[dropcap]A[/dropcap] new season begins (summer, you are most welcome) and another one ends. You know what that means don’t you? It’s time for a quarterly catch up.
First things first, a confession: I missed my winter catch up! It turns out that I wrote a few lines, completely forgot about it and never hit publish. I’m sure you’ve all been on the edge of your seats waiting for an update ?.
So in true Frank Sinatra style I shall ‘dust myself off and start all over again‘. To follow is a little update on how spring has been treating me…
Spring Inside
I sit down to write these posts at the end of every season and have no idea where to start with unravelling what has been going on in my head. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m passionate about self-improvement. Couple that with my habit of over-thinking and you can guarantee that every quarter I will share something that probably warrants a blog post all of its own!
Creating space
A few months ago, I felt the need to create some space in my life. I wasn’t sure exactly how to do that but decided to start by resigning from one of my volunteer roles. I had begun feeling overly comfortable in all of the roles I do (I have 3 jobs besides Director of Operations at home) and when I feel like that, I know it’s time to shake things up a bit.
You always need some sort of challenge in life, don’t you? With things being quieter and more on an even keel at home (I can manage broken fingers and GCSEs!) it just seemed like the right time. The problem? I’m a ‘doer’, so the prospect of empty time makes me a bit nervous – definitely a leap into the unknown for me!
A week later, another volunteer role dropped into my inbox, something that I was immediately drawn to, largely because it would enable me to use the skills I’ve inadvertently acquired as a result of the situation we found ourselves in a few years ago.
Long story short, I am now in training to be a counsellor for a UK Crisis Text Line. After I’ve completed the 30 hours of training, I will sign up to cover at least one shift per week, responding to texts from people who are in crisis – mostly teenagers.
I know that if I hadn’t opted to leave my previous role, I wouldn’t have felt able to take on anything new – yet more confirmation that everything happens for a reason.
On being over-influenced
Another little something I’ve been pondering on lately is my use of social media. I’ve made some changes to the amount I use my phone and I’m inadvertently hoping that this might free up a bit more time to blog instead of mindlessly scrolling through Instagram!
One thing I have realised, is that I’m incredibly influenced by the things I see on social media, to the point where I’m wondering if I *actually* ever wanted to be a member of the National Trust or if I’m just doing it because every other Tom, Dick or Harry (aka my FB friends) seem to be. As for my latest straw bag purchase…do I *really* like it or am I just following the crowd?
Yes, yes, I’m probably over-thinking it but it’s important to evaluate these things every now and again.
Spring Outside
With regard to home improvements, spring was all about my son’s new bedroom. He’s been in a cabin bed since he was 5 years old and the rest of his furniture was very much designed for children. So as he turned 13 last year, we decided that it was about time he at least had a full size single bed!
I opted for grey on the walls (teenage boys really don’t have any interest in interior design – result for me!) and after much deliberation over the shade, I went for Chic Shadow by Dulux. This particular grey works really well in this room as it is not very well lit and Dulux cited this shade and tone as being the best for dark rooms.
We went for white furniture as it’s quite masculine and again, makes the room feel brighter. The chest of drawers and bedside table are both from Dwell UK and we are really pleased with the quality.
The sunshine was such a welcome sight this spring and we’ve had plenty of it. T-shirts, bare ankles and painted toe nails, couldn’t come soon enough.
Then quicker than you could say ‘British summer time’, we were back in jumpers and wellington boots, battling muddy dog walks.
Pink has been a real favourite of mine this spring. It’s not a colour I’ve worn much in the past as I’ve always thought dark or bold colours suit me best. Talking of which, I’d love to have my Colours done one day – have you ever had yours done?
I have lived in my gold shoes this spring. Not quite a shoe but not as scruffy as a trainer, they’ve worked so well with loads of different outfits. They are also super comfortable – what’s not to like?
Spring Beyond
I almost claimed to have not gone anywhere at all this spring, then I remembered our ski trip to France at the beginning of March! That seems like such a long time ago now and I’m already beginning to pine for those slopes. We spent a much-needed four days sans enfants and I loved every minute.
We even had snow here in the UK in March. It’s hard to believe now that we are firing up the barbecue.
We didn’t get away at all as a family in the spring. To be honest, we could really do with a break but the GCSEs have kind of got in the way this year. My daughter really knuckled down from February onwards and none of us wanted to interrupt that flow. The dogs have also been a huge tie. Having taken on another dog last September, we’ve realised how difficult it is to farm them both out, even for a weekend or day out.
I did manage to get to London for a few days in April, where I attended Hillsong’s Colour Conference, which was brilliant.
Now I’m counting down the days until New York with my girls and my sister. Summer looks set to be a good one for getting ‘beyond these four walls’.
So that just about wraps up spring in my world. It wasn’t without it’s challenges, there’s never a dull moment in this house! But I’ve loved the mix of snow and sunshine, in what other season do we get this diversity? Looking back on the past three months is always a great opportunity to reflect and remember the good times. That’s what I love about blogging.
Bring on the summer!
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15 COMMENTS
Sarah MumofThree World
6 years agoYour new volunteer role sounds perfect, I’m sure you will be brilliant at it. Like you, I spend far too much time mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, but I’m never actually influenced by what I see! Sometimes what I see makes me actually want to do the complete opposite!
Your boy’s bedroom looks amazing. I’m jealous of his two windows! My younger son’s bedroom had the world’s tiniest window.
Enjoy your trip to New York! X
Plutonium Sox
6 years agoI’m so glad your new volunteer role has worked out so well for you, it sounds like the sort of thing you will be perfect at and provide support and comfort to so many people. I hope the Summer is kind to you all.
Nat.x
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORI’m still in training at the moment – one more week to go then I’ll be a fully fledged crisis counsellor. I’m looking forward to it. I’m enjoying the new challenge and feeling as though I’m giving something back to the community. Xx
Gail
6 years agoA lovely round up Suzanne, and your new volunteer role sounds fantastic. I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful addition to their team. I’m definitely with you on the whole social media thing and trying to get away from scrolling for the sake of it. Oh and New York sounds exciting, can’t wait to hear all about that soon! xx
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORI slip back into that mindless scrolling if I’m not careful. So looking forward to New York! x
BLEKE
6 years agoSuzanne,
It’s quite a challenging role that you’re about to take on, but you should be well suited to it.
I’m looking forward to all the extra blogposts you’ll be able to create in the time that you’re not spending on Instagram!
Human beings tend to be conformists — which has its good side and its bad side. Provided that you simply “evaluate […] every now and again” what you’re doing / buying / joining (or not), I wouldn’t reckon that you were over-thinking.
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORI love your comments – always so full of encouragement and wisdom. Thanks for reading!
Jenny
6 years agoOh your new volunteering sounds wonderful hunny. Love the gold shoes too. Life is so busy isn’t it? Can’t beat some stripes I think I have almost five of the same black and white stripe tshirt hahaha I am drawn to them. Have a wonderful week. #wrc
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORWe all have something that we are drawn to don’t we? Mine is grey t-shirts! x
Jo - Not a Frumpy Mum
6 years agoYour new volunteer role sounds perfect for you and you will be so good at it, well done you. Love your boys bedroom, the grey colour is ideal for the room. Lovely round up xx
Pamela | Life With Munchers
6 years agoOh yes at being over influenced… That’s so me! How many purchases I didn’t need to make and how many hours I could have spent better. Hope it’s going well! Also hope your volunteer work is going well. That’s such a lovely thing to do xx
Chloe: Picture Taker Memory Maker
6 years agoIt sounds like that new role is perfect for you Suzanne. I hope you find it as fulfilling as you want it to be. Love the teenage boy bedroom décor – my eldest is almost twelve and we’ve never really ‘done’ any of their bedrooms so I’m starting to look into ideas for something a bit more grown up for her as she’s on the cusp of starting high school.
Suzanne W
6 years ago AUTHORThe problem is that they need updating and redecorating every 5 years don’t they? I can’t keep up! Think we’ve done the girls for the last time recently. Hopefully they’ll move out before they need doing again lol. xx
Tricia
6 years agoSunshine and snow in the same season. Here in Cyprus we actually had snow and 30° in the same day this year. Happily stating I am laying on my sunbed at 8 o’clock most mornings.
Heledd - Running in Lavender
6 years agoI’ve done something similar with my phone use over the past six weeks and feel so much better for it. I love that ‘Director of Operations’ at home title, that made me smile, I might use it myself. Great roundup hon and well done on your new volunteer role, sounds perfect for you xxx