Snowy Scenes, The Stranger and a Documentary Frenzy | Little Loves February 2020

Coming to this a few days late but better late than never, hey? Sharing my Little Loves every month is something that I look forward to. Firstly it’s a reminder for me of the good things that have been and gone; secondly, I hope it encourages you to consider your own positives from the previous month*.

*Reminder: they are always there, some months you just need to look harder than others.

So here are some of the things that I have loved in February…

Read in February

Not sure why I’m starting with this section to be honest, because I’ve struggled through my current book – Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty. What’s more, we broke down on the way home from our skiing holiday, meaning that the book is almost finished but still in the car that is stranded in the middle of France!

Other than that, I’ve been reading a short book by Paul Gilbert, called Training our Minds in, with and for Compassion. It’s rammed full of thought-provoking information and ideas on how to implement more compassion into our daily lives. It’s something that I will be returning to time and again, I think. Now that I’ve finished my therapy, it’s time to try out some of the mindfulness exercises.

Heard in February

Podcasts in abundance! Honestly, I’ve listened to so many great ones but a favourite was Oprah Winfrey interviewing the queen that is, Michelle Obama. The episode with Lady Gaga was pretty inspiring too. Both are definitely worth a listen.

My chosen word for this year, is Pause and I’ve been looking at ways to practically implement this into my life. As I’ve already mentioned, my therapist has been encouraging me to explore mindfulness and meditation a bit more. If you’re a Christian and want something that incorporates prayer/time with God, then download the Abide app where there are daily exercises from 5 to 15 minutes. I’m finding them a soothing and very calming way to start the day.

Having just been on holiday with 4 teenagers, I listened to more rap music than I probably would have liked but also heard a lot of laughter – so good for the soul.

Watched in February

The Stranger was something I had heard mixed reviews about so had decided to avoid. Those of you with teenagers, will know that there aren’t many TV shows that are suited to all age ranges and sexes, so on holiday we decided to give it a go.

Well, how wrong the nay sayers were! Yes it was a bit (a lot) far-fetched in places but it kept us guessing right until the end and it was such compelling viewing. I would highly recommend.

I’ve been on a bit of a documentary mission this month and can recommend two that are worth watching. The first one is Stacey Dooley: On the Psych Ward which was shown on BBC3 in the middle of the month. Stacey spent 3 weeks shadowing the mental health nursing team on an acute psychiatric ward and as with all her documentaries, it was insightful, moving and incredibly challenging.

Initially I wasn’t sure whether to watch it as I knew that it would stir up mixed emotions for me. I was concerned that I might not find it a true reflection of a psych ward and that Stacey might not do this topic justice. Of course I had questions afterwards and was slightly concerned that the young people interviewed might have been more exposed that they should be whilst under section, but overall she did a good job. It’s a raw and difficult watch but I think it’s an honest look at the state of our current mental health care here in the UK.

Another great watch was  Rio and Kate: Becoming a Step Family which aired on BBC1 at the beginning of the month. Again, this was an emotional watch but I loved how honest the whole family were as they shared the difficulties of building a step family; especially one that is so much in the spotlight!

Wore in February

I’m going to say my ski gear for this section as I literally have no outfit posts to share. Sorry!

I have also worn woolly jumpers on repeat and I’m so ready to crack open the spring wardrobe – cue the end of torrential rain and the start of sunshine. Please!

Made in February

I have no photographic evidence but I promise that I *did* make some chocolate fridge cake to take skiing. If you’ve ever been skiing, you will know that your appetite ramps up a gear so forewarned is forearmed I think! Safe to say, they went down a treat with the teens.

And Lastly…

Like most parts of the UK, February has mostly been about the rain. I’m so over the rain! However, in amongst the torrential downpours, we’ve had the odd day of sunshine which has been glorious. The scarcity may have led me to appreciate them even more than usual. I really am looking forward to spring now, aren’t you?