Good Vibes Only

If it weren’t for the small positive moments that I’ve appreciated lately I could have easily written off the past week entirely. I’ve had a silly amount of anxiety attacks that have been upsetting not only because they’ve come out of the blue but also as they suck the life out of you. I’ve somehow managed to get my work done and have a social life, however if I owe you an email, phone call or text, please bear with me whilst I focus on the basics – making future plans is super hard right now.

As for those small positive moments, I’m determined to let them shine bright because they have helped me appreciate the day when my body has simply wanted to hunker down. Good vibes all the way today…

Otter/mink spotting

I saw an otter (or a mink) on the canal last week. A mere 100 yards from where I was standing, chatting to a friend. I’ve never seen either before and we both just stood there in awe, feeling very lucky. Nature is always surprising and it constantly reminds me how lucky we are to be on this earth of ours.

Spring wardrobe

We’ve been graced with a sprinkling of spring-like days lately and I’ve managed to get my arms, ankles and sunglasses out on a few occasions. Even if these spring days are sparse that’s fine with me, as long as I can get a taste of sunshine and warmth here and there, and try out a few new pieces of clothing I’ve been itching to wear. My Harlequin ballet flats from British shoe brand Taylor Blake are new to my wardrobe and are set to be a staple for the coming season. I love how versatile they are and how quickly they add a little style to a very basic outfit like the one above. Jazz a plain t-shirt with a statement necklace and you’ve got a day-to-night outfit all ready to go. Find out more about the brand via the link above!

Night out

We haven’t been ‘out-out’ on an evening in a long time but we did manage to schedule in a couple of nights off lately drinking cocktails with family and friends and watching the newly released Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars documentary at the cinema. I’m looking forward to seeing Certain Women and Beauty and the Beast soon…and a few more vodka martinis at our local bar!

End of the Road Festival

If you’re looking for an instant pick-me-up get yourself a festival ticket. We did just that last week. Bill Callahan was announced as one of the headliners at this year’s End of the Road Festival and I’m beside myself (I love him so much). The festival is now a firm favourite of mine from intimate gigs in the woods and amazing festival food (hello Pad Thai and Poutine) to relaxed vibes and a disco ship. This was the first festival I came away from feeling completely chilled out (and I’ve been to a lot). Roll on summer!

Outfit Details: T-Shirt via ASOS (old)| Straight Leg Jeans via Primark| Bag via M&S | Ballet Flats c/o Taylor Blake | Watch via The Fifth Watches| Marylebone Bracelet c/o Lola Rose

New books

I’ve been keeping up with my reading (my main resolution this year), although I seem to be adding to my collection rather than reading the unread books I’ve had for a while now. Even if I read only a few pages a day, or binge read half a book in an evening I’m finally making it part of my everyday and that’s all I’ve wanted. It really helps me calm down and stay away from unhealthy distractions that wind me up. Next on my to read list is Sarah Knight’s Get Your Sh*t Together and The Mistletoe Bride and other Haunting Tales by Kate Mosse…once I’ve finished the Princess Diarist by the brilliant Carrie Fisher.

Roller Derby

I had a couple of training sessions off over my birthday break (so I could get all boozy) but I was back to it last week and managed to get my personal best at a skill called 27 in 5 (you basically have to skate 27 times around the track within 5 minutes). Now I’ve done this (it’s taken me FOREVER) I can be rostered on the team and play other leagues across the UK. Exciting times! P.S I’m ignoring the fact I had an mild anxiety attack after I did it. Focus on the good, focus on the good…

More grand things

Filling the bird feeder, eating my first Easter egg of the year (I love being an adult), planning our next Alzheimer’s sponsored walk/run, playing with my new camera lens, watching Crufts, finding a new dog walking route which ends at a pub (hurrah!) and listening to Tom Robinson’s Radio 6 Music Blue Sky playlist in support of mental health awareness – so, so good.