So, wait, August is over? As cliche as it may sound, I really cannot believe that we are into the 9th month of the year! So many changes this month, new beginnings, the weather still does not know what it wants and here we are!
I have decided to start a new series of the Five Things I Loved in a month. I use to do a similar series called Mama and Toddler Loves in which every month I use to write about what me and Aazeen had been enjoying the last month. So whilst reminiscing and going through my old posts again, it made me realise how important it is to acknowledge the positives in your life.
We commonly dwell on the negatives and how we can fix this and that but hardly ever sit down and think about the good stuff. So this is just a little attempt to help myself and hopefully encourage you to do the same too.
Switched from Full to Part time!
In one of my previous posts, I mentioned that I reduced my working hours at work. Instead of the usual Mondays to Fridays 9 to 5, I now only work Mondays to Wednesdays.Â
August was the first month of this change and I honestly donât know why I hadnât thought of this earlier! The past month has been so good for my mental health that I am already able to feel the difference. I no longer dread Monday mornings, the four day weekends means I can get a lot done and still able to spend good quality time with my daughter. I can now balance out my routine which I was really struggling with.
More importantly, it has also had a positive impact on Aazeenâs behaviour. She now lets me work in peace on my work days and excitedly tells everyone that Mummyâs weekends starts on Thursdays!
Now that she is also in full time school, it means on Thursdays and Fridays, I can focus on things for myself. For example, not rushing to finish a book, a little bit of self care here and there because as parents we tend to forget to do these things for ourselves or find the time too.Â
Weekend at the Cousins
Thanks to the four day weekend, we are able to have mini getaways. We spent one of the weekends at our cousins which was so refreshing and entertaining for Aazeen. We visited The Gruffalo Trail at Thorndon Country Park in Brentwood.
The following day we took a trip down Walthamstow Wetlands as well as pretended to be tourists in our own city and drove through Central London admiring the buildings. It was lovely creating memories with family and seeing Aazeen have a lovely time. It really did feel like a mini holiday even though we did not even leave the city!
This just goes to show that you do not have to splash out, go out of your way to have a good time, sometimes a little change of scenery can do so much good.Â
Greys Anatomy
I am officially a Greys Anatomy fan, I had been putting off watching it due to the number of seasons but after so many people recommending it to me, I could no longer stop myself. Itâs literally the only thing I watched in the month of August! I started towards the end of July and I am now on season 13 (no spoilers please!). It is certainly not great for the lack of sleep but such a good show and highly addictive!
ReadingÂ
This has to be quite an unexpected one because it is definitely a big shocker if I even manage to read one book a month but I managed two! The only reason why I have started to read again is due to being a part of That Mama Clubâs book club.Â
I did not get to read and finish Julyâs book in time so managed to squeeze that into August too, I read Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane and The Lucky Escape by Laura Jane Williams, I wonât go into a detailed review about them as have that planned for later on. But I am pleased that I am achieving my goal of reading again.
Every month, the lovely ladies that run That Mama Club put up a vote for books on their Instagram stories for you to choose. You have a month to read and at the end of the month thereâs a discussion post. Additionally, there is also a WhatsApp group to chat and share your thoughts too and even share suggestions for book choices. However, it is more than just reading, what I love about the book club, it is a great way to connect with others and make friends!Â
Get Together
A picture of the food prepared Due to COVID and restrictions we were not able to have get togethers with three of our close families. The last time we were all under one roof was for Aazeenâs third birthday in February 2020! Even when restrictions were lifted, we would make plans but they would go down the drain because someone would fall ill. For example, we planned to celebrate Eid together in July after two years of not being able too, then my Mum and Brother ended up with COVID and so that was cancelled.
However, in August we finally managed to get everyone together for a special prayer for Muharram, the first month of the Islamic New Year. I cannot explain in words how it actually made me feel. It did make me realise that we really do take the littlest of things for granted.Â
Did anyone ever think you wouldnât be able to see your friends and family despite living in the same city? Thoughts like that never crossed anyoneâs mind and I guess it has in a way made me appreciate and value life and our relationships even more.Â
Do you take the time out to think about the positive things that have happened during the day or month, do you feel it makes a good difference?
Tell me one thing you loved about August?
Hello Soffy, this is a great post! So good to hear that you are only working part-time now and have more freedom! Loved this post. Alicia
Hi Soffy, it is a beautiful post. I really liked everything from your post. I am so happy you are able to spend more time with your family, friends and daughter, Aazeen. Also, have time for yourself too.
This August was a month full of changes for me too. Now, I am able to take decisions independently. Getting to be more mature and feel more secure. And I am staying calm in all sorts of situations that I come across. I am more energetic throughout the day.
With Love, Clementine
It is great you have more time to spend with your family and friends! I hope September is a great month for you!
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
Great post! Glad your working arrangements are working for you and your family.
Glad you were able to spend more time with your family and work. I loved that I was able to take a break from work to focus on my mental health. It was draining. Now I feel better and I resume next week
It sounds like you had an amazing month! Congrats on reducing your working hours! I can’t imagine how relieving it must be to spend less time working and more time with your child and relaxing. Such a nice post, thank you for sharing about your month! x
Alexis| http://cafe-beauty.com
Honestly, the rate this year is going is scary! So nice you’ve gotten more quality time with your daughter, and go to make up time with loved ones and do a special prayer.
I loved reading this post about everything you loved in August. You’re right that the months seem to be going quicker this year, I can’t believe we’re in the final run of 2021. I’m so jealous you’re only watching Greys Anatomy for the first time! I love it so much – I might do a re-watch soon actually. So glad you got to catch up with your family too đ
I love the idea of this post and will definitely be checking back each month. Its great thats you’ve been able to change your working times to suit your needs.
Great post! Iâm glad changing to part time has worked for you and it sound great that you can spend more time with your little one. Thanks for sharing x
Great post! There’s nothing better than being a tourist in our own city. You’d be surprised what you will discover. One thing I love in August was I saw Whales for the first time, while my little girl and I were at the beach. They were so close to the shore too.
It’s true what you said about appreciating the little things, now that we’re in lockdown there in Australia again, I really miss wandering around shops and being able to go on adventures and walks at the weekend which my family.
I loved this post, it was such a positive article to read! Sounds like a fab month for you xx
Love to read about your August and most of all it brings me happiness to read that after so long you managed to see your family and friends again! I am going to visit my family next week after almost two years apart and can only understand! x
The year does seem to fly by so quickly! Loved the mini getaways activity. We try to squeeze a few of those in with our family as well, sometimes I even manage to sneak in a runcation!
I love the positivity of documenting the 5 things youâre grateful for each month. It sounds like youâve made a big change in your life with going PT and I know youâre going to love it! Thanks for sharing.
Love this! It’s great that you got to spend some quality time with family and friends. Thanks for sharing, I hope September is just as great for you x
I love this post, it’s great that you got spend some quality time with friends and family. You also reminded me to start watching Grey’s Anatomy, I always hear about that show so when I have free time, gonna start watching. Great post! xx
This sounds like a great August! I’ve also been loving reading đ x
Itâs great getting to hang out with family. I always enjoy spending time with my family.
Sounds like you had a lovely August. It’s so important to focus on the positives. I didn’t have a great August, my mental health was really low for a large part of it. But I had a lovely weekend out with family at the end of it x
Aw, you had a lovely August, Soffy! Greys Anatomy has my heart forever! I’m not caught up yet but I look forward to watching it once it goes on Netflix. I love mini getaways and am in desperate need for one! I hope to have one before the end of the season for sure. Thanks for sharing x
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
I really like the fact that you reduced working hours it also allows you to do more in your personal life and enjoy life more. I really belief that a good decision, I have been thinking on doing that. Beautiful picturesđâ¨âď¸