I’m back this fine Wednesday with another mid-week check in. I find these really handy as they let me sit and think about how this week is really going so far, and any improvements/things I want to take notice of for the next few days.

What’s going well this week?

• I’ve been doing lots of early mornings lately and I actually get so much more done in a day (I mean, thats obvious) but it does feel good.
• I had a stressful time yesterday and I was really starting to feel overwhelmed and tired. I ended up having a nap and then I felt so much better after, and I was able to carry on what the stuff I wanted to do after.
• We are headed to Richmond for the weekend and I’m looking forward to it so much!
• The house is looking tidy and I feel organised.
• I’ve got loads done at work so far this week too.
• This weekend I went through my wardrobe and donated some clothes I don’t wear anymore to charity.

What improvements do I want to make for the rest of the week?

• More down-time when I do nothing! And by doing nothing I mean, zilch. I always feel like I should be doing more of everything, and it’s just not necessary. Listening to that narrative is so exhausting at times.
•  Try and shut my mind off more, especially at night when I’m falling asleep!
• Focus on the positives and how far I’ve come.

  How’s your week going?

You all seem to really like ‘Happy Things’ post, and I really enjoy writing them so I’m back today with another one!

#1 Running. It always feel good when you put the work in, and you start noticing the rewards. Compared to the start of the year I’m a lot faster and just saying that makes me SO happy. I’m still not a natural runner but maybe one day I will be.

#2 Noticing the leaves change.

#3 Saturday night Strictly. I LOVE strictly! We’ve watched it for years and every year I’m obsessed.

#4 A weekend away. We are going away this weekend for a few days (in the UK) and I’m feeling super excited. I’ve never been there before either.

#5 Aromatherapy. I’ve been using an aromatherapy rollerball a lot these days, and I think they really do work and make you feel so much calmer.

#6 Feeling organised. 

#7 Deliciously Ella chocolate cups. Such a good afternoon snack.

#8 Smoothies. I’m back on the smoothie train and hopefully I’m there to stay!

#9 Habit tracker. I’ve just downloaded this after seeing a lot of good reviews on Instagram and I’m INTO IT.

#10 You guys who read my blog! The fact that even one person comes back to my little ol website everyday makes me so happy and my heart so full. Thank you!

What’s made you happy today?

Time for another book post! Here’s three great books I’ve read recently and what I thought of them. Find out what else I’ve been reading on my book Instagram account here.

The Sun is Also A Star 5/5
I didn’t have any real expectations for this book, the only thing I did think was that maybe I was a little too old for it. However I couldn’t of been more wrong. This read deals with some important racial issues and also it has a great understanding of just general life running through the whole story. It really is quite simply, magical. I truly didn’t want this to end. I’ve heard they’ve made it into a film so I definitely want to watch it and hope it lives up to the book!

The Book Ninja 4/5
I was looking for an easy, lighthearted read that I could fly through in a couple of sittings and this is exactly what I got with this. It’s about a single women who leaves her favourite books on tube platforms to find a date, and you end up getting completely hooked on the story. It’s a great fun book that I throughly enjoyed reading.

Looking for Alaska 5/5
Oh, this book. I just finished this last night and I have the biggest book hangover now. I’m not sure how to even put into words what this book means to me. It’s gone on the list of my favourite books ever now. I have nothing else to say <3

Have you read any of these?

1. You can’t just accept it. It truly isn’t something that you get your head around and understand. It feels like maybe it will never sink in.
2. The pain stays the same. I’m not sure if I believe in the saying ‘time is a healer’ here, because although you do manage to get back on with everyday life, the pain you feel is exactly like the pain you felt when it first happened. It doesn’t go away or fade, not for me anyway.
3. It changes you. I’m a different person now. I hand on heart believe that it’s hard to relate when you have experienced loss. You just can’t. In some ways I’m more understanding now with other people in this situation, but I also feel a little harder too because of the pain.
4. It can come at any moment. For me, grief comes in waves and in so many different emotions. That’s a part I feel is hard to manage because one minute you feel ok, and the next you don’t. I’ve felt so many different emotions throughout this that are unfamiliar to me, but I know are all a part of the process.
5. You realise how strong you are. To carry on with life after experiencing pain like you’ve never imagined just shows you how strong you truly are. I think we as humans are so incredible to go through this and keep going.
6. No one really talks about grief. I can understand why because it’s such a powerful topic, but after being opened to such a different world, I think it’s so important to discuss it. It’s probably the most challenging time you’ll ever have, so why don’t we talk about this? If we don’t, how can other people feel supported when they are going through the same thing?
7. People forget and get on with their lives. Which is understandable, but sometimes frustrating too.
8. People don’t know what to say. I’ve been there, so I know that this is true. Sometimes there is nothing to be said, other times just a hug or a ‘I’m here if you need me’ can help.
9. Having support from other loved ones who are feeling all the same things you are, is a massive rock to hold on to. It reminds you that you are not alone in this.