I did a thing on Canva because I couldn't think of a picture to take and I need the practice. I'm useless when it comes to anything pictures.
For the first time, I'm looking back on a month with a somewhat critical eye. I've missed writing down a few spends, and I've let the lists slip a little. However I'm going to keep going with both. I'm not going to let a stumble stop me.
I've submitted a couple of things to anthologies and I'm happy that I've done that. I'm starting to look at my writing in a more critical way. I've listed blankets on eBay which I've been putting off for months, and I've been just a little more proactive. I still haven't planted the chilli seeds, but I'm confident that will happen in the next day or two.
My mental health has improved and I don't know why. I don't like putting too much doom and gloom on here, but I'm usually pretty close to needing professional intervention and I have been all my adult life. Suddenly things are just a little better and I'm hopeful that I can start slowly improving physical and mental health. It all feels very odd. It's nice, but it's still odd and unfamiliar, though long may it continue!
All in all, there have been lots of very tiny steps in the right direction. It's not been a miracle, but it's like the first shoots of the bulbs and the first buds on the trees. I just need to keep going. I'll be honest, February is usually the lowest time of year for me, so if I can manage the smallest efforts, I'll be thrilled.
So I would take January as a win. I think I'll try and set some more goals for February and see how I go.
And as I hadn't taken a pic of anything useful today, here's the blanket I've continued to work on until I decide what to do about the scarf with the new yarn. It's very nearly finished so perhaps I can list it this week as well.
Hugs and good health to all.
Sounds like some really good steps were made this month! A stumble is ok, it's making sure you don't let it drag you down and give up entirely. I look at each new month as a new start. If I haven't done so great one month, I know that I can start again the next. I really need to work on the lists.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way of looking at things. The lists really help when I use them.
DeleteI find January to be my most difficult month, usually. Even though it's not really longer, it seems like it somehow. I feel like it drags on and on, although this January didn't seem as bad. I am glad it is behind us though. Last December was my worst month by far. I had 2 weeks of anxiety that really took its toll. I didn't hardly eat anything, and I would have moments where I thought my heart was going to beat its way out of my chest. I did force myself to eat some oatmeal and my husband brought home some fast food one night, which I ate a bit of. Toast and tea on a couple of days but it was a challenge. In my effort to self-analyze, I wondered if it was the year catching up with me as I lost my dad, my brother-in-law and my cousin, once removed within a couple of months. We had the threat of losing our house insurance due to a shed in need of repair. (Behind us now, as shed is in better shape than the house.) And then we lost one of our cats while having her 3rd treatment to remove fluid from around her heart. Her sweet, little body just couldn't take one more treatment and she died during the procedure. We spent crazy money to try to help her, which made her passing a little easier to accept, knowing we did all we could. It was still difficult, and we miss her dearly. I wonder if you have SAD issues. Maybe one of those lights would help with your mental health? I don't know, personally. We have a lot of cloudy days here also, but I think England seems to have quite a bit more overall. I hope February is not as challenging as you've had in the past. At least it's a few days shorter than January. Take care. Ranee
ReplyDeleteSending all the hugs after such a dreadful year. I feel that sometimes your body waits until you feel safe enough to react and then you get hit with everything all at once. I hope that you're doing better now. So sorry for all of those dreadful losses. I hope that this year will be kinder to you.
DeleteYou're right - England specialises in grey weather. This summer was particulary bad as it was very overcast and dull and I suspect I'm not the only one that didn't get a full battery recharge. I'm hoping that February will be a little easier this year, but I'll wait and see. SAD is a definite possibility.
Please take care of yourself after that year. It takes time to get through all of those shocks.
As Sharon said, each month is a new beginning. A fresh start.
ReplyDeleteThe blanket is lovely! I love those sunny, bright colors!
Thank you - the blanket was so easy to knit. A new start usually allows a pump of new energy, and I need it!
DeleteThat scarf is so cheerful, no-one could see it and not smile.
ReplyDeleteFebruary is a miserable month, but it's short - not THAT short, but shorter. My mother always hated this month.
February is a dreadful month.
DeleteI'm glad you like the scarf. Unfortunately it was meant to be a blanket - but I'm thinking bright wrap absolutely works!