I’ve always quite liked January, partly because of the hopefulness of a new year but also because my dad’s birthday falls in the middle of the month, which always gives us something to look forward to and celebrate after Christmas. This year, my dad came up to stay with us over his birthday weekend, and we took a wrapped up walk around Mugdock Country Park together. My dad hasn’t had the easiest time over the last few years, so I feel very lucky and grateful to watch my daughter and her “papa” playing and laughing together now.
Over the last few weeks, there has been a gradual return to our normal routines. Our daughter has returned to nursery, playgroup and toddler sensory, while my husband and I have resumed work, though I’m still mostly based at home with just one day in the office.
As the weather has been fairly mild, usually in single figures but rarely dipping below zero, we’ve been able to get out to the playparks and letting our toddler zoom around the cul-de-sac on her scooter. It’s quite a contrast from last January when it was so cold that we watched people ice-skating on the frozen ponds in the park and we were still under lockdown. We did have a little bit of snow at the start of the month and had fun throwing snowballs at each other in the garden before it melted.
The weekend just passed was a busy one, starting with toddler sensory which involved a bumped head and a nose bleed, lots of tears and cuddles, coffee with our neighbours in the afternoon, and a solo trip to visit my mum chatting over tea and helping her with a few odd jobs around the house and garden.
January has flown in, it’s been a busy month, but one full of family fun and togetherness. Over the next couple of months, I’ll be prioritising self-care, for me that means yoga and reading, cutting down on junk food, caffeine and alcohol, but also reducing the amount of time I spend scrolling on my phone, and spending more time with family and friends. Take care, and have a lovely week. X
lovely and grateful 
January is definitely the month of self care. I decided this year to go for a January recharge instead of making any resolutions and it has made it feel like a much more gentle and kinder month. Wishing you a lovely week too.
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I think starting diets and joining the gym is so out of sync with the seasons, winter is definitely the time to rest and recharge.
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I quite like January these days. After deciding a few years ago never to re join weight watchers or any other slimming club agaun~ which I used to do every January for years. Every January! I’m much happier with myself these days. Hope your Dad had a nice birthday. X
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I could rant all day about the diet industry but to keep it brief they don’t actually want people to lose weight because they’ll lose all their customers. All things in moderation, life’s too short to make yourself miserable by counting every calorie and denying every treat. X
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Exactly! X
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As someone who reached Goal twice and one near miss, no diets didn’t work for me. Beyond caring now. Love your family pictures!
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Sounds like a good month. Your Dad’s birthday walk sounds lovely. I like your self care approach. It’s a good way to look at things – just looking after ourselves. Have a good month x
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