"I find balance in my days, embracing both productivity and relaxation with gratitude and purpose."
Hello all.
Gratitude for a Fulfilling Day
There’s something deeply satisfying about a day that strikes the right balance—between personal growth, professional duties, family time, and relaxation. Today was one of those days.
I came close to a full eight hours of sleep, and from the moment I woke up, I felt energized and ready to take on the day. With the house to myself for the morning, I took full advantage of the peace and quiet to focus on breathing exercises, stretching, and meditation—a practice that always helps me feel more centred.
The afternoon was all about football, as I took charge of an exciting Middlesbrough Women vs. Norton and Stockton Ancients Ladies match. Refereeing is always a privilege, and today’s game was particularly enjoyable.
Afterwards, I picked up Fearne from her stage group rehearsal, before stopping by to visit Mum, who is making steady progress after her knee operation—a real highlight of the day!
The evening? Pure sports indulgence—from Formula 1 qualifying and race highlights to Match of the Day 2. A perfect way to wind down before starting a new week.
Morning: A Quiet House and Time for Mindfulness
As soon as I woke up, I went through my usual routine of getting the house in order—a practice that sets the tone for a productive and stress-free day.
✔ Tidying the kitchen
✔ Emptying the bins
✔ Sorting out the laundry
✔ Cleaning the surfaces
But today was different. With everyone away at a local rugby match, I had the entire morning to myself. Rather than filling it with chores or distractions, I took the opportunity to fully immerse myself in my breathing exercises, stretching, and meditation.
💨 Breathing exercises – A way to oxygenate the body, clear the mind, and boost energy.
🧘 Stretching – Helping to loosen up and ease any stiffness before the afternoon’s refereeing duties.
🕊️ Meditation – A chance to reset, find inner calm, and mentally prepare for the day ahead.
I deliberately skipped my cold shower in the morning, knowing I’d take one later after refereeing. Sometimes, it’s about listening to the body and making small adjustments to stay efficient and focused.
Afternoon: Refereeing Middlesbrough Women vs. Norton and Stockton Ancients Ladies
After a calm and mindful morning, it was time to switch gears and head to Stockton for an exciting women’s football match.
Refereeing is always an honour, and this game was no exception. It was a highly competitive match, with both teams playing with determination and skill. As a referee, my role is to ensure fairness, manage the game, and keep control of the flow, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
There’s something special about being on the pitch, witnessing the passion, and helping facilitate a great sporting experience for the players and spectators.
Family Time: Picking Up Fearne and Visiting Mum
Once the match was over, my next stop was picking up Fearne. Juli had a rehearsal of her own for a play, so I took the opportunity to give her the time she needed while also enjoying some one-on-one time with Fearne.
From there, we headed to Mum’s house for a visit. I was delighted to see that she’s making steady progress after her knee operation—in fact, she even managed to walk unaided for a few paces!
💙 Seeing her gain confidence and mobility was truly a highlight of the day. It’s a reminder that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
While visiting, we also watched the League Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United, adding another layer of football action to the day.
Evening: Cold Shower and a Sports Marathon
Back home, I finally took my shower, ending with two minutes of cold water—a practice that always leaves me feeling invigorated and refreshed.
With all the day’s commitments taken care of, it was time to fully embrace relaxation mode—and what better way to do that than with a line-up of sporting highlights?
🏎️ Formula 1 Qualifying – Always fascinating to see how drivers and teams strategize to get the best grid positions.
🏁 Formula 1 Race Highlights – Watching the action unfold, analysing key moments, and seeing how the race played out.
⚽ Match of the Day 2 – Ending the night with Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Leicester City—a result that left me very happy!
After all that, it was time to head to bed, satisfied with how the day had unfolded and ready to start a new week with renewed energy.
Gratitude for the Day
Today, I am grateful for:
✔ Nearly eight hours of sleep, setting the foundation for a strong day.
✔ A peaceful morning, allowing me to fully dedicate time to breathing, stretching, and meditation.
✔ Refereeing an exciting women’s football match, contributing to the sport I love.
✔ Spending time with Fearne and visiting Mum, seeing her progress after surgery.
✔ A night of sports entertainment, unwinding with Formula 1, football, and match highlights.
It’s days like these—filled with meaningful activities, quality time with loved ones, and moments of relaxation—that truly make me appreciate life’s balance.
#Gratitude #Refereeing #Football #Mindfulness #Productivity #Sports #MatchOfTheDay #FamilyTime #Meditation #ColdShowers
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