A snap shot of 6 things I'm doing on Mondays

It’s the third Monday of January. Blue Monday—the so-called most depressing day of the year. But did you know it’s all made up? A clever marketing ploy, designed to make us feel bad so we’ll buy something to fix it (usually a holiday in the sun!). Not today.

In the past, my Mondays could only be described as manic. The first day of the working week, after a weekend of sales, was full of pressure. The demands were endless: explaining away performance issues, crafting grand plans to fix them, and fielding relentless queries from every direction. I expected stress—and that’s exactly what I got.

But I’ve learned: you can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond.

Now, this Monday—and every Monday, every day even —I make it what I want it to be. Some weeks, that means tackling my to-do list with focus and determination. Other weeks, I take it slower, giving myself permission to breathe. Either way, I decide how I want to feel: optimistic, positive, happy.

And if Monday isn’t going to plan? Well, tomorrow’s another day. So, today certainly does not need to be a Blue Monday.  What will you do to brighten your  Monday? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below

Finding Joy in the Everyday

Lately, I’ve been finding joy in the small, simple things. Here are a few highlights from my January so far:

Joining a Reformer Pilates Class

Reformer Pilates

My sister has raved about reformer Pilates for years, and now that I’ve finally joined, I can’t believe I waited so long. It’s a full-body workout that leaves me feeling stronger, calmer, and more grounded. (It hasn’t replaced running – this  still holds the top spot!)

A ‘new’ Lipstick

MAC lipstick in Lady Danger

While digging through my collection—one that rivals a MAC store—I stumbled on an unopened lipstick. A gorgeous red with a hint of orange. I don’t even remember buying it, but finding it felt like a win. Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as a bright lipstick can transform your mood?

Starting a New Knitting Project

Jumper being knitted

I do look forward to starting a new knitting challenge.  This one isn’t particularly hard but, if the pattern is to be believed, I will finish up with a very useful new sweater. I’ve been busy creating while watching The Traitors and, yes, Love Island. (Don’t judge—it got me through chemo!)

Cooking My Favourite Soup

Making tomato and lentil soup

I’ve been living (not every day but a lot) on a simple, three-ingredient tomato and lentil soup this month—healthy, inexpensive, quick, and delicious. You can find the recipe here and trust me, it takes less time to make than a trip to pret.

Enjoying Scottish Comfort Food

Haggis and vegetarian haggis

Sometimes, nothing beats a plate of haggis, neeps, and tatties. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, I know, but it’s simple, hearty, and nostalgic for me. And if the idea of actual haggis puts you off – there is an equally tasty vegetarian version.

A Trip to the Cinema

Image for the film Babygirl

For the first time in ages, I went to the cinema to see Babygirl. It was such a treat to watch something on a giant screen, with no distractions. If you want an eloquent review, Elizabeth Day has you covered.

I'm Reading (and Listening to)

Whats Your Dream by Simon Squibb Book cover

I’m getting back into the habit of reading. I’ve enjoyed The Rachel Incident. I loved the pace of this book, it made me want to keep reading and for it not to end.  I’ve continued with Irish fiction and am part way through, almost ready to give up on, The Happy Couple (sorry).  But the book I’m enjoying listening to right now is What’s your dream by Simon Squibb, newly released and really inspirational.