Visual Inspiration

Having recently commenced studying again I decided my work life needed a little reorganising. 

As a work-from-home freelance writer and full-time mum, life is chaotic enough, without adding a whole bunch of disorganised text books and study notes to the mix. 

So after a spot of online shopping at Kikki-K to stock up on stationary, I've finally created myself a little workspace - more like a study nook - which fits snuggly in a corner of my home, with easy access and a continuous view of my two boys (though most of my work is done once they're safely tucked in bed!).

I've adorned it with things that are special to me, including photos, my kids' drawings, a poem from my mum, a card from my husband etc. 

While madly clicking away during my stationary shopping spree, I spontaneously bought a so-called "visual diary". 

My husband is a huge advocate of visual inspiration, so I thought - "why not?" - I'll create my own little book of inspiration. 

I imaged myself cutting out pictures of beautiful home decor, fit and healthy families, yummy recipes and my favourite quotes. 


So far, though, the book remains empty, though placed front and centre of my desk waiting patiently to be filled. 

It's not for lack of interest, more a time issue  - as in I don't have any after spending time with/feeding/cleaning the kids, managing the house, writing, studying, practising piano/guitar, life in general... 

I want to though. 

So, I'm wondering - is it worth the time? Do you have a visual diary or any other type of visual inspiration and if so, do you value it? 

It's never too late to make a change

So it's already April (almost) and I'm only now writing my first blog post.

It's been a busy year so far. But in a good way.

Last year (and the year prior) weren't so good.  They were tough.  Real tough.

A blurry haze of tiredness, anxiety, sadness and frustration, peppered, of course, with lashings of joy brought by my children, family and friends.

So when 2013 reared its head...  I decided this was the year to dedicate some time and energy to myself.

I made a decision to refocus on my health and wellbeing, both of which had suffered the effects of neglect.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I've always been a lazy eater (hello packaged goods) and a lazy exerciser (as in not doing any).

So I decided to begin with the food, starting with an increase in vegetables (I've eaten more fresh vegetables in the past two months than I have in the past year).  I also started cooking.  As opposed to, say, opening jars of pre-made sauce or popping frozen food on an oven tray.

The extra time required to cook and clean dishes was well worth it as I noticed increased energy within a month.

Despite being up multiple times a night with the kids I felt significantly less lethargic and tired, meaning I was more willing to play the sorts of games that little boys enjoy during the day.

But the difference wasn't just physical, I felt better mentally also - cheerful and happy and bouncy - like the old me, the real me.

With all the extra energy I decided to give exercise a go.  After always claiming I didn't have the time or energy, I now did have the energy - so decided to make the time too.  I began by doing it in the bathroom while the kids had their bath.

I'm proud to say I've stuck with it.  In fact, I've come to enjoy it.  I even bought a treadmill!

I feel so great that I've been desperate to share my newfound health and wellbeing equilibrium - and not wanting to be that person who updates their Facebook status with life-changing epiphanies, I thought here was the place to do just that.

The other decision I made this year was that finally, at 31 years of age, I would begin piano lessons.

With the encouragement of my parents, I stopped using my children or my husband's business travel or being too old as an excuse and found a teacher who could come to my home after 7.30pm to teach me on an old keyboard we bought for the kids.

I've told myself if I stick with it until my birthday in June, I'll reward myself with an actual piano.

And finally, there's books. Precious, precious books... I've returned to my favourite habit of reading before bed, inhaling so many books since Christmas the story lines began morphing into each other.

And the best bit for me is that none of this has interfered with time spent with my children, or my writing - in fact I'd say it's improved both.

I still have a ways to go in terms of improving unhealthy habits and learning new skills, but the most important lesson I've learnt is it's never too late to make a change!

Have you changed your lifestyle or habits in later life? Or taken on a new hobby as an adult?