Self Kindness / an update.

Hello all,

I hope this post finds you safe and well. It may not have escaped your notice that the last post I did on this blog was just under a month ago. Anyone who reads this blog with any kind of regularity may have thought that very unlike me. And indeed, it is very unlike me. Sometimes I’ve taken short breaks here and there (usually over Christmas) but nothing so protracted a hiatus as this.

I have always believed in this blog being a positive space and outlet for me and for me to connect simply with the joy of writing and why I love it so much, and why I feel at my most confident and passionate when I’m being creative and talking about people and subjects I’m really excited by or enjoy.

But I also create this space on the web mostly to help others feel a bit uplifted as well. However, finding the inspiration and energy to do so can only truly come when you’re pouring from a full cup so to speak. And I hope by being honest I can say my cup’s been anything but full of late.

I am willing to admit that I am feeling exhausted – drained even. A lot has gone on over the last year which I have somehow kept writing through in my own time. But a number of recent personal factors – namely, some health issues within my own family, who I love so very much – has naturally meant my focus has been on their wellbeing and looking out for them and supporting them.

At the moment I am having days where simple tasks are totally unmanageable, and days where I somehow manage to do a good job and it doesn’t seem too bad. But I feel so keenly about the people in my life who really matter to me that, for now at least, focussing on anything more than that is a challenge.

And especially with the world slowly opening up again, there are some things I am worried about and I’m slowly trying to address those and overcome my fears on. Something also has hit me today whilst logging into write this blog. This very week is seven years since I started this blog up.

I have written on here solidly for pretty much all that time without ever breaking step. I don’t want to fall out of love with the activity that gives me a lot of joy, and so for that reason, I am taking an extended period away from here of another month or so to try and restore my energy and give me the enthusiasm to write regularly again.

I can’t say for sure when I’ll next post again, but I hope by taking this time out now to look after myself and those around me that it’ll be sooner rather than later that that happens, but crucially to look after my own well being and avoid burnout. I’ll still be about on Instagram if you fancy a natter. And a cuppa and biscuits. That always works too.

Remember to check in on the ones you love. Ask twice if they’re OK. And as the image accompanying this blog says, don’t just be good to others; be good to yourself too.

Much love and speak soon,

Alex

☺️💙