The dust has settled on another festive period and it was a very relaxed time in the Life of Grime 'Head Office'. There were a few 'late ones' to speak of and quite a few long lies as well. All contributing to a satisfying mix of revelry and rejuvenation.
A personal 'achievement' of mine (let's be clear, the bar was not set that high) was watching all of the Harry Potter movies one after the other, which I had until now resisted. High brow stuff eh!
There was also lots of walks with Poppy, our mad boxer whom we've now had a whole fantastic year. One of our walks included a refreshing stop off in the award winning Hillend Tavern. Of the many pubs in Dunfermline and beyond I've frequented over the years this was a first visit. A proper cosy pub, roaring fire at either end, a great mix of craft and guest beers and of course the usual other tipples. Add to that the owners' (and other patrons) welcome of various faithful furry friends of all shapes and sizes, it made for a fantastic 'waste' of a couple of hours on an otherwise unassuming 'Twixmas Monday afternoon. It's really a must visit pub if your in the area.
And so to the New Year. I'm not sure if it's an age thing or the catatonic state I was in by the time Hogmanay came round but I was a tad lethargic about this year's celebrations. Of course, after a couple of beers I got into the swing of things. And, despite an hours delay in celebrating the bells due to an unfortunate, non-alcohol related gymnastic mishap which saw two ambulances, gas in air, morphine and a dislocated 15 year old's knee we had a great night with friends and their families.
Of course, the start of 2020 also heralded the beginning of a new decade and with it brought various flashbacks on TV and social media of the last 10 years which wasn't lost on me. I couldn't find a 'ten years ago' photo of me to compare to today (thank the lord) but it got me reminiscing about the twentyteens.
Remember that crazy winter of heavy snow, the Icelandic volcano that caused all the disruptions and air traffic chaos, the Tory/Liberal coalition government? All ten years ago!
On a personal note, my not so wee boy now, was in Primary one (he's now doing his Nat 5s). My wee girl was only three! Mrs C and I were sharing the commute to Edinburgh Park working for AEGON (she's still there). And, we were in our thirties aaaargh!
Not since the turn of the millennium has a New Year resonated with me so much and again maybe it's a sentimentality thing driven by getting older (and wiser?!!) but I think I've taken the last ten years for granted a little bit. There has been so much change in the world as well as in my personal circumstances and I can't help but feel like I didn't really appreciate things as they were happening.
Probably the biggest thing that happened personally of course is deciding to pack in the daily commute, become self-employed and start an oven cleaning business.
Life of Grime was born from a desire to change my life and have a better balance to my work and family. I've learned to appreciate a lot more of the everyday things that used to go on around me without me being aware of them and I am definitely far more content.
In a time where mental health awareness is at its most prominent I don't mind admitting to my own struggles with stress and anxiety and I found a way through it by talking to people and making some changes. But one of the biggest mechanisms I've used and continue to do so is meditation.
But if you'd told me ten years ago I'd be meditating I'd have said YOU were bonkers and that it was new-age mumbo jumbo. I was introduced to it through an app called Headspace and its given me the tools to take some time out, to shut out the noise and stay in the moment.
If you believe what you hear or read in mainstream media, this Monday (16th January) is Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year. In my experience, if you're struggling, every day is a Blue day and it won't disappear on Tuesday. Regardless, whether you're suffering with depression, struggling to sleep, anxious or maybe you're just a bit frazzled from everyday life, give Headspace a try it could make a difference.
I have to say it's been a revelation for me. I can now appreciate where I've been and plan where I'm going but most importantly I can enjoy the journey. And as with last New Year I've set myself some personal goals. I'm learning to play the guitar, training to run 10km and to finally learn to speak Italian. No more Harry Potter movies though!
So, New Year, New Decade, same me....just a happier version.
#lifeofgrimeovens #ovencleaner #headspace #stayinthemoment #mentalhealthawareness #changeitup #family
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