But I Smile Anyway…

“My birthday is a great achievement in life. It reminds me of where I am coming from and where I am going. Happy birthday to me!”

~Anon~

Thanks, Spidey, for prompting me to do a little self-celebration today.

Yes, it is my birthday.

48 years young, and though there are days when I am certainly feeling the years go by, I still think there is an 18-year-old lurking inside…

Anywho, I hope today will be a lovely day.

Nothing too overwhelming, as I have school tomorrow, but still, a memorable one.

I have no clue, as I write this, what the family have planned… if anything!

But I will say (perhaps a little cheekily) that if you wanted to make my day a little brighter (if you haven’t already…), you could get yourself a copy of one or both of my books, and if you already have them, and have read them, maybe pop a review on Amazon or Goodreads for me!

https://mybook.to/MarriageUnarranged

https://mybook.to/StraightAsAJalebi

So, Peeps, do you enjoy birthdays? 😊

“Talking is so important. But so is listening.”

~Anon~

So true, Spidey.

I love talking. And when I cannot talk, I enjoy typing those thoughts. It is so therapeutic.

But as much as I know it is important to free your mind of certain burdens by talking, it is just as crucial as listening to others.

They have the same need to talk and let go.

And if you want people to listen to you, there comes a time when you need to be prepared to be that sensitive listener, too.

I like to talk, lots, but I like to think I am as good a listener to those who need it, too.

So, Peeps, what do you think? Are you a good listener? 😊

“The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.”

~Steve Maraboli~

Something really meaningful there, Spidey, thank you.

It’s not as easy as it seems to let things go.

We can see people out there holding onto something that is slowly turning their life upside down, and we can advise them to let it go.

Because we know that is usually the best way to carry on with life.

But when that same wisdom is turned onto ourselves, sometimes we forget to take our own advice.

I’m generally pretty good at letting things go, but I am human, too, and sometimes I find that. I am holding onto stuff I cannot change unless others are willing, so that is something I have realised more and more recently.

I have to let it go.

I can deal with it when the time is right, but not worry myself sick over something I cannot alter.

The time will come.

Until then, I can unburden myself.

Get a little respite.

So, Peeps, are you able to let things go? 😊

“A negative mind will never give you a positive life.”

~Unknown~

What a great quote, Spidey!

I am a firm believer in the power of positivity.

I’ve always touted myself as a ‘glass half full’ kinda gal all my adult life.

I was probably that when I was younger, too, but I didn’t consciously think about it.

But even the most positive person can flag when they are exhausted.

That was definitely me last week, possibly before I realised I was experiencing burnout… (Which I mentioned last week).

It was becoming tough to see the light. That negativity was seeping into each and every aspect of my thinking as tiredness leeched my energy away.

But you know what it’s like. You can’t just switch off from everything. If only it were that easy.

At least I was on school holidays. I can’t stop being a mum but I can ease off other responsibilities. This was why I took the decision to stop forcing myself to write since I couldn’t even think straight.

And even though this is my opportune word time, what with the stresses of work gone, I knew that if I carried on pushing, I would break.

I have begun to feel a bit better this last week.

I had time with my best friend when she came over for a few days. There have been good moments with the kids, too.

And we have a short break planned, too, so I have that to look forward to.

It feels like there is plenty to think positively about, and just that thought has made me feel so much better.

Here’s to the spark igniting again in a healthier way!

So, Peeps, how do you bring yourself back to thinking positively? 😊

“Burn bright, not out.”

Hamza Khan

This speaks volumes, Spidey. Thank you for this quote.

I listed all the things that I need to do over the summer, last Sunday, and after the first few days of my summer holidays, I felt quite positive, but this week has been a bit different.

Maybe I am coming down with something, or maybe my body is really screaming at me to just shut off for a while.

So, this past week, I did that. I had intentions of writing every day. Even if I could hit 1k words every day, that would be me, happy.

But aside from scheduling a few posts, and around 1.5k words since Monday, I realised I was trying to pour from a very empty jug.

I gave myself permission to switch off from my writing, which gives me so much pleasure, but equally, can stress me out, especially if I am writing substandard words because I am too tired.

I had a couple of appointments to attend, as well as a wedding for a very special couple, plus a shopping trip planned with the in-laws. None of these could be rescheduled.

But I could choose when to write my words.

I cannot hit burnout because I have a deadline. My words and stories are important to me, and they need to come as and when they are ready.

Life has been so busy/hard recently, I have to give myself a break.

We managed to book a short break away, too, because I think the whole family needs it.

The words will flow, soon enough, I am sure. But I am not going to dim my glow just to write when I am not in the right place. I cannot go back to school in September already burnt out.

So, Peeps, do you remember to give yourself permission to switch off? 😊