Hello chic friends :)
I am nearing completion of my next book - it's a big one so is taking a little longer. Thirty Chic Days. Vol 3 is almost here! I had the whole of January off from writing, and started back again this month. It has been nice to step away from the online world and I would thoroughly recommend it if you find you feel overwhelmed by 'everything' out there.
There is something about being present in your own 'real life' that grounds and settles your heart. It's been something I've been thinking about a lot. I'd be interested in hearing your perspective - do you feel happier and more content when you spend more time in your own life rather than being sidetracked into the online world? Even if there are lots of lovely people online too - not just influencers :)
The kinds of things I've been doing are all related to slow living:
Preparing our meals at home with time and intention
Decluttering our home - I have been enjoying Dawn at The Minimal Mom's videos
Going for walks outside with the doggies - not even listening to anything, just enjoying nature
Writing, of course!
Hanging laundry outside and folding it when it's dry
Picking the deadheads off my favourite red-orange geraniums
Keeping in touch with family and friends (including travel within New Zealand)
Playing around in my wardrobe and creating new outfits
Basically pottering around and looking at all the ways I can simplify. I forget that it's not just a one-time thing. We will always have new items and requests on our time coming in, and we have to also let some things out. I feel better when my life is more simple. It settles the mind and helps with my habit of overthinking. It feels peaceful and gentle. And grounded.
Sometimes things are just in our life because they are there, and we forget that we can take a look at everything critically. We have a choice. At the end of our life are we going to look back and think, 'I made everyone else happy and left myself a frazzled husk'? I know I am being overdramatic here but it's true. We can only give to others when we give to ourselves.
I hope you are safe, well and happy where you are. All my best to you, and I will see you soon with my next book!
xx Fiona
