This website is brand, spanking new so I felt it fitting that the first blog should be an extended ABOUT me. As I am not easy talking spontaneously about myself, I decided to let my family pick the questions……. Wish me luck!
What is your background?
I am one of 2 girls - daughters to policeman father (John) and nurse mother (Muriel). Born in Swansea, Wales in 1960 (Big birthday this year then – Gulp!) I am a seaside girl to the core, come rain or shine – I love it.
My childhood was a happy one – full of friends, laughter and music. Growing up I learned to play the flute and the piano; played in the local county youth orchestra, school orchestra and school madrigal choir – I still play and sing although not as much as I would like.
I always have been a great lover of the outdoor life – holidays and time off generally have always been about communing with nature and wearing out my walking boots!!
I am married to Grahame and we have 4 grown up sons between us.
What do you do for fun? What do you do to relax?
Spending time with family and friends; walking with my miniature Schnauzers; seeing bands play; spending time at our caravan in Suffolk; cooking and eating; having a therapy of course; swimming, gardening.
What is your favourite Therapy to receive?
Reflexology – absolutely no competition!
Are you a dog or cat person?
Hmm! I like both – we used to have a fab cat called Dave – a great character. If I have to choose I would say Dog
If you were an animal, what would you be?
A giraffe – because it is everything I am not – tall, elegant and graceful!! Plus, I am inherently nosey so the idea of being able to effortlessly survey the land around me is my idea of heaven.
What makes you happy?
Happiest: Seeing my sons healthy and happy; spending time with good company; going for walks especially at the coast; Travelling – pretty much anywhere.
Happy: The thought of world peace and equality for ALL – Ok I can dream!
What is your favourite place you have been to?
Darwin, Northern Territories in Australia. I loved the area – authentic yet also manged to be more diverse than other parts of Australia. Mindil Beach, the sunset market and M-Dee and his didgeridoo – definitely made for a memorable experience.
What is your favourite piece of music?
Tricky – so much to choose from – I may have to pin it down to three favourites.
Benedictus by Karl Jenkins.
Love and Affection – Joan Armatrading
Nights in White Satin – the Moody Blues
If it gives me goose - bumps then it is up there with the best for me!
Where would you most like to live?
Another tricky one. Definitely in the UK. I love what we have here. The diversity of our country is truly worth celebrating. As for specifics, it would be a competition between the Gower or rural Suffolk.
If you hadn’t been a nurse, what would you do?
I would be a midwife. This would have been my preferred career actually. Direct entry midwifery qualifications weren’t an option at the time I trained so State Registered Nurse it was to be. After I qualified as a midwife my first son was born and it became clear that massive change was occurring within the NHS (yes even then!!). Continuing to practice in the health service as a part time midwife became unattainable so I practiced independently for the next 5 years. The role of the midwife has changed over the decades from what I am observing……a subject for another day/blog maybe.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
The past 5 years has seen me put in the foundations for the next decade. Since taking early retirement from the NHS, I have trained in a variety of areas – partly for fun and because they were of interest to me but also because they slotted into a path that I wanted to take. The short answer would be – enjoying more of the same – preferably living closer to the coast.
Where did your love of helping people come from?
I think I always enjoyed doing things for people. I feel a real inner warmth when I can help bring a smile to someone’s face. It has always been there.
NEXT TIME – Why I do what I do – Part 1
If you want to see what Lynne Bell Therapist and Doula can do to support you – take another look at the website.