January.

I told myself this January I would be kind, gentle and ease myself into 2022. I've slept in lots, ate loads of salty butter on good M&S toast, sat still with myself whilst sipping peppermint tea, found solace and small joy through planning some nice things to do this year, and spent copious hours in the bubble bath, zoning out and singing to a classic R&B playlist I recently created on Spotify. 

It's been a big month. Messy, lovely, at times lonely. Even in the few moments of grouchiness, I've known this whole time that life this January has been less dire than many others before. Nicer for me to exist within and more secure I believe because of the work I put in the year before. Which is why and I didn't realise this at the time, all of my thoughts surrounding how I want to live out this next year have been so personal. I worked hard last year to prove my worth, stressed myself out on the regular and could barely comprehend what the future might look like for me in 2022. Now, that it's here and life has uncomplicated itself, all I want to do is sit back and relax, knowing I deserve everything I have in this life right now. And, in a month I loathe, I've actually somehow managed to get quite a lot done.

Booked essential appointments

As you know, I'm the anxious over-thinking type, so booking appointments in the past is something I've avoided until absolutely necessary. Over the past couple of weeks though I've found myself talking in circles, telling my mind to simmer down and stepping up to be more responsible, which I love for me. So! I've had my COVID booster, my eyes have been tested, two pairs of fancy glasses have been ordered, doctors appointments have been attended, I had a teeny tiny little operation on my foot and, I'm beginning to learn that these things can't be avoided. 

Also, I'm currently in the process of tracking down an NHS dentist which is proving to be an impossible task. What is that about?!

Confirmed that my work has made a permanent shift to Hybrid 

Loved receiving this email. Although I think I'll have to visit the office possibly once a week depending, I'm smiling because I can still mostly work from the comfort of my home and live a more well-rounded life, with a constantly tidy home. Also just so grateful that my employer has taken control and responsibility to ensure that their teams are safe, with no end date in mind to force us back all into the office.

Booked a November getaway

Super super exciting. One thing I wanted to do last Autumn but didn't get around to was planning a UK break in 2022. But, don't worry, it's all okay because last Thursday we booked said trip to Wales for November this year and it's going to be wonderful. Even if it's raining, we can't wait to tuck ourselves away in a little cabin, with a hot tub and no wifi. 

Went for our first BIG walk

We realised horrifyingly that we hadn't walked more than a few hundred steps since before Christmas. We just didn't make the time, but recently our steps picked up and we were able to meet my mother-in-laws new puppy! The day was disappointingly greyer than we'd of liked but, we had the nicest day nonetheless and slept so well afterwards. 

Redecorated our bathroom and gave the house a BIG clean

Just a couple days into the new year after taking the tree down and devouring leftover Christmas food we decided that a big cleanse of our home was overdue. New Habitat reed diffusers have been planted everywhere, bookshelves have been organised, our spare room has been decluttered and our bathroom feels brand new. We have a new shower curtain, new bathroom mirror, soap holder and bin. Just a few small simple touches to make our bathroom feel brand new. Also I've managed to fill an entire vase with Lush bath bombs. Our cosy home smells delicious currently and we have many more rough plans to revamp our home in the pipeline.

Made a budget for the entire year 

...and blew a little too much on takeaways because January sucks and I deserve good food. Truthfully though, I have an exact budget and spreadsheet calculated where I plan on documenting every purchase I make this year. It might sound like overkill, or you might relate but it feels good to know that every spend going forward serves a purpose. Even the silly takeaways when I'm feeling unmotivated to cook are counted for now, and that feels really important to me as someone who in the past has been unable to live comfortably with their earnings. 

Looked forward 

Lighter evenings are creeping in as February greets us and I feel optimistic about the short month ahead. Payday came and went very quickly but, I have a lot to show for it already. Bright new accessories pending arrival as Spring feels just a second away, charity shopping served me well on the last day of January too and, this month I'm going to try my hand at sewing - a skill no woman in my family appears to be capable of. I've also had my annual leave at work approved for the entire of 2022, which is something I like to get organised at the beginning of a new year, I've just begun a new skin routine, have a haircut booked and, even made plans to visit my best friend during the first week of March. Life I think I think is looking sweet. Quiet for now, mellow and freeing. When warmer months approach my calendar will naturally become fuller; for now I'm basking in the calmness and silence found at home. I'm not wishing to become more busy, actually actively wanting a slow month, where winter sun shines and I feel a sense of soft confidence within myself.