It’s been over a year since I last wrote a blog post. Sitting down to write feels like tentatively dipping my shoulders below sea level. I can swim, but diving into an ocean after so long is daunting.
This past year has been one of incredible highs and lows, and I’ve realised I need a creative outlet to stay afloat. I’ve scribbled my thoughts into my journals and notebooks, but I miss talking about books, the shows I’m watching, an article I found interesting, the album I’ve had on repeat.
My favourite part about this space is rounding up everything that’s sparked joy each week. So here I am, armbands on, easing myself back into the big blue blogging ocean, with a bountiful list of little joys and recommendations.
Bears on Disney+
You know them Sunday afternoons when you’re flopped on the sofa, wanting to do nothing but lose yourself in a film or TV series? Well, what did we settle on? Bears.
Maybe I need a new David Attenborough series to binge, or perhaps cute animal TikToks just aren’t cutting it. Either way, this hour-long Disneynature documentary following the life of one Alaskan bear family was adorable. Narrated by John C. Reilley, it follows single mother Skye, and her young cubs, Scout and Amber, as they learn life’s most important lessons. It’s playful, educational, heartwarming, and yes, I shed a tear or two.
Best Friend Therapy podcast
I recently stumbled upon my new favourite podcast. Elizabeth Day and her best friend Emma Reed Turrell, a psychotherapist, talk about how to tackle the challenges we face in daily life with honesty, compassion and practical wisdom. I’m making my way through the first season, and ‘Shoulds and Oughts’ has resonated with me the most so far; how too often we put unnecessary pressure on ourselves by setting too many rules, while at other times, structure can help us feel in control.
They launched season four earlier last week, so I’m excited to feed my soul with even more nourishing conversations from two best friends, one therapist – and zero filter.
Ty Melin Bakery
Life’s too short not to eat dessert, and it’s hard not to walk past Ty Melin in Cardiff without at least ogling their range of baked goods, never mind buying a croissant or three. I chose a slice of their banana bread for the second time, and every bite was heavenly. If you even visit Cardiff, I couldn’t recommend this bakery more.
Lost in a good book
It’s been months since a book last gripped me as much as my current read. A colourful and character-driven standalone fantasy, Warbreaker is the first book I’ve read by Brandon Sanderson, and it won’t be my last. I’m 200 pages in, and I spend every waking minute craving to jump back into the story. Despite owning more books than I wish to admit — gathering dust, waiting to be read — I’m very tempted to buy the first three books in his Mistborn Saga.
My Five Year Story
I started this five-year journal by Mål Paper at the start of the year, writing four lines a day, every day. I note down the day’s highs or lows, candid about how I’m feeling, and I’m looking forward to read back on my entries and reflections as the years pass by and I wave goodbye to being in my early twenties.
Links I’m loving
I always used to watch sunbeamjess on YouTube while I was at university; her monthly wrap-ups heavily inspired my reading picks. She vlogged throughout October, and her videos have been a calming balm ever since and prompted me to explore Ursula K. Le. Guin’s bibliography.
Everything and anything Emma Gannon creates, I love: from her Instagram stories full of reading recommendations to her newsletter, The Hyphen, which inspired me to remove accounts that don’t inspire me or fill me with joy. Her beloved podcast Ctrl Alt Delete has sadly ended, but I’ll forever love her refreshing perspective on wellbeing, creativity, digital culture and living life on your own terms, especially in an era of uncertainty.
Move with Nicole for them morning’s it’s too cold to walk to the gym.
♥
How was your week? What have you enjoyed recently?
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