Categories
Recommendations Review Writing

Top 5: advice from a writer starting out

I would class myself as a writer. Yes, I’m a writer. I have had things published both online and in print, but I have by no means made it. In fact, I am at the very beginning of my career (if I can even call it that yet).

I blog (as anyone reading this already knows), I write for an online blog (paid, but not much), I desperately try to get commissioned for more articles for a variety of publications and I am working hard to get my first novel polished up so it is ready to send out.

Whether you’re a writer also, perhaps more experienced (which isn’t hard) and haven’t yet come across these useful materials, or simply interested in the writing industry and want to learn more about it, then here are five helpful sources for you to check out whenever you get a chance.

So far they have helped me, inspired me and deeply interest me. Here goes.

The Bookseller

I came across The Bookseller website on recommendation from a research source that I was using and so far I have found it fabulous.

The Bookseller has been the magazine of the book trade since 1888 reporting on all important news and trends within the industry. I personally have found it so great because like just about everything since 1888 it’s moved on and is no longer just a magazine. Now, with a small subscription fee you gain access to the most useful information in so many different forms.

From the official website bringing breaking news and a blog, to the magazine itself and everything in between. My favorite means of accessing this material is through the monthly podcasts containing interviews with authors, the book doctors giving advice on what to read and why, and comments upon general trends in terms of what is selling as well as useful discussions about the complexity of genre, for example. Trust me, this source is fab.

Writing Magazine

I have subscribed to the Writing Magazine for over a year now.

Although bombarding myself with the amount of information inside each monthly issue can seem overwhelming from time to time, having a glance each month, a longer look at what interests me and a pile by my desk to address when needing information or inspiration about writing is crucial to my work and interests.

Not to mention my letter getting published on the Letters to the Editor page in December, that was pretty cool.

Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook

Since undertaking my degree I have leaned on the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook as a bible for my future career and a recommendation by every tutor that I had. The huge volume is packed full of everything you need to know from how to write to which agents to approach when sending out your first manuscript.

It contains agent and publisher listings, magazine and newspaper listings, articles about specific topics from the traditions such as writing a cover letter and what to include in your synopsis, to tackling the most current issues like self-publishing.

Twitter

Twitter is so useful in so many ways. Not only does it keep you right up to date with celebrity gossip, trending news and the latest remarks from Katie Hopkins, but it is very handy in the literary world as well.

I follow every agent and publisher I have ever approached, I follow many authors too and more recently I have been using my personal profile purely from a writing perspective which has in turn increased my following from people within the writing community too.

It is a quick, easy to use and important thing to have both to learn about current writing news and trends as well as upping your following and trying to get both your name and your work out there. Follow me if you wish @MillsWriting

Reading

It almost goes without saying but by far one of the most important and beneficial things to do when trying to become a better writer is to read, read and read some more.

Having recently finished a first draft of a first novel, I can tell you from experience and I know that my work is better when I have been actively reading more alongside my writing.

Reading gives you ideas, inspiration, stylistic tips and the chance to discover what works for you and what doesn’t.

So there we have it, just a few ideas for some useful material if you wish to improve your writing skills, learn more about the industry or merely listen to some interesting discussions about books. Enjoy!

Categories
Observations Seasonal

5 things that make February great that isn’t Valentines Day

Hello to all you singletons out there, or those in happy relationships who steer well clear of the mushy, gushy romantic yet commercial products that come with Valentines Day.

The heart shaped balloons in all card shops and petrol stations; the cards plastered with ‘I love you’ followed by lengthy verses declaring this love with empty words; the chocolates and sweets that never sell so us lone rangers wait for them to be discounted after the big day is over so we can indulge in the tastiness while binge watching Netflix on our own – bliss.

I may sound rather cynical and though I would happily welcome a relationship into my life, I highly doubt that Valentines Day would be an occasion that I would celebrate – I simply don’t see the point.

I’m all for telling friends and family I love them every day, declaring our love for one another more enthusiastically after a few too many G&T’s at the pub and I am sure I would be the same with my partner, all very true expressions of love. However, Valentines goes that extra mile and quite frankly makes me want to spew.

After filling up at the BP Garage yesterday and witnessing the scenes, I thought I would share with you five things that I think make February a short but sweet month. Here is all that is great about February minus the Valentines garbage.

February means eggs

Yes, though Easter is still a long way off, the British marketing teams don’t fail to impress by bringing out eggs into stores before the end of the festive season. The aisle are filled with tasty delights just when everybody is trying to shift the pounds that they gained over Christmas.

But really, can anyone refrain from demolishing entire packs of Galaxy Golden Eggs in one sitting? Delicious!

February brings lighter days

Yesterday was the first time in as long as I can remember that I walked to work at seven thirty in the morning and it was light. No more torch on to guide me, no more slipping on ice (I hope), no more checking the time to see if I have left an hour or two early by mistake becasue who wants to start work in the dark?!

Not only are the mornings getting lighter but the evenings are drawing out too. I do love the elongated days that we are so lucky to have in England. This was one thing I found when travelling the world. In Australia despite the glorious sunshine throughout the day, it still got dark at 6pm or just after.

Bring on the long nights, the pub garden post work in the bright sunshine and perhaps time for a morning walk too.

February welcomes snowdrops and daffodils

At risk of sounding fifty years older than I am, I noticed the snowdrops coming out on our dog walk the other day and recently too I have seen the start of daffodils creeping up from the ground.

The winter months draw out and after the stunning scenes that autumn brings when the leaves turn a warm orange in contrast to the temperature outside, the bareness of winter can get you down. Seeing the beauty that is spring developing through February is another great thing about this month.

February means warmth

FINALLY, after so long there is hope that in the not too distant future we will be able to venture outdoors without our coats on. No scarf, no gloves, no hat, no layers!

For the first time in a long while I felt the heat of the sun on my back yesterday and it felt good.

February is short

In opposition to January, February is the shortest month of the year and will fly by bringing March. Not wanting to wish my life away but merely looking forward to the positivity that comes with spring and summer.

Happy people, happy days, sunshine, cocktails, lighter brighter months and so much more.

So whether you’re single or not, if you like the soppy romantic lark or loathe it, there is so much in this short month of February to be happy about.

On that note, I best get this post published before the month is out!

Categories
Adulthood Observations

6 ways I know I am exiting the January blues

It’s January and don’t we know it. The memes have flooded social media claiming that January has in fact over a hundred and fifty days in it and everyone quite frankly wants to tell it to bugger off. We feel stuck.

I was one hundred per cent with everybody on this until I entered the final week of this gloomy month. I hadn’t noticed that I had been suffering with the January blues. The flat period once Christmas and New Year are all over and everybody is fat and skint, it hadn’t bothered me. I thought.

It wasn’t until the other day when I suddenly felt brighter, more energetic and found myself doing more with a positive attitude that I thought perhaps my gloomier spirits over the past month couldn’t simply be justified by my period or just another rubbish day and here’s what I’ve discovered I’m doing to illustrate my exit out of the January blues.

I am drinking less coffee

Coffee keeps me going. I begin every day with a cup of the good stuff and it is my favorite smell in the morning to welcome the day in. There’s nothing quite like the warm beverage soothing your insides while filling your nostrils with contentment and also providing a large kick up the backside to get you started with the day ahead.

Yet recently, well, since my boosted spirits came along last week, I have noticed my consumption of caffeine has decreased. Whether it’s because I am getting energy from being happier and doing more creating an upwards spiral or whether it’s all in my head and I am still drinking an unhealthy amount, I feel better for it, though still solely rely on that initial cup to get me going.

I am appreciating the sunshine

I love the sun, doesn’t everyone? But lately I have noticed it so much more. Days where no cloud lingers in the sky above and the view out of my bedroom window while I work sits there looking fabulously inviting have stuck with me. Each day when I walk I fixate on the weather and the sunnier walks recently have left me feeling happy from within.

In fact, over the past week I have noticed that I am appreciating everything more. I have always been one to sway to the negative side of things and chuck my dummy out of the pram at any minor inconvenience in life, returning a few moments later to realise it’s not that big a deal. But lately I am appreciating everything more from the glorious scenes that the weather brings to my work space to a hot mug of tea to half an hour to myself to read a good book. Everything.

I am taking in more

Though none of us understand the Brexit chaos and everything that comes with it, I have recently been more actively involved in the news and tried desperately hard to understand it, while still convinced that no politician that is interviewed on TV understands what they are talking about anyway.

When driving around in my car I would have in the past always had music on, especially during the darker months of the year in attempt to try to cheer me up but lately I have opted for Podcasts.

Not only have I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing feel of having a companion with me at all times, discussing important and interesting topics, but I have also listened and taken in all that they say rather than shutting off temporarily and returning to the episode confused.

I am getting less frustrated on a daily basis

I’m a girl, I am young and by no means perfect so I do get easily irritated by the ignorant actions of others most hours of most days.

However, with my newly improved mindset since exiting the January blues I have found that no longer am I jumping to anger and frustration as an exaggerated reaction to something that won’t matter to me in five minutes let alone five years. Instead it is taking longer for me to have to rationalise my response because I am rarely hitting that level of annoyance.

In other words my temper, patience and everything in between has lengthened and for that I am proud.

I am making more of an effort

From my outfit to my health I am suddenly making more of an effort. Not much more, I confess, I am never going to be one of those girls who gets up an hour before leaving the house in order to perfectly straighten my hair, redo my makeup five times and choose my outfit for the week, but I am making more of an effort than I have been over the past two months or so.

No longer do I fall out of bed five minutes before leaving just in time to brush my teeth and not worry about anything else, but I leave a little time for properly applied makeup and to ensure my outfit has had some amount of thought over it.

I am also consciously caring about my health and attempting to eat less and do more to shift a few pounds before the spring. I am only a few weeks in and already feeling great, despite putting on a pound and ripping a hole in the bum of my jeans last week. We’ll not discuss that.

I am generally feeling happier

Aside from the specifics, in general, I feel much happier, positive and excited for the future. I am finding I am more creative with my writing and the ideas are constantly buzzing around my head for novels, blog posts and various other projects when before I was struggling to come up with a topic to write about each week.

I am also finding that I am being more productive and once I have finished my work for the last few days I have tidied my room, sorted files and made notes with enough time to read lots and listen to podcasts and radio shows as well.

The future is bright as they say and I think we can safely take this saying quite literally as we head into February, with spring just around the corner.

Britain may be exiting the EU, but I am exiting the January blues.

Categories
Adulthood Observations

One for the road

Picture this.

A weekend. You. Poorly you. Recovering from a cold that had you struggling to stay awake beyond ten o’clock on a Saturday night. A wild game of Monopoly accompanied by, wait, NO WINE. You couldn’t face it.

Sunday morning. A dose of night nurse and a good night sleep had you feeling better but still far from 100%. An easy Sunday morning and a fresh dog walk in the sunshine bumped this up a notch but still you were nowhere near your whole healthy self.

A birthday. A birthday of a good friend brought you to the pub. You had said you weren’t planning on drinking much because you didn’t think it would help with your cold so you would probably opt for a nice Irish coffee. Show your face for a drink, a caffeinated drink with a little kick, and wish your friend a “Happy Birthday” then leave. How sensible is that?

4 o’clock. Gin number 3. Still not drunk but well on the way and what happened to your cold?

5 o’clock. Heading elsewhere. “You’re coming to the house to drink some more of what you don’t need aren’t you?” Of course you were. But just for one. Really truly honesty, just for one.

A few hours later and certainly having consumed more than “just the one”. Gin number 7. Dancing on the kitchen floor, forgotten you were ever feeling rough and not even considering the morning.

The road. Oh that famous, ever lengthening road. Just as you’re ready to leave, your coat is in sight and you’ve located your shoes, someone comes up with the bright idea of having one more alcoholic beverage “for the road”.

I’m telling you from experience, that road is the world’s longest road.

The hangover. Just about getting up ready to face the day. Crawling away from your heavy covers to your beauty parlor to help make you look better than you feel.

Work. The struggle but the unhelpful knowledge that it is entirely your fault, completely self inflicted and the thoughts about not drinking again. Definitely not drinking that evening. Perhaps not all week. In fact, right now the thought of alcohol makes you want to vomit.

The videos. The footage comes to haunt you. Photographs and video clips reminding you of how drunk you were, how stupid you were being and how awful your are at singing, luckily the clips don’t show your dancing. Clips that you don’t remember taking.

Never again. Never again.

Next time. Despite declaring yourself teetotal and vowing never to drink another Gin & Tonic, you find yourself back on it eight hours later, consuming Sauvignon Blanc with a friend. Here comes that almighty road. “Let’s just have one more for the road!”

Sound familiar, we’ve all been there.

 

Categories
Writing

If 2018 was a day

Blue sky with clouds sun light ; Shutterstock ID 1025703292

I realise that it’s now two weeks into the New Year but the January blues have seemed to hit my creative spirits and I am struggling to come up with an idea for a blog post this week.

I turned to Writing Magazine for inspiration and here is what I have come up with using one of their writing exercises – there’s always a way out if you’re struggling with a lack of creativity!

If 2018 was a day it would be one of the kind that is mostly bright and sunny with a little bit of darkness in the background.

Not total darkness but grey patches of clouds when you’re sat in the garden in the summer and suddenly feel as though it may rain.

A shiver trickles down your spine when you consider going to get a jumper, yet those glorious snippets of sunshine that put a beaming smile on your face return and lift your spirits, encouraging good thoughts and feelings.

Then the sky turns a little dreary again.

It would be one of those days that you find in October time where one moment you look outside into this spectacular sun bringing warmth with it too but the next moment the world has gone dark, the clouds have appeared and the sun is fading but just about still there.

It’s never quite as dramatic but it has an end of the world vibe to it.

If 2018 was a day then the milk would have gone off in the fridge and wine would be the only option.

You would wake up tired not remembering ever not being tired but having had a great nights sleep. Work that out?

The morning of 2018 would be a gentle dog walk with the happiest dogs, yet the weather has turned and it’s started spitting.

Most of the day would be tranquil.

The morning would include the finishing of a new book with a fantastic ending, a cuppa brought to you in bed and remembering that you had a croissant in the kitchen that you’d forgotten about.

It would be the start of a great day then spending twenty minutes writing a blog post that doesn’t save.

If 2018 was a day it would be a BBQ in the afternoon with all your friends and family, plenty of Prosecco and yummy food.

It would be laughter and chatting and all things good about life, realising that it is short and that we must enjoy every moment that we can.

If 2018 was a day the afternoon would feel long and tiring but it would end with a smile.

It would be a progression of waves of energy where you feel revitalised then tired then revitalised then tired.

It would be full of optimism mixed with moments of doubt and fear but the optimism would always come out on top.

The evening would be drunk; the type of drunk when you don’t feel drunk until you walk outside and it hits you. The drunk that when asked the next day you’re not exactly sure how you got home, what time you got home but you know you got home.

Certain parts of your evening remain missing, some will never return but you know that those moments happened so they have left something behind and that something is special.

If love was a day it would be the clearest blue skies and sun shining down on a garden filled with wild, colourful flowers. It would be a spontaneous trip to the beach with your nearest and dearest, loyal animals in toe.

If happiness was a day it would be one where everything is going your way. From the timings of your plans to fit in so smoothly to starting the day with a perfect cup of tea and then remembering you have  no reason to get up hastily so you have time to enjoy it.

If pride was a day it would be the hottest rays warming your skin on the sun lounger with only you and your book. Nothing to do, nothing to worry about just contentment in the moment.

If anger was a day it would be a thunderstorm that even the dog is afraid of preventing you going anywhere. It would be a text from a friend cancelling plans you’d been looking forward to and a fridge without wine.

If bitter sweetness was a day it would be one of those filled with rain that you think will never stop until suddenly the sun appears out of nowhere and everybody can venture outdoors again, but first you meditate and reminisce.

2018 was a good year. A very good year with lots achieved, lots gained and lots of happiness felt. It was a year not without bad spells and losses and sadness and doubt but it was a year that demonstrated everything about this life, good and bad.

I felt love and happiness and pride and anger and bittersweet and loss and fear and doubt and contentment and peace and more.

So there we have it, 2018 in a day. 2018 in metaphors of my days. Some things really happened in 2018 but they show the sort of year that I had.

A good day, a realistic day. Yes, it was a realistic year. Mostly good but not without nuisance. I suppose it was a year not unlike any other, let’s see what 2019 is all about.

Categories
Adulthood

5 mantras to take with you through 2019

A week in to 2019 and I’m feeling good. The sun is shining, my desk is free of clutter and my candles are lit. A very zen environment in which to work.

Last year, though full of great things, was a year during which I still didn’t crack the pathway to a stress free life. In fact I still found myself getting hung up about the most ridiculous of things.

Some things I couldn’t alter, so there was no point worrying about them. Some things I could, so I did. Some things I thought best I should but realised that it was unnecessary.

While I was wining and dining with my sister back in December before being loyal daughters and attending our mother’s second choir concert of the festive period, we came up with some mantras to remember.

By mantra in this context I mean short sayings to repeat to yourself when in need. Little things to instantly remove the stress when a situation starts to get too much. Now, though I know that life is a huge learning curve and it takes years of practice to get it right, I feel these are a good place to start.

  1. be your own happiness

Too often in life do we rely on others to make us happy. Be it our friends, partners or even our dog. Of course, all of these things add to your happiness but how can you be truly happy if you don’t make your own self that way.

The issue is that everyone has their own lives, their own responsibilities, their own troubles and worries, and by letting them be your happiness means that when they’re down you are too.

By being your own happiness not only can you remain happy in a crowd of sad folk, but you can lift the spirit of others too.

*inserts one of my favorite quotes* ‘If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.’

2. you’ve got this

You so have. You are enough. You are doing great.

In an age of social media where everyone’s lives are splayed out in a show of perfection on the Internet when in reality it probably isn’t all so wonderful, you’re often led into a false sense of comparison in that your life might not live up to those of your Facebook friends or Instagram followers.

Yet by being happy with your lot and knowing that you are absolutely enough, you can rest easy, be happy for those you love but also content with everything that creates you.

3. it ain’t that deep

Ever sat on your own and turned one tiny thought into something massive? Often before falling asleep at night all of your worries turn up at once and before you know it you’re panicking about something that won’t happen for at least thirty years? Familiar? I thought so.

In times like this remember these four words: ‘it ain’t that deep’. Nothing is. Prioritise what is important and then go back to what you were worrying about. It usually isn’t worth your time or worry. Trust me, I know.

4. let it go

Let it go. Three very important words that can relieve stress in an instant. Throughout your day I’m sure you’ll get angry at something tiny, get jealous about something ridiculous or get hung up about something insignificant. This is when you should think about these sayings, you’ll instantly feel better about it.

5. you’re doing alright

Life isn’t easy but it’s beautiful. Nobody (I am so sure) ever nails it entirely before they snuff it, but I am also pretty certain that you get better as time goes on at coping with things, noting what is important, what is worth the worry and halving your troubles each time you reassess.

For now though, remember that you are doing alright, you are enough and you are so loved by so many and you love so many as well.

x

Categories
Seasonal

8 things I’ve learned in a festive fortnight

So we’ve done it. Congratulations. We have all survived the festivities, the copious amounts of drinking, the spending too much time in close proximity with family, the last minute shopping and wrapping on Christmas eve, JUST before midnight.

We’ve reached the in between days when, as many memes on social media will tell you, nobody knows what day it is and it is perfectly acceptable to crack open the champers at 10 am.

Almost as if illustrating the slow motion way of life that these days bring in taking hours to get anything done, I have been writing this post for about four days.

So, without further ado, I shall now present to you eight things I have learned over a festive fortnight.

  1. Biscuits are better than chocolates, this year at least

I have found myself living on a biscuit here and there to increase my sugar levels so that I don’t fall over rather than substantial meals during the lead up to Christmas day. Working in retail means that the week before Christmas is chaos and so the consumption of a nutritious sandwich at lunchtime flies right out of the window. Instead, a can of coke or a nice tasty biscuit for breakfast suits perfectly fine.

2. Four legged friends are the best except when they steal your biscuits

Not only has work been frantic over the festive period, but I’ve been house-sitting so been making sure I take good care of a feisty, excitable kitten and the most loyal chocolate Labrador you’ll ever meet. This has been fun and they’ve definitely kept me entertained making me smile throughout the day, however a certain kitten takes a fancy to EVERYTHING I eat. Yesterday she paw planted my scone and took half for herself. Ridiculous.

3. NOBODY is EVER ready for Christmas day

Constant questions to create small talk within shops ‘Are you ready for the big day?’ Who is ever ready? Absolutely no-one. In fact what does that statement even mean?!

4. Sometimes there simply isn’t enough time

Now, I’ve written about making time for yourself and ways to make efficient use of your time so that you have more of it, but I have realised over this year’s festivities that sometimes there simply isn’t enough of the stuff. While sitting down for my forth viewing of the first run through of the film Love Actually and noticing that I’d not even reached the half way mark, I decided that at Christmas, nobody has enough time. This is something you simply must accept.

5. There are so many benefits to walking

Whether it’s a mile long stroll or an eight mile serious hike, there’s so much good that comes from walking. From burning off the extra bubble and squeak portion you gave yourself on Boxing Day to a therapeutic escape with a good friend, if ever you’re at a loose end go out and walk. I have walked so much over the festive period and I always feel great for doing so.

6. Coffee Liqueur is a massive hit

It all started at the work Christmas party when I fancied something (alcoholic of course) different to wine. I was recommended a sort of Irish Coffee which went down a treat and became my night cap that evening too. Then, as if telepathic, my Dad bought me a lovely bottle of coffee liqueur for Christmas. Served on ice, in a cocktail or ice cold from the fridge, the stuff is wonderful and one of my new favorite drinks to end an evening. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

7. Setting reminders to reply to people is still a thing

Yes, even with three whole days off I found myself setting reminders on my phone to reply to texts that I received days ago yet hadn’t responded to. Texts from friends I don’t see very often and those it was wonderful to hear from. I always find having more time makes me procrastinate more and this showed from my failing communication abilities. If you give me half an hour to do twenty tasks no doubt they will all get completed and if you give me four hours to do the same amount they will still get completed just take four hours.

8. It is never ever too early to start drinking

It’s New Years Eve, I’ve just finished work and I have a bottle and a half of white wine chilling in the fridge accompanied by some sloe gin made by friends and, of course, my coffee liqueur.

It’s never too early, there is always something to cheers to I just have to decide which to consume first! However, my loyal Lab is lying next to me so before things get messy, I shall enjoy our final dog walk of 2018.

I hope it’s been a good year for everyone and I hope 2019 brings you all lots of happiness.

Categories
Adulthood

Today I am grateful for, this year I am grateful for…

I am grateful for this moment and also for the year.

Today I am grateful for the dog that is laying under my feet as I type, the happiness he brings me and his loyalty remaining by my side at all times.

I am grateful for the crazy cat that thinks the sound of my keyboard is a game and keeps trying to catch my fingers on the keys. Despite her making this task of writing a blog post that bit more difficult, I am grateful for her cuteness and the laughs she brings me, even if I have just had to shut her away while I work!

I am grateful for the peaceful house that I am in, enjoying time to myself and a break from the chaos that is my job at Christmas time.

I am grateful for the cup of tea and chocolate biscuit that I just consumed, always the little things!

Today and always I am grateful for my friends, for their support and the joy that they bring to my life. I am so lucky to have so many very different friendships and for that I am grateful.

This year I am grateful for my job, the hours, the support and the advice that my bosses give me and for them not only being my bosses but also some of my best friends that treat me like family.

I am grateful to have found my passion in writing and for the love of this filling me with motivation and creativity to create some good material.

I am grateful for my family for supporting my decisions and I am grateful for my friends for acting as family.

I am grateful for the written word to have the ability to take me out of this world and into another.

I am grateful for the beautiful spot on this earth in which we live. The instant access to the countryside and space.

I am grateful for wine and its power to instantly relax me, removing unnecessary worries and cares.

December is a funny old time of year. Another year ends and a new one is about to begin. The frantic festivities are well under way and everyone is going manic for one day. Just one day.

I often find myself getting caught up among it all and forgetting myself occasionally so this year I am trying to remain grateful for all that I have.

This year I am grateful for lots of things. Today I am grateful for a whole lot too. It’s months like December, times like Christmas when we should all be grateful for what we have and what we do.

 

 

Categories
Adulthood Observations

8 top tips to remain jolly during the festive rush!

If your head is anything like mine is right now then it will be buzzing.

It will be buzzing with a huge list of ‘to-dos’ before the big day which is fast approaching. It will be full of names of the people that you still need to buy for but ideas for presents for those that you’ve already bought for. It will be flagging from all the hours it’s working and a lack of sleep due to failure to shut it up overnight and it will be desperately trying to keep it all together.

As the festive season is in full swing, I thought it appropriate to dedicate my second festive blog post to 8 top tips to remain jolly during the festive rush.

A rush that occurs every single year without fail but one that I don’t quite understand due to the fact that we have an entire year to prepare.

However, panic and rush we always do so here goes.

  1. Go online, avoid city centers

Yes, if you’re one of the many people who has left their entire list to buy for until the last few weeks before Christmas then the internet becomes your new best friend. Think again when getting into your car if you’re heading towards a town centre to shop, you will end up strangling somebody.

Not only will there be hoards of people slowly meandering around most of which will be the smug majority who finished their shopping back in May, there will also be crying kids who didn’t get to see Santa, queues for every checkout and a lack of availability on the shelves.

Sticking to the virtual shopping experience will keep you cool and avoid unnecessary violence.

2. Amazon

If the Internet is your best friend then Amazon is your true love. Just last night I was flicking through the world of Amazon, searching for certain specific requests for presents for family members and scrolling through the gift ideas sections for others. After about half an hour of solid searching, I completed all of my shopping.

It felt good. No waiting in traffic, no park and ride fees, no standing in queues or losing your patience behind the slow moving crowds of people. Just a simple confirmation email almost congratulating me on my success. Job done.

3. Keep on top of everything

Planning ahead is crucial at this busy time of year. It’s hard enough staying in control of things in the calmer months of the year so at Christmas it is more necessary to plan your time wisely.

Keeping up to date with work, chores, social events and everything in between can seem nigh-on impossible. However, having a diary in which you can write everything down will ensure that you don’t forget to attend your Christmas party while also remembering to change the bed, pick your sister up from the station and take your uncle to his carol concert the following day.

4. Always stop for a cup of tea

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – there is nothing quite like stopping for a cup of tea. Taking the time out of your day, fifteen or thirty minutes, to enjoy a warm cuppa and maybe a mince pie or two.

Especially at Christmas you might forget to do this but doing so will allow you that bit of breathing space to figure out what needs to be done next and to pause for a moment to feel good about all you’ve already completed.

5. Treat yourself too

Not much beats a new purchase for you especially at a time when you’re buying so much for others. A new dress for the Christmas party, some new accessories for you to wear on Christmas day, a new outfit for the pub on Christmas eve. Go on, treat yourself, you deserve it.

6. Wine

No matter what a rubbish day you have had at work, however much your family are getting on your nerves, or the slow people, or the fussy people you encounter each day, there is always, always wine.

Whether it’s red or white that you prefer, maybe even some of the warm mulled variety, wine is always a good way to chill out after a long day.

7. Appreciate the little things

This is important during every season of the year but when we are busy it is often one of the first things that we forget.

Appreciate the sunshine, the beautiful morning skies, the lights on your neighbors house. Appreciate the laughter of the children who enjoy this season most, the good will of most people at this time of year too. Appreciate your year, your life and everybody it and try really hard to do so because if you can’t be happy at Christmas then when can you be?

8. Remain calm, smile through it and embrace the festive spirit

The other day I’d had a really busy day at work, as is always the case, and in the last hour a man came in, ordered his ham for Christmas and then asked for two sacks of coal. I – reluctantly but not showing my hesitation – grabbed the keys to go up to the bunker to get it.

He offered to help. I was taken a back. What a kind man, I thought. He then, after loading his two bags onto the trolley, helped me further by voluntarily bringing two more sacks down to prevent me having to go up again that night. True genuine kindness and the spirit of Christmas. You don’t find too much of that these days but it’s what it’s all about.

Remain calm when you begin to lose your patience, smile even if it is through gritted teeth and embrace all that is good about this jolly festive season.

Categories
Observations

Another year over and what have you done?

On hearing John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (War Is Over) for the first time of many this year, inspiration hit me for a blog entry. The lyrics ‘so this is Christmas and what have you done’ always strike me.

Despite the theme of the song being about world peace, these words make me consider things on a very personal level.

What have you done, what have I done?

Initially I feel quite saddened when I hear these lines thinking: ‘ah, shucks. It really is another year over. Another year that has flown by and what have I actually done?’

I suddenly feel closer to death, despite being so young (and ever so slightly dramatic). I feel deflated and want to have achieved more. I feel flat that my new years resolutions lasted until February.

I think that sometimes the end of a year can bring a sense of disappointment and negativity universally. We start each new year bursting with motivation and hungry for change. For something new and exciting to greet us and for our year to be fulfilled, when in reality it’s just another year.

After I had had my meltdown, however, I thought again. What have I done?

This year I have kept all of my friends and made some new very good ones to bring more joy to my life. I have got closer to some important people and intend on keeping it that way. I have made some fab new memories and I have had so many good times.

This year I have drank too much wine and had many nights that I don’t remember. I have also partaken in healthier antics in my daily dog walks, sometimes even two and the occasional fitness work out with my sister.

This year I have juggled all of my work, I think, successfully. I have worked fifty hour weeks (and some) most weeks and worked very hard at that. In my day job I have upped my game and improved many skills. On the writing front I have written numerous articles which have been published online. I have even got published for the first time in print… twice. I have started a course which I am thoroughly enjoying and I have completed the first full draft of my first novel.

From my work, this year, I have bought myself a new car. I have driven it on numerous long journeys to visit friends. I am loving it and feel proud when driving it having fully earned it.

This year I have found ways of improving myself subtly that make huge differences. I have found a love for mediation which helps me to keep a calm mind in stressful situations and also helps me to continue working when my mind wants to give up. It has given me an element of control over my thoughts and emotions, something that I have never been good at.

This year I have been brave and read at my Granny’s funeral. I have been proud at how many people knew and loved her and I have been grateful for all the crazy years we shared.

This year I have learned how to better myself. I have learned how to be stronger, how important making time for myself is, how to embrace who I am rather than trying to change, how lucky I am in so many ways.

I have learned how to look positively at all times and how to be grateful for who and what I’ve got rather than to focus on what I don’t.

I have learned that I am still learning and have a long way to go but I will get there.

I have not learned how to say no to one drink for the road!!!!

So when you break it down as I have done for you, this year I have done so much and I’m sure you have too. Eradicate that deflation come December, embrace in the spirit of Christmas and be so pleased with all you have done this time around, ready to do it again and more in 2019!