Happy New Year everybody! I cannot believe how fast 2017 went…… I feel like it was only St. Patricks Day two minutes ago! People don’t lie when they tell you that the years will literally go in like lightening once you become a parent…. like how on earth do I have a one year old? How was I pregnant in 2016 when it still feels so recent to me?
Anyway…. as I drove to work this morning at 7am ahead of my 13 hour shift I couldn’t help but feel that imminent sense of ‘doom and gloom’ that the holiday season is over; that my bank account is offensive, and that it feels like I’m just back to the normal mundane life that is …. well … life!
Isn’t it gas that we look forward to precious time off every December to enjoy quality time with family and friends to be ‘merry and bright’ , to glam ourselves up and let loose? Why can’t we make that effort every couple of months? Life is too short to wait until December every year to do the above.
I for one have made a New Years’ resolution to let my hair down more often and to be more social. I am terrible for saying ‘no’ to going to things for various reasons such as ‘I’m in work in the morning‘ or ‘I can’t justify spending that’ or ‘I won’t know anyone else going’.
So back to my drive to work this morning (sorry…. I digress!) ……as I felt that little voice in my head telling me ‘you’re back to normality now’…. I got thinking about all the simple everyday things that make me happy, make me smile or give me comfort. So as the January blues set in (I always get them!) I shifted my thoughts and instantly felt my mood lift thinking about all the simple things in life that I’m so happy to have, and that I should appreciate more. So if you’re reading this and feeling a little glum, here’s a list of the things that make me feel good, or make me smile and that I hope will get me out of my ‘end of silly season’ funk ☺️
- New bed sheets
- A lie on
- A good workout
- A hot shower after a long day in work
- New pjs
- Walking my dog
- The first coffee of the day
- Falling into bed after a night shift
- Lazy mornings in bed with Ellie and Ben
- Getting kisses from my daughter
- Hearing my daughter laugh and seeing her smile
- A good hair day
- A good fake tan
- A bargain
- Feeding Ellie
- The smell of fresh clean clothes
- Coffee dates with friends
- Going to my parents house for a visit
- Date night with Ben
- Getting glammed up for said date night…. or a gals nights
- Getting nice feedback on blog posts/ images I post
- Days off with Ben and Ellie
- Time with my skin and blister
- A nice meal
- Going to the airport
- Holidays
- Not getting lost when driving somewhere new
- A clean house
- A good glass of wine
- Laughing until my stomach hurts
- New make up
- Staying the night in my bedroom in my parents house
- The smell of Ben’s aftershave (swoon!)
- Getting a good parking space
- Finding money in an old handbag
- Seeing Ellie with her grandparents
- Seeing Ellie with my Nana
- Watching a good film
- Hugs that you don’t have to ask for
- Working with people that have a great sense of humour to make the day go in better
- When a stranger smiles at you
- Chats with friends that go on for hours and you’re oblivious to the time passing
- Seeing how much my friends love my baby
- A good cuppa tea
- Random kisses on the cheek from Ben
- Fresh flowers
- My Mam’s cooking
- Chats with my Dad when he collects me from work
- Seeing the end of my washing and ironing basket
- Meeting new people
- Time off with family and friends
- Dancing
- Had written notes/cards/letters
- Scented candles
- Doing a wardrobe clear out and de cluttering
- Turing the radio up full blast in the car when my favourite songs come on
- Thank you cards/ messages
- A good poached egg
- Scenic views
- A sunny day
- Knowing that no matter how bad a day may seem…… I have a roof over my head, amazing family and friends surrounding me, a partner and a daughter I adore and the knowledge that I used to dream about what I have now!
Happy New Year! Have an amazing 2018 and find the joy in the simple things…. life doesn’t have to be a massive adventure or a fairy tail to appreciate all that you have ✨
Jessica x x x
