By Monica Chard
Those in the know tell us that the best time of the day is first thing in the morning. But at this time of the year, when it is dark and cold, it takes some conviction to get up and out. But Win the Morning. Win the Day (WTMWTD) is a group which encourages you to do just that. In the summer of 2020 founder Chris Reeves set up WTMWTD after listening to a podcast about getting out of your comfort zone to help deal with the stress and mental health decline amidst COVID19. Chris posted a video about going for a walk and a swim in the Solent on social media and it has grown exponentially from there. WTMWTD has now reached all across the UK and even beyond. The local group meets weekly at Laleham riverside, I had to go and find out what the group gets up to. Besides, I was told by team leader Michelle Tucker that the meeting ends with a dip in the Thames!
I was impressed to meet a small group of en-thusiastic ladies, armed with torches and bob-ble hats. It was dark and there was a heavy fog. The group walks and talks, finishing at the riverside. After the walk and before enter-ing the water, Michelle reads a poem, or a statement, something poignant yet short. then the group takes a minutes silence to think of those that have taken their lives and can’t be with us. The idea is to highlight the now and remember that we can win the morning, win the day. It is a chance to remember we have a community to reach out to, we are not alone, and support is there when needed.
Founder Chris, who has suffered with mental health during the first lockdown says “this is exactly what the world needs right now, a space to talk, meet new people who may have also struggled through these times and an opportunity to step outside your comfort zones and challenge yourself”.
If you don’t want to physically join in then take yourself off for a walk, alone or with one other person. Login in to Facebook to see one of the WTMWTD leaders from across the UK walking and asking/answering questions and chatting. Positive mind. Positive start to day!
Michelle will be offering Friday mornings at 6-6.45. There is a walk meeting at Laleham riverside carpark followed by a dip in the Thames for those brave enough to try.
The feeling of happiness and positivity exud-ing from leader Michelle is enough to inspire you and set you up for the day ahead!
www.WTMWTD.org
Facebook: win the morning win the day
Insta: wtmwtd