. My fear of water meant that the sight of waves at a beach or in a movie would make me feel queasy.I've never gone on the outdoor slide at the Aqua Dome and one time I pretty much had a panic attack involving a pier and a tourist submarine on holidays (long story..) So naturally last Saturday I decided to go kayaking in the lakes of Killarney, including the deepest lake in Ireland. 

Why? Because I felt like I was missing out on seeing a beautiful part of the world. I started swimming lessons again late last year and that definitely helped me with my fear of water but I knew I would have to get out of my comfort zone with water in ore.

If you don't have any issues with water than the day will be a breeze, still possibly tiring depending on your fitness but it's good to push yourself.

One of my "oh Jesus" what am I doing in the water moments 

Tips for Kayaking: 

• Enjoy your adventure, be prepared to earn your lunch
• Bring a tasty lunch (you'll deserve it) and keep hydrated! ( I didn't and it did impact my energy levels, rookie mistake) 
• Remember that it is highly unlikely you'll fall out, ask for help if you need it and you'll get it. 
• Your arms may hurt but it's so so worth it! Doing some stretches when I got home helped. 

                           Up the Kingdom

Book Review: Me and my mate Jeffrey

In a weird way it's always a comfort to read about someone elses battle with anxiety. I use the word battle because that's exactly what it is, anxiety is a battle between the rational and irrational thoughts in your brain, it can result in both mental and physical scars. It can make you feel like the loneliest person in the world and make you lose interest in everything you love.

Niall Breslins book is a detailed account of his journey and often it is a hard read. But the most difficult parts to read are often the most valuable parts of this book as I know so many people who can relate to it and being able to relate to a situation is so important when you often feel like no one can possibly understand what you are going through.
I'm not going to go into any detail of what is in the book as it really needs to be read cover to cover as it's his story to tell, not mine.

I've learnt so much from his story and I highly recommend it to anyone who has anxiety or knows someone who is in battle.