So I’ve the started the new year the way I wanted, prioritising where my focus and energy needs to be at this given time in my life. It’s amazing how pure exhaustion and sleep deprivation can make you more focussed and determined but it is something that’s been on my mind and heart for a while.

It’s been a mixture of emotions, I have felt a lot of guilt. Saying no or I can’t doesn’t sit easy with me but there has also been an enormous feeling of relief. I am focusing on giving myself breathing space, areas of calm and a chance to grow in the direction I want to.

Why is looking after ourselves so hard? Is it a female thing? My husband has no problem with saying no in most areas, sometimes without a second thought. He does not twist himself up inside and second guess himself. He makes the decision based on his needs and time. Whilst sometimes this drives me mad I do admire his commitment to himself.

Every book or information I read tells me that self care is a must, that to be a better wife, Mama or generally better I need to rest and recharge yet I never seem to block time into my diary, or I give it up easily.

So yes whilst I’m feeling a lot of mixed emotions I know I’m taking the first steps in the right direction. I’m making plans just for me and beside Daniel’s health I am not changing them for anything else. I can already feel the change in myself. Right now I’m fighting a cold virus and whilst I feel blooming awful I don’t feel pulled apart by all the people I would have perceived in my head to have let down.

So I’ve started as I mean to go on. I now only have to reorganise the house, look closely at my finances and get some more sleep and I will be well on my way to a more relaxed 2019.

Here’s hoping.