Way back in May last year I shared a post with this same title, and it’s an idea that I keep coming back to. I love catching up with a friend over a cuppa, and now that I’m inspired to write more, I thought I’d try to make it a regular feature. So, here’s what I’d tell you if we were checking in over a coffee…
That we’ve booked our dream holiday to New York
Exactly two years a go we were flying back from the States after Sam’s friend’s wedding. While there, we’d taken a whirlwind day trip to New York City and we immediately vowed to return. Last year, we decided to make that return trip this spring, and this month we’ve booked our flights and accommodation so now it’s definitely real. I’m so excited to feel the buzz of the city again, but also to discover so many of the things that we didn’t have time to last time. We usually approach things from a perspective of frugality, and go for what’s reasonably priced over anything else, but this is a big holiday for us and we want to do it in a way that feels super special. So we’ve upgraded to Economy Classic where checked luggage isn’t extra and we’ve splashed out on a hotel room with a balcony, and I cannot wait. I’ve started a map with places to go, so if you’ve got any suggestions please let me know!
That I plan to walk 100 miles in February
5 years ago I worked in a hairdressers and walked a 3 mile round trip to work every day. Now, I work in an office and and the walking distance to and from the bus stop adds up to 1 mile at best. Walking doesn’t come as a by-product of my day-to-day life any more, so keeping my body moving has to come with a great deal of conscious effort. You may already know that I love a good challenge, and so to kick-start a habit of more regular movement I decided to set myself a goal – I plan to walk 100 miles in February. We’re over half way through now, and I’m pretty much on target with just over 57 miles under my belt. Honestly, I thought it would be super easy, and while it’s not that hard, it requires more intention that I expected. I’m confident that I’ll get to my target, although I wish that the bad weather would ease up so I don’t have to worry so much about getting caught out in a storm!
That I’m so grateful for the sunrises
One of the things I love most about where I live, in a third floor south-facing flat, is the sunrises I get to witness every day. I am forever in awe of nature, and how different one sunrise can be from the next. Each day, I like to take a little pause in front of the window and just appreciate the beauty. That moment always helps me to come back into myself, and the gratitude I feel for the wonder of it all is something I can carry with me into the day.
That I’m still unsure where I’m at with knitting
As with most things in life these days, I’m trying to keep the pressure off when it comes to knitting. I spent so long with knitting, and Knits Please, being one of the biggest things in my life, and since re-evaluating everything I haven’t quite found out where it all fits now. But that’s OK. Every so often I pick up my knitting needles and work on a little something, and I’ve got a few patterns bookmarked on Ravelry that I want to make, but I’m going to do what feels right for me when it feels right, instead of being strict with myself like I used to be. I have been toying with some of my own pattern ideas, and I might dip my toes back in the water over the coming months but for that you’ll have to watch this space!
That my focus for 2020 is to enjoy it
I didn’t really want to pick a word for this year and resolutions just aren’t my thing any more, but after a tumultuous 2019 I wanted to approach 2020 with one key intention – to enjoy it. I used to find myself so bogged down in the doing-of-things that I forgot to appreciate the moment itself, even when it was something I was so excited about. I’ve also found that the tough times can run away with me, and I neglect to find joy in even the simplest of things when the big things feel like too much. So, this year, I’m working to focus on the things I can enjoy, whether it’s that dream holiday I’ve been looking forward to for years, or a moment in a tough day when a good song comes on the radio. Whatever it is, I want to enjoy it.
What would you tell me over a coffee? What have you been getting up to? And what are you looking forward to this year? Let me know in the comments below.