Join our conversations with people who love the sea as much as we do…
This is our twentieth Sea Soul interview, and features author and sea swimmer Sarah Kennedy Norquoy of Sea Salt and Sarah, sharing her proudest achievement – and how solitude and the sea connect her to her faith.
Tell us a little bit about you…
I’m Sarah Kennedy Norquoy. (That’s my author name as it has my maiden name as well as my married one).
I’m almost 51, and have been living in Orkney for the past 12 years. As well as my day job, I’m also caring for my mum with dementia and swimming in the sea as often as I can.
My proudest achievement was publishing a book this year, Salt On My Skin, about my sea swimming journey and life with the living grief of mum’s dementia.
What does nature, and the sea in particular, mean to you?
“I’ve always loved the sea, ever since I was a little girl. Growing up in the Midlands, I could only see it on holiday once a year. So when I moved to Orkney, I was overwhelmed by the fact I could see the ocean every single day.”
Nature also helps me connect with something so much universally bigger. In my case that’s God. I feel close to God and in awe of the creator of the universe when in nature.
How do you feel on a good day?
On a good day, I feel filled with hope, alive, content, thankful.
How do you feel on a bad day?
On bad days, I find it hard to focus and feel unmotivated.
I often withdraw into myself and disconnect from people as my strength and recovery comes from solitude.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
“I’m inspired by the beauty of friendship. People who stick with me through all the ups and downs of life. Sometimes I inspire myself when I realise the enormity of what I’ve been through in life and how strong I’ve had to be.”
This isn’t meant to sound arrogant, it’s taken me a long time to approve of myself.
What do you worry about on a typical day?
My children, and if they are ok. They are both adults and live away from home but you never stop worrying about them.
I worry about my parents now more than ever because of mum’s failing condition and dad having to look after her at 81. I worry as to how it might all turn out.
Where do you find joy?
“I find joy in the sea, swimming in it, and in nature. I also find joy in small every day wonders. I look for the good in everything.”
What do you love to do, read, watch or listen to?
I read all kinds of things. Non-fiction and fiction. I’m currently hooked on Grey’s Anatomy! My music choice is eclectic, anything from dance to classical.
What makes you cross?
Injustice, bullies, unkindness, privilege and lack of self-awareness.
How do you look after yourself?
“Solitude is a lifeline to recharge. If I get my solitude then everything else falls into place. I also value my spiritual side so prayer and gentle meditation is important to me. I also swim in the sea regularly to keep me sane and reset me.“
What would you most like to change about your life?
I love Orkney, but I feel so far away from my children now. I’d like to live nearer to them and be able to see them more easily.
What have you learned about life that you wish you’d understood earlier?
That most things I stressed about and placed value on really didn’t actually matter.
How would you describe Sea Soul Blessings in 3 words?
Reassuring, calming, peaceful
How do you use your Sea Soul Blessings?
I find they help me connect in my prayer/meditation life. I often use them to help me connect to God or even connect in with myself. I’ll draw a card, read about it and write in my journal about how its speaking to me on that particular day.
If someone was thinking about trying Sea Soul Blessings, would you encourage them?
Most definitely. The words encourage me and inspire and the write-ups can mean different things to me at different times.
If you’d like to find out more about Sarah and her book, visit her website.
You can read more of our Sea Soul Community interviews over here.
And if you’d like to read more from Sea Soul Blessings, sign up for the Sea Soul Newsletter, full of sea wisdom, self compassion, special offers and the latest news from Pippa.