I was asked today why I am hiding my body and that question really surprised me. It’s interesting how in the world of social media and great technologies we seem to have issues with simply reaching out to each other and so we make judgements instead. So let me explain.Here is me…a girl who is overworked (out of her own choice of trying to be more than just a mum), overcommitted (out of her own choice again as she is thinking about others while living her life) and hardly ever available for..her own self. Here is the industry and the world that treasures endless hours of work and hardly any humanity. But as crazy as it sounds my life spat me out of that horrible modern cycles and left me in a house with a beautiful garden, in a small, quiet town with green grass and blue skies, pink sunsets and windy fields. So I think I am getting a second chance for my body here. I spent the entire 2015 trying to re-connect with my body and understanding my body. I took various fitness classes. I did a reiki course. I went through a series of meditational (personal) retreats. I looked back at my relationship with my body to discover assumptions of an intellectual (who thinks that body is just a necessity to carry her brain around). I confronted myself on so many levels… I have arrived at the point where I can see a little bit more clearly that in this new world of comfort and technological advance we all seem to forget just how much we rely on our bodies. On a level of philosophical thinking, I used to look at my body, at my face and judge. I used to relate to my body as something of a burden but also packaging. It’s so stupid to be way over 30 and just now discover that it is a part of me, a major part of me. It’s me. My body is not just the source of all my energy and thoughts but also an integral part of who I am. It’s not just the way I feel it, carry it, exercise it, relax it and dress it up. It’s the way I connect it and use it as the extension of who I am that matters. Since I was a little girl I used to wake up and check my hands to see if it’s still me. I used to marvel at skin, bones, movement – how does it all work? When in doubt I could always find the real me deep in my eyes…in the morning mirror. I could measure how good or bad life is based on what I could find in there. But I never really looked at my relationship with my body – not so much as in the last 12 months. And so today I am not even thinking about my body from confidence or beauty point of view. I think of it as my vessel, my car, my home, my baby – something truly worth caring for as it is an integral part of my identity. I started taking selfies. So instead of dieting like crazy, I shop for clothes size larger as long as I feel I am healthy and comfortable. I feed. I move. I breathe in. When sad, I collapse. When attacked, I seek safety. When in need of comfort, I provide comfort to my body too. I do not hide my body. It’s not a winter coat that can be put away for this way too early spring. It’s me. And I am here. Comfortable. Waking up. Walking. Running. Stopping. Living. Me.

And I wish the same to you all!

About a year ago I have posted my plans for 2015 on this blog so today I would like to share my 2015 summary but also plans for 2016. It is now my tradition to share those annual updates, but also use the end of each year as a small milestone. I do not make resolutions, I act on the things I see missing from my final ‘end-of-year’ summary.

2015 was a year of people. I say this because normally I would focus on my projects, actions, achievements and new insights. This year was very unique in that I have used the silence and solitude of 2014 to establish new friendships and learn to build relationships differently. Up until now, my friendships were based in the fast moving world. Many of my friends were quick, abrupt, very active and often forgetful. Very often busy. In 2015 I have focussed on making time for my friends and met a few very interesting people who live this life philosophy every day. It feels like all the improvements and background work in preparations for university back in 2014 freed up a lot of my time in 2015.

Spring 2015 was slow and focussed on my mental wellbeing. I did a Reiki course and learned to meditate more effectively. I cut out a lot of noise and distractions and I let it a lot of new sources of information, energy and sunshine. I focussed most of my work on the local community – probably as a result of my 2014 ‘Wantage Tales Documentary’ which opened a lot of doors to very interesting people too. I slowed down in my online work and spend all my free time outdoors, mainly in our new allotment. The allotment was a project which also helped me get back to writing and to photography. Going out and enjoying the microcosmos of nature was exactly what I needed after years of fast life, work, quick lessons and well, rather challenging events. Allotment became my personal retreat – one I could enjoy every single day. Together with my lovely English Springer Spaniel we would drop off my son at school and walk back home with a stop for dog’s morning run and my morning visit to the allotment no. 108. Spring was still wet and cold but already full of flowers (I planned those in November 2014). I think it was the first compliment from my allotment neighbour that actually reminded me that as a child I was really good in gardening. At work, I spent my spring working with my ongoing clients but a new theme emerged from my services – many of my new clients started asking about my take on social media and business running and so I have helped them more in form of personal coaching than actual social media work. I was still running the Minecraft Club but I have also volunteered to co-chair the Wantage Summer Festival as it was doomed to fade away after 20 years of grassroots work in showcasing the best of our community. It had to be done.

I have spent the entire summer 2015 going back to my very own roots – my childhood fun with nature and outdoors. I registered for our local running club, started and miserably failed to complete the 5K training course but I did start running. I just discovered that I like running on my own. I need a lot of time on my own, with nature. I cannot tell you how colourful and yummy my summer was! I spent all my precious moments away from the screen planting flowers and vegetables, experimenting and finally bringing baskets of fresh food and bouquets of colour home. I blogged about most of it. It became an integral part of my lifestyle, of who I am. I have also started developing my BlogALife training – back then still as a programme, not yet an online thing. I have worked with five clients coaching them based on my personal approach developed during the last 10 years of work but quickly realised that there is so much work to be done that I might need a new format.

I did not travel much in 2015 because we have decided to spend all our time preparing for a very important conference – Minecon 2015 in London. Minecraft Conventions usually happen in the US so having one down the road was a treat. Registering for tickets that sold out in 3 minutes was pure luck. I don’t regret betting on this one weekend in summer at all – it was by far the best industry event I have attended in my life. I have never been to a conference that would attract an equal amount of men and women, people of all ages represented equally, all solution and focus driven. I have never been to an event where attendees are driven to it mainly by the younger generation (on the first day we have met a lot of parents pointing out that they are here just for the kids) just to see all the grown-ups leaving the event converted into Minecraft fans, but also reminded about the inner child in them. I have never been to an event so well articulating underlying funding principles of a brand, product, an idea. I loved everything about Minecon 2015. I have learned loads about the practical applications of the game for a social change, for publishing, for development, for education and for fun. I have learned so much about people. I had tears in my eyes in the car leaving the venue when my son pointed out that the school should last two days so weekends for events like this one could last five days. As always, he was right.

In autumn 2015 I was taken back to a very intense week in Poland, revisiting everything I have learned about political systems, fight for a better life and better family. All that on the top of Solidarity Academy – work with a brilliant group of aspiring bloggers and journalists from all around Europe. I do a lot of teaching but those trips to join a group which applies for work in practice, in the field at the end of the week is just very touching. One of my students was at the Hungarian border reporting on the refugee crisis the week after our session and following her on Facebook was simply humbling. (Note: we had many amazing teachers, I am only happy that I could contribute with my set of skills). Having my next portrait photo taken was exciting, and scary, and exciting…and a lot of fun. I always love meeting talented photographers so I hope that the author of my new portrait is going to stay in touch – I am learning a lot from her. I want to go back for more photographic adventures;) I loved my trip to Poland. I loved coming back and relaxing afterwards. Digesting all my learnings took time. But I was busy keeping the Wantage Pixel Club going, but also preparing the Summer Festival.

Winter 2015 started quietly but with a few successes. The annual Dickensian Evening event reached 10K views on Facebook (doubled from last year) so I know now that it is a local cause which can grow without me in this area. I like little small ideas and little victories like this one. My work for our local park trust is also starting to pay off so I hope that it will blend in the mix of all the little helpful things I do.

As I am moving into 2016 I do not see clear resolutions. I think 2016 is going to be a continuation of everything I did or did not do last year.

I was supposed to start university or at least apply for my place. I failed miserably but adventurously.I was supposed to learn to sew and make clothes. I failed on the first day. I was supposed to learn to manage money very well. I have achieved a great deal in the area of finance but I still have to learn a lot. I was supposed to learn to be more healthy. I have learned to manage my energy levels and avoid burnouts. But I still need to get to like the gym. I have found the activities that make me happy and I do not despise the runs, the swims, the yoga sessions. I like them now. In 2016 I want to build up that liking to the level of daily necessity. I was supposed to write a lot. I think I could have done more. In 2016 I want to read more books. Not just study but read just for the pleasure of it. Read everything, everywhere. Then I know I will write more too.

In everything I have achieved in 2015 people played a key role and I have thanked them all separately. In 2016 I will treasure and build those friendships even more. I will make even more time for them and I will adjust my life, even more, to gravitate towards them all. As my husband likes to say ‘one person at a time’. I am really looking forward to this year of learning, blogging and work: online, offline, with lovely people, locally and globally.

People are my only actual resolution for 2016.

Have a great one!

I would like to use this opportunity to say thank you for the support you have all given me in 2015. I would also like to say a special thank you to the few people who played a very important role in my life this year.

Dawid, my son – as every year I have learned so much from you. You know this world much better than I do but this year I have seen you overcome all those pre-teen insecurities with such grace and patience that I wish I was like you. I am not, but I am learning. Your almost stubborn need to ‘get it all right’ and be the best at everything really overwhelms me sometimes and I am not sure how to tell you to slow down. Actually, maybe you are right. Maybe we should not slow down? I cannot wait to see what 2016 is going to bring for you – you will be 10, you’ll start walking home from school and manage your own friendships, little secrets and school reality even better. I feel your life speeding up so much that I had to start writing up all our moments now. 2015 for me was a year of remembering your first ten years of life, a nice way of preparing for the next decade. Thank you for sharing it with me. Thank you for understanding when I am tired, upset and impatient. Thank you for the hugs, for love, for evening giggles every single night.

Dan, my husband – I know it was a very hard year for you, so much happening at work and at home. Still, at the end of the day, you’d come home and help me with that one line of code…or two…or two hours of coding in fact. ‘Always happy to help’ – I really don’t know how and why you have so much patience for me. You are my rock. Thank you.

Linda – you are such a wonderful friend, I have no words to describe the impact you had on me this year. My friend, my mentor, my honest adviser, my inspiration. I want to be like you when I grow up so I am so so so lucky to share the now with you. You are always one step ahead, so calm and so supportive. Always finding the right words and the right silence. You make me feel calmer and more confident in my goals – you make me regain the faith in the vision I have allowed myself to forget. Thank you.

Krysia – my angel. Your kid words. Your humility. Your patience. Your attitude towards life and the challenges it throws at you is just so inspiring. I always have to correct my views after I talk to you – you simply bring the best out of me. The quiet. The introvert. Also the happy. The adventurous. Thank you.

Kath, Enas and Dana – dear lovely mums who help me manage Dawid’s personal life but also support me on my journey of motherhood. You all understand the challenges of raising a child and running my own business, building a new life and so much more at the same time. Thank you for being so extraordinary – you are all my superheroes. Thank you.

Sarah – thank you for your gift of listening and for the gift of gifts – your book (you said it was a simple present) meant so much to me. You know sometimes little things matter the most. You have shown me another side of me and made me realise that there are women out there who share my passion for my own space. It had a great impact on my confidence in 2015. Thank you so so much!

Gabriela – you are my hero. I really look up to you. Your patience and your kindness inspire me so much. I am glad that we have worked together in 2015 and cannot wait to see what 2016 might bring. Thank you.

Graeme – thank you for believing in my vision for the Pixel Club and for owning it in your very own, personal way. Thank you for making time to discuss its future and for helping me see the kid inside of me too. Thank you.

Ildiko, Zoee and Jodie – thank you for giving me the family I thought I’d never have. You are my little miracles. Thank you.

Dale – it’s funny how social media algorithms helped me discover your work just when I really needed a new mentor in the area of startups. You are exactly the push I need at the moment and thanks to you I could accept the fact that my work at SylwiaPresley.com, at Minecraft Club and Wantage Summer Festival is not done yet. I had to review my plans for the next few years but in a good way – my vision solidified and I have found the language and the tools to explain it to my friends and engage them in my vision. Thank you.

I have come along way in changing my habits and adjusting my life to the new life – a life of peace, gratefulness and hope. I had to say goodbye to many friends who were courageous but also abrupt and very often lost in their ways – my new ways did not agree with theirs. I spent a lot of time in 2014 reviewing my ways and finding new paths so I am really really grateful that in 2015 I could start sharing them with people who are patient and kind. Some of my old friends stayed and adjusted with me. I thank you all – old and new friends. You are making my days sunny. Every day.

I would also like to thank my online friends, colleagues and all readers for respecting my openness and supporting my journey. With little likes, reads, shares, comments – every single response matters a lot.