October Personal Update

October turned out to be a month of rich experiences, from nights out and making new connections to recharging in the Cotswolds and working on both personal and professional goals. It was a good balance of work, play, and a healthy focus on fitness—a month where I prioritised self-care while also learning new things.

The month kicked off with a fun evening with friends Bee and Bud to celebrate Nigerian Independence Day with a comedy night. We ended up having a real giggle and making some unexpected connections out on the terrace afterwards, wishing we didn’t have to get up early for work the next day so we could stay just a little longer.

I met up with with my pal Adam to watch Joker at the Everyman Cinema in Horsham; it’s safe to say we both found it a bit underwhelming—though I suppose not every film is going to resonate!

Then came one of the highlights of October: a night at Theatre Royal to watch Hairspray. I’ve always had a soft spot for musicals, and this one didn’t disappoint. There’s something so infectious about the energy and nostalgia of a live show. The evening took me back to fond times after the film launched where my friend Ben and I would sing our hearts out to You Can’t Stop The Beat on a road trip.

On the fitness front, I continued to make solid progress with my workouts, where I’m focusing on traditional strength training, which is starting to feel more rewarding as the results slowly take shape. Early morning workouts at Brighton Beach House have become part of my routine as well. I won’t say it’s easy getting up and out early, but the post-workout feeling and the added energy through the day make it all worthwhile.

I found time to visit Nanima Asian Kitchen & Café on St George’s Road, in Brighton (one of my favourite places to eat). It was a cosy night out, and there’s a special comfort in familiar places and good food.

As part of my job as Marketing Manager for Rivervale, I attended a couple of networking events, building connections with local business owners at the Best of British Event in Tunbridge Wells where Graham Gooch former England Cricket Captain was guest speaker, telling us some interesting stories, to more intimate affair with the County Business Clubs 100 Top Table Event at Ridgeview Vineyard, where a few of us got to sample some of Ridgeview’s famous sparkling wines and share our own personal stories.

I also had the privilege of attending the Charlton Athletic Community Trust Awards Ceremony at the House of Lords as a representative of Rivervale. We’ve proudly supported the trust for years, and it’s a partnership I’m delighted to help manage. Through this collaboration, Rivervale supplies two Youth Engagement Vehicles and a minibus, helping the trust continue its invaluable work with young people. Being at the House of Lords to celebrate the trust’s achievements was a rewarding reminder of the positive impact these partnerships bring.

Before going away, I also completed another course with the Hubspot Academy, this time on SEO, just to refresh and enhance my skills. It’s love continually developing and learning.

A real treat this month was the trip to Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds, which was every bit as refreshing as I’d hoped. Spending time catching up with my friend Jason who I haven’t seen in a couple of years, as well as the most amazing friends Chris and Jody, riding bikes, and indulging in good food made it a memorable getaway. There’s something about a stay at Farmhouse that brings a sense of relaxation and a chance to reset. My room, aptly named “Piglet,” was charming, and after watching Emilia Perez (which was a bit of a letdown), I enjoyed winding down by the fire with a glass of wine.

I also embraced a bit of self-care there, treating myself to my first-ever pedicure, along with a manicure and massage. It’s one of those little luxuries I could get used to, and it was a great reminder to take time to pamper myself now and then. To top it off, we visited Diddly Squat Farm and Daylesford Organic for some fun souvenirs and a bit of shopping. The sense of escapism was rejuvenating, and it’s inspired me to schedule more of these mini-breaks to stay recharged.

After my stay in the Cotswolds, I headed back to Brighton just in time for a Halloween cocktail night at the Beach House.

October was a mix of work, fitness, self-care, and quality time with friends. I look back on it as a month that felt full yet balanced—a bit of everything without feeling too much of any one thing. Between catching up with people, making time for personal growth, and getting out for some adventure, I’ve come to appreciate the value of pacing myself and making the most of these moments. Here’s to carrying that balance forward into the next month.