This is how I do it !
Name is Trish (Patricia) Carlos, I’m 39 years old and the imminent arrival of my 40th birthday is not something I’m dreading, I’m rather looking forward to it; I’m still standing; that has to be a good thing! But there will be no party, not my thing.
I live on the Great Island in the wonderful seaside town of Cobh, and have lived here all my life. Did I mention I love where I live, I get given out to for harping on about it.
I am one of five kids and the middle child – which has the accompanying affliction of Middle Child Syndrome – which is a real thing; ask any of my siblings! I have one brother and three sisters. Mam and Dad and the rest of the crew all live in Cobh so we are a pretty close family and my boys have lots of cousins to play with. I am married to Dec and we have two boys; Jack (8) and Bobby(6).
I’m a secondary school teacher of English and German for the past 17 years and have just returned to the classroom after 5 years as my school’s Home School Community Liaison Coordinator; a role I loved and challenged me daily. I love being back in the classroom working with and teaching teenagers, their enthusiasm and spirit is what got me into teaching in the beginning.
I am also a self-published author, and my first novel ‘The Silver Comb’ came out at the end of 2016. I tried the standard route, but got loads of knock backs with some very constructive criticism. So having a chance encounter with a friend who had just self-published spurred me on to give it a go. It was hard work and I found the writing the easy bit, the marketing and business side was really difficult, but I wasn’t put off. Number Two is nearly done and I will probably go the self-publishing route again, but I won’t deny I’d take a publishing deal in the morning if it was offered and then I could just stick to the part I love – the writing!
I also help to run a cancer charity called Butterfly Wings; my family set it up 13 years ago and we host the Butterfly Ball each year, with all proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nurse Programme.
What was the first thing you did when you woke up this morning?
Pulled the blinds – for some reason I like to know what the weather is like every morning – lets me know what kind of resilience I’ll need. Rainy days just need that extra little bit.
What does your normal Daily, weekly routine look like, if you have one?
My routine is very much dictated by a school routine – the boys and myself and Dec’s schools (his a teacher also) So our weeks are pretty much laid out around drop offs, pick ups, staff meetings and of course GAA training.
What do you do to stay active?
I used to run, but a calf injury has me walking for the past few months and I find it actually more enjoyable – its exercise but also headspace and a break from the day to day business of life.
What daily habits do you have to try and keep you fit and healthy?
I would love to say that I drink loads of water – I don’t but when I do I feel so much better. I think the healthiest thing I do do is I rate sleep as one of the most important parts of my health. I always try and get between 7-8 hours’ sleep. I feel it keeps me resilient.
What does healthy living mean to you?
Balance – finding that happy medium between having your cake and working it off!
What or who motivates you?
My family and happiness motivate me. I’m always working towards finding balance, putting the emphasis on the important things and making sure not to get caught up in the mundane. Two active and creative young men in my life make sure I am always on my toes, always seeing things from different perspectives and always looking for the next adventure. I want them to grow up happy, resilient and kind men and I guess that’s what motivates me to live my life and chance my dreams as a role model for them.
What's your favourite healthy meal?
Absolutely adore Cliona O Connor’s Quinoa Bowls, went to see her in Ballincurra House a few years ago and it’s a firm favourite since
What is your food nemesis?
Chocolate – I just love it love it love it!!!!! It loves my thighs too as it tends to head straight there.
How do you manage those periods of time when you are not so motivated?
I like lists and setting goals. I’ll take the time to sit down and ask myself what I want to achieve and what I need to achieve. Having a clear idea of these can keep you focused and therefore keep you motivated. Being able to tick off lists also makes me so happy.
How do you overcome negative thoughts?
Headspace – heading out in the fresh air and having some time to think. I also have to remind myself that I am doing my best. Someone once told me that we can’t save the world but we can make a difference and I always remind myself that if I at least try then I’m doing something. Nobody is perfect and the best way to succeed is to learn from our failures.
How do you treat yourself?
I know it’s probably not the healthiest way to treat yourself and a true sign that I’m an 80s kid, but it has to be with food or a glass of bubbles (champagne not prosecco and the drier the better). I just love really good food and a glass of the good stuff.
What do you do to chill and recharge?
I’m not a big TV watcher, but a do like to read and I find it very relaxing. But the best recharge for me has to be a walk on the beach with the boys, fresh salty sea air – nothing beats it.
Best tip for packing a gym bag? Whats in yours ?
I don’t have one and I know I should, but if I did it would be a pair of Daisy Leggings from Queen B Athletics – the very best pair of leggings I have ever owned by far. Also helps that Brid is from Cork and I love her!
1 thing you never leave home without?
My phone and a note book – the phone I wish I could live without but a can’t and the notebook is for scribbling down little phrases and ideas that come into my head and yes I know you said one but I couldn’t choose between them.
What’s your mantra?
If at first you don’t succeed…. I really truly believe that if you are passionate about something and believe in it you should keep going after it. Hard work and persistence pay off.
My flavor of this month is ( my current obsession)
I’m currently obsessed with #40for40 – I’m on a mission to raise €40,000 for the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nurse Programme for my 40th birthday. 2020 seemed like the perfect year to really up the fundraising and it being my 40th I was hoping people would get on board and help us out. The Night Nurses do such are amazing service for families all over the country at the lowest point of their lives. Being able to have a loved one at home in the final hours is such a gift for some families and is only possible through the Night Nurses. They are fully funded by the Irish Cancer Society, so the more money we make the more night nursing hours will be available. I’ll have everyone absolutely tormented by the time the Ball rolls around on 14th March.
I’m inspired by
People who are passionate, work hard and are persistent, who have a dream and go after it. I’m currently so in awe of Greta Thunberg – what an inspiration for young and old. Age does not bring wisdom, knowledge and heart does. She gives me hope that we live in a world where there is still hope and values, that people can make a difference and that we can make up for the mistakes we have made.
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You’ll find me at:
https://www.facebook.com/trishcarlosauthor/
Insta: @trishccarlos @butterflywingscharity
Twitter: @trishcarlos @Butter_flyWings