Weekly Update: Gateway Bronze Award (Week 22) – Growth, Nature, and Reflection

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Happy Father’s Day to all those celebrating today!

​As we move through another week of the Mencap Gateway Bronze Award, it’s a good time to take a breath, reflect on the progress made, and get organized. This weekly ritual—my "Sunday Five-Minute Check-in"—is essential for keeping track of the evidence needed for the award and ensuring I’m staying balanced.

​Here is the breakdown of my progress for Week 22.

​1. Volunteering: Walk for Autism

  • ​Status: Completed previously.

​2. Fitness: Nature Walk

  • Some time with family at Porty Beach. 

​3. Hobby: The Digital Parish & Prayer

  • ​Activity: Prayer and exploring vocations. Working on my Muddy Church idea and exploring Monk in the world concepts. Writing things here on the blog. 

​4. Personal Challenge

  • ​Status: Previously submitted.

​5. Lifestyle: Sensory & Advocacy

  • ​Focus: Self-regulation and active advocacy.
  • ​Tools: Using my Squiggle Society and other art supplies, various fidgets, and planned sensory snacks to manage my daily regulation.
  • ​Advocacy: Staying on top of essential communication. Also exploring alternative church. We joined a messy church this Saturday. 
  • ​Routine: I continue to utilize the Finch app to maintain my daily habits and keep my schedule on track.

​Special Feature: Prescribe Nature (Week 8)

​This week marked the final session of the Prescribe Nature program at Newbattle Abbey College.

​It has been an incredibly enriching journey over these past eight weeks. Engaging in nature-based activities has been a profound source of healing and joy for me. While I feel a bit sad that this specific chapter has come to a close, I am walking away with a sense of gratitude for the wonderful people I met along the way. The outdoors has been a vital classroom, and the lessons learned there will certainly continue to support my wellbeing moving forward.

​Until next week—stay mindful, stay active, and take care of yourselves!

A Highland Theological College graduate and non-conformist follower of Jesus living at the crossroads of neurodiversity and faith. Writing on the wild grace of the Gospel.

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