An Uneasy January

Trying to be gentle in the new year

I generally don’t mind the new year season. I like a fresh start, however arbitrary, and I always bring some goals along with me. But this year has been different.

This morning’s sky

The state of the world, and some unfortunate things closer to home, have left me with a powerful sense of dread. I have a ton of project work (good), money worries (bad) and a feeling of complete exhaustion. I could fall asleep right now, as I type this. It has been an incredible year for me at Thistle Moon and I hope to continue that, but I am tired!

Frosty fields

Those who know of my health issues may remember me discussing my long covid. I have a lot of this under control now, thankfully, but I am struggling to get past the base level of “fine” and push into any level of fitness or vitality. I try and remind myself to be gentle - young children and self employment are a notorious combo for exhaustion, but I would love to feel like I am making some progress.

The frustration comes in with my work, as I have lots of projects on the go, and I struggle to keep my ducks in a row (shout out to the lovely Kristen at my agency for nudging me when a deadline is looming!) I have a ton of personal project ideas - as always happens when you are busy with clients - so I am feeling inspired, but the tiredness means that I have to take regular breaks, and I am back to drawing on the sofa or on the bed instead of at my desk. A bad habit, and obviously doesn’t make staying awake any easier!

Void at rest

Overall, though, I am trying to be positive and focus on small goals. For now, work deadlines, and rest, and happy children. Hibernating, as we are having a proper winter this year in the Cotswolds, and being cosy and warm feels like such a blessing. Music, reading and good food, and less doomscrolling, if I can help it.

Let’s see where the year takes us!

Anna

Emergency LOTR deployment on a particularly hard day!