Sunday Soul Food 2
Never lose your childlike sense of awe and wonder…
Ok, so firstly I have to admit that committing to a weekly blog was a bad idea. As much as I want to, I just don’t have the free time at the moment to write every week, but I’m certainly going to work on it. But I am also not a fan of blogging for the sake of blogging - so maybe I’ll just go back to my old haphazard ways - only time will tell!
I got sick in the week leading up to Christmas, which was totally miserable, but also a bit of a blessing in disguise,. Because I was forced into taking time out. I literally had to sit still for 3 days and do nothing but watch dodgy movies on Netflix, drink lemonade and eat toast. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was just what I needed and a timely reminder that I need to give myself permission to do literally NOTHING, much more often.
Since then, I’ve enjoyed several weekends where I’ve resisted the urge to fill my diary with to-do’s just for the sake of being busy. For someone who suffers anxiety and usually needs to keep busy, this is a big achievement, and I’m proud of myself for being able to let go and switch off. My favourite day was the one where I drove down the road to a lovely riverside spot, bought an ice cream, sat by the river, had a dip and then read a magazine. It was a perfect moment of solitude and enjoyment of my own company. I need to do much more of this in 2019!
In the weeks since Christmas I’ve spent a weekend away in Harrington with family, I spent days at the beach and I took my parents for lunch and to see Mary Poppins Returns, which was a delightful day out. Never underestimate the healing powers of a choc top and a Disney Movie. It’s good for the soul, I tells you!
I think over the past few weeks I’ve realised that I spent way too much time in 2018 working and madly trying to save money for my holiday that I forgot how to have fun, and I ran myself into the ground in the process. It’s really important to schedule time out, time to switch off and have fun. I’m making it my mission to religiously set aside time to for rest (in whatever form is needed) this year.
In the Morgan & Meg space I’m back at the markets again, and I’m focusing my energy and time on building a following at the Laurieton Markets. Just before Christmas I started working out of a proper commercial kitchen at the new Port Macquarie Food Hub. The kitchen is totes profesh and is inspiring me to think bigger. I’ve secured my first wholesale client and I’m working on more efficient ways to work in the kitchen in order to maximise my product and my profits.
I’m already planning my next escape
I’ve been toying with different ideas on where to holiday next. So far I’ve come up with a few destinations for 2019 including Tasmania and Adelaide (foodie trips, of course!) . I’m also heading to Melbourne in April so expect some foodie posts around that time! As if that all wasn’t exciting enough, I’m also thinking long term and slowly putting together plans for a white Christmas in Europe in 2020 - something that has been on the bucket list for a long time!
Check out my new ride!
While on the theme of having fun, I got this beauty for my 33rd birthday from my parents - isn’t she just lovely!? Suggestions for names are welcome.
On the bookshelf
I am currently reading The Barefoot Investor. I read it years ago when it was first published, but my brother and sister in law gifted me the 2018 edition for my birthday back in December so I’m reading it again. Author Scott Pape provides really practical and bleedingly honest truths about finance - his systems are simple and easy to implement. I’ve taken a lot from it so far and am already seeing the benefits just from reviewing my yearly budget and re-jigging my bank accounts. It’s been an inspiring start to 2019.
In totally predictable news, I’m back on the Passion Planner band wagon
Ok, I admit it, I was wrong. In my last blog post, I explained how I’d decided that investing in another Passion Planner for 2019 just wasn’t worth it. I was completely mistaken. After purchasing a cheap $17 alternative from Officeworks, I lasted all of 2 weeks before realising that nothing was going to live up to a Passion Planner.
Nothing was going to keep my life in order and provide such a simple way to track my thoughts, feelings and to-do’s like only a Passion Planner can. Luckily I was given some money for Christmas from my grandparents, so I decided to invest $60 of that money in a new Passion Planner for 2019. I’m already excitedly counting down the hours to it’s impending arrival!
Also I signed up for the Passion Planner Rewards Program, which means if you use this link, you can get 10% off your very own Passion Planner. If you’re not sure whether it’s for you, you can read all about it on this previous blog post.
A bit of light reading…
Here’s a couple of articles I enjoyed reading in recent weeks.
Twitter Users Roast WSJ For Saying Sweatpants Shouldn't Be Worn For Working From Home
Psychologists Explain The Benefits Of Baking For Other People
'Cult of kindness': Sales and Crabb Chat 10 Looks 3 an online hit
What I’m listening to
Podcasts
Chat 10, Looks 3 - basically a periodic chat between two well-known Australian politcal journalists. Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb get together and discuss what they’re reading, watching and cooking. Basically, heaven for people like you and me!
A Plate to Call Home with Gary Mehigan - If you love hearing the stories of people who’ve built their lives around growing, eating and preparing food, this podcast is for you. Masterchef judge Gary Mehigan chats to people for whom food is everything.
[ RELATED ] Sunday Soul Food 1
That’s about it for me this week. I’d love to hear about what you’ve been listening to or reading - leave me a comment below and let’s chat!