This week has been such a positive week for me. From the conversations I had with mentors and friends, to the challenges I faced and overcame to better myself, and it was all topped off with a win that has been a long time coming.

As always, there were hedges to trim, lawns to mow, and other various manual labour jobs that filled the days during my week. These work hours are great for thinking and processing. Spending so much time alone with lots to think about, the mind wanders, and I have been able to use this time to focus my mind a little more when important thoughts filter through and allow myself to problem solve or at least process them. The whole journey over the last 18 months has been as much of a mental journey as it has been about the actual experience. I am pleased where it has led me, and embracing the opportunities and experiences it has given me, and I still continue to strive for better. This mentality has been with me on the football pitch for most of my time here in Sweden, every pass, every tackle, every movement, I aim to be better, and develop those skills to a higher level. It is these high standards that often frustrate me, as I fight with the voices in my head about my performance, what I did was right or wrong, however I continue to learn that this cannot be the focus. After every action; pass, tackle, no matter the outcome, it has happened and you must move on. The amount of mental processing every training and every game I go through is incredible, and it is all in an effort to perform with clarity and composure.

When Saturday rolled around, I was ready and prepared for what felt like a moment we had all been waiting. And it certainly was a performance that has been a long time coming. We were hot out of the box and capitalized early with 2 goals within 10 minutes. We knocked one in just before half time also and less than 10min into the second half we essentially put the game to bed. We weren’t done, scoring two more to win 6-0. A resounding win, after many sub par performances and results. As a defender most people will know which part pleases me most, seeing that zero for the opposition. This was the first official win for the team since I have been here and so along with it came a few traditions; a celebration with the fans and a chant in the changing rooms. We might need a few more wins before I know exactly what we are saying in these moments, but what I do know is that it is these moments that will become the memories of my time at Nordvärmlands. Results will become statistics, however these celebrations, these emotions, these moments will be what stays with me long after I depart. And more memories were made that evening as we chilled by the fire at our apartments with many of the lads and a couple girlfriends. It sure is amazing what a win can do for spirits!

Sunday was as always relaxing. I went for the coldest ice bath since I have been here. Not sure but it felt like the Norwegian glaciers had just melted a few hundred meters up the river because boy was it cold. I spent much of the afternoon enjoying myself in the kitchen with a bit of baking (banana bread) and cooking. Long may this positivity continue within the team and individually!