#0054 Notes from 41

Hey Loved One,

How’s your week gone?

Did you see that there’s a new addition to the Peppa Pig family? After announcing her pregnancy in February, Mummy Pig is now a mother of three with little Evie arriving last week.

Well I—like Peppa—have a new addition to my family. A new ‘pet’ that my youngest son has grown very attached to.

That pet is Tina.

Tina the Tuna in a Tin.

Seriously, ever since this can of tuna came into our home as part of a gifted cooking set, the littlest has been obsessed. As you can see Tina’s had a tough paper round. And every so often my littlest simulates what it would be like to fry Tina. But don’t be fooled by the risqué play. The boy loves Tina and tried to drown me in tears and mummy guilt when I wouldn’t let him take it to school last week. (He doesn’t realise I’m made of stronger stuff.)

But seriously, I’ve realised that I’ve been carrying more than tins lately.

By the time you read this I’ll be 41, (today’s the actual day) another year into a new decade. And as usual it’s had me thinking about the things I’ve been hanging onto like the baby has been with Tina and the things I want to do better. 41 isn’t as sexy as I thought it would be but I haven’t been intentional about what I wanted it to look like. Writing to you is the first time I’ve really reflected on the last 12 months. Here’s what’s come up and feel free to hold me accountable:

1. I’m proud that I’ve spent the year prioritising myself and have made real efforts to nurture the relationships that are nurturing to me.

2. I need to lean more into functioning for me. I’m still learning how not to give too much in my work.

3. I’m reminded that when I want something I’ll make it happen. Thank you to those of you who’ve listened to and fed back on Unboxed. It’s been so satisfying to share in this new way with you so please do like, comment, subscribe and share.

4. I miss dreaming. I am so weighed down by responsibility that I need more points of joy in my life.

5. For the last few months, my mum has been complaining that I’ve been taking on too much stress, a lot of which isn’t mine. I definitely need to work on changing that.

6. There’s so much more life to live and I mustn’t forget that.

7. I’m not reading as much and I am so hungry to learn more. Even if it’s 15 minutes a day is valuable.

I write these down not because I’ve got it figured out, but because I want to get more intentional and maybe you do too.

What would your list say? Hit reply. I’d love to know what you’re carrying, shedding, or stepping into.

Until next time,