So now I’ve quit my job, I thought I’d document my journey as I take the steps to create my new life. And what better title to give this series of blog-logs than The Freedom Diaries.
My plan is to publish a new diary each week with the discoveries I’ve made, steps I’ve taken and my current thoughts. It will be a way to track my progress while I explore this new way of being in the world.
When I left work last week, my plan was to have a restful week and allow myself some space and time to reflect. It seems the universe had other plans…
Reunited after a year – Hello Nanna!
My week got off to an amazing start as I was able to visit my Nanna for the first time in a year. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the story, she fell two days into the UK lockdown last year and broke her leg. An event which marked the beginning of a slippery slope of events which ultimately ended with her going into a care home.
However, Termi-Nanna (think Terminator but Nanna-style – instead of “I’ll be back”, it’s “Ooh me back!”) withstood the trials that life threw at her and is still going strong. There’s something about the elderly generation and their kick-ass determination that I admire. Anyway, I digress…
So with the easing of restrictions in the UK, the number of visitors Nanna was allowed expanded and I was able to see her for the first time since last August. I walked in feeling like an emotional wreck, Nanna, on the other hand, was more concerned about the fact that we’d arrived without the sausage roll that she’d been promised on my Mum’s last visit.
Let’s just say, the lack of a sausage roll was a welcome distraction and perfect ice-breaker for our reunion and I’ll make sure I don’t turn up empty-handed when I visit her again next week.
Doing the goodbye dance
On Tuesday, I attended my Great-Aunt’s funeral with my Dad. Sadly, my Mum was unable to attend due to being unwell, so I went on her behalf.
It was a lovely service and as we left the crematorium we were asked to dance down the aisle to Bring Me Sunshine by Morecambe & Wise, which brought much laughter to the day.
But another thing that tickled me (and a few of the other guests) was when we found out that the service was being held in a marquee because the crematorium had burnt down. To me, this has a spark of comedy genius to it and I’m sure my Aunt would have appreciated the humour!
It’s me teef gov’nor
The week ended with a trip to the vets for poor Jasper. He needed some teeth removing, which for a 16 year old cat is with kidney disease is no easy feat.
After dropping him off in the morning, the day was spent trying to busy ourselves to avoid clockwatching and fretting. The vets wanted to keep him on fluids for as long as possible, so we weren’t able to pick him up until 6.30pm. I’d love to say that he returned home in his usual chilled out mode, but he spent the evening in a restless state, miaowing and unable to decide if he wanted cuddling or to be alone.
So it’s been a sleepless night for all. However, I’m pleased to report that Jasper is now more steady on his feet and is gently snoring beside me as I type this. I’ll be keeping a close eye on him to make sure that he’s recovering and hopefully we’ll have our happy snuggle-puss back soon.
Staying balanced – Riding the emotional storm
So it’s been a very emotional week on so many levels and it’s not quite the first week of freedom that I envisaged. My plan was to have a restful couple of weeks after leaving work, but the universe had other plans.
One thing I always try to do is make space for lovely things and here are some of the things that have helped me stay balanced this week:
- Taking care of my physical health – Each morning I’ve made time to move my body through yoga, running or working out.
- Journalling – Making time to journal every morning helps me to declutter my mind and approach each day from a place of clarity.
- Tarot – I always pull a daily tarot card. It’s such a useful tool for self-reflection. If you want to see my daily card, check out my Instagram stories & see if it resonates with you.
- Reading – It feels like such a privilege to be able to escape into a book. My current read is Women Who Run with the Wolves. It’s such a magical and insighful book.
- Cooking – I was gifted with some fresh beetroot, so I made this delicious Beetroot, Chickpea and Coconut Curry. Taking time to cook nutritious, delicious food feels like a blessing.
- Blogging – Hello, I’m so grateful that you’ve taken the time to peek into my little world. I hope you’re enjoying my mind meanderings.
Going with the flow
So my week turned out to be nothing like I envisaged but sometimes you just have to go with the flow. When life takes you on these unexpected journeys, you just need to strap yourself in and go with it. Take the time to pause and reconnect with yourself as much as you can.
I wonder if the universe will play ball next week? I have some exciting things planned, so let’s see how it unfolds. But for now, I’m going to cuddle up with the little snuggle-puss who has crept onto my knee and is gently purring.
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Image courtesy of Negin Bahramii