Rolling with the Punches – well, well February
Back in the rhythm of work, February feels like a heavy punch after my January hiatus. Standing amidst the heaving and overcrowded concourse of the train station, I really long for the simplicity of January's respite. On the train, a sea of people, looking sullen, and the mobile phone users opening up with loud conversations about whether their dinner options tonight should be an extra cheesy crust pizza or a korma, it’s cold, and sneezes, and coughs fill the carriage – I’m feeling a tad miserable this February. The Victoria line's deafening roar and screeching make me contemplate rebooking a hearing test. Shouldn’t have cancelled the December one (work took over), and my longing for respite intensifies. If only I could trade the dismissal train and tube commute into London for a peaceful walk to work. Observing the builders taking seats covered in paints and grime brushing up against coats and jackets adds to my woes – yes, I know they have to get to work too - the commuter struggle is real, and the dream of a lottery win or something has taken a firmer hold for me.
Arriving at the office, my occasional bouts of commuter nausea kick in. Give a wry smile, I say a small prayer, and my workday begins. Need to find my balance this February, and I occasionally look up and ponder the daily plight of office workers chained to their desks. Occasionally, I do break free; I have to for my musculoskeletal health. I stretch and move all while daydreaming about winning that Omaze house. This February feels imbalanced, weighed down by work responsibilities, and the month of love adds an extra layer of nagging. I will not get caught up in this pressure. The commercialised hype around Valentine's Day prompts a reflection – why not express love every day without the inflated costs! Hearts everywhere are nice but juxtaposed with seeing Easter Eggs on display. it feels like a commercial con.
Hands up, February has raised a sense of overwhelm. I think moving from hiatus to full-on work mode should have been a gradual process for me. I know I harp on but the unbearable London commute, expensive and shockingly poor, contributes to the month's heaviness, aging me prematurely. As you know, if you read my blogs, I lost Pepper, my doggy, and now in a moment that may seem peculiar to some, my tropical fish, Nemo, bid farewell to this world. For ten years, Nemo swam alongside my every move, providing a sense of grounding and tranquillity. Do fish have personalities– because Nemo did. A proper send-off was in order, a farewell to a loyal aquatic companion, and there was laughter from my circle who could not believe my sorry state for losing Nemo.
How am I navigating these punches? Look, this year I am going to be raw and real because 2024 is about my authenticity. Finding balance is a journey, and some months will feel out of sync. The key is knowing how to get back on the horse. So, what did I do? I ate more green healthy stuff, I immersed myself in a good movie, delved into a good book, and found solace in prayer. Gratitude became my anchor, a reminder to be thankful for what is working. I also find stepping back from social media helps me. I am not a post as much as I can kind of person, and that’s okay.
Embracing a new sleep ritual – I found hanging my legs against the wall upside down (sounds weird right?), funnily enough, it brought unexpected calm. Conversations with my inner circle and family reinforced the collective disbelief in the chaos of the London commute, and I will have to find flexibility in my travels around London to get this bugbear sorted. Oh, and I'm definitely manifesting more positive changes, hoping for that lottery win of some kind.
February is a thread of challenges thus far, reminding me that finding balance is an ongoing process. Some months will be harmonious, and others will test my equilibrium. It's about adapting, making decisions that alter the course, and seeking flexibility in the journey. So, as February comes to an end pretty soon on a leap year, I welcome March with open arms, ready for new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and the promise to myself of better work-life balance.