Hey guys, remember me?
Yeah… I was on a bit of a roll with blog content and staying on top of everything for a little while. But life has a way of throwing you completely off balance when things are starting to feel just right.
A few weeks ago, Joe had a bit of a health scare (he’s fine now, but that doesn’t mean I won’t stop asking him if he’s fine every 2.5 seconds. “Joe, are you OK?” “Yes.” “What about now?” “Still yes” “But -“ “YES.”). We had working plans in London. Needed to pack for America. To organise paperwork. And generally get ready for our trip to America.
And the weeks passed in the blink of an eye and now I’m truly realising… it’s OK to switch off when you’re away.
In fact, I’m going to say it’s pretty darn necessary for you to do just that.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Bando Jumper // Topshop Skirt // Primark Shoes // Handbag JustFab // Handbag Dorothy Perkins
Not only am I feeling more refreshed, I’m seeing the world a little brighter. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’m definitely still posting to Instagram (however sporadically). But I haven’t even logged into my blog until now. Mainly to fill you all in on my absence and to clue you into some of the things I’m realizing.
As Kylie Jenner says, I’m “Like, realizing stuff.”
So here’s what I’ve noticed.
It’s good to actually spend time with the people you’re with
I know this isn’t a shocking revelation or anything. But it’s absolutely amazing to spend time with your family and friends and focus on them. For this trip, I’ve traveled back to America with my friend Grace, who’s never been to New York before (the city or any of the state).
And getting to experience New York with someone for the first time is so cool. You get to experience the city with a set of fresh eyes. To witness someone’s excitement at traveling to a new city is seriously remarkable. And I don’t know if I’d quite get that same experience if I’d have been fretting over blogging or my Instagram account (I know, I’m so millennial it hurts).
Conversations are that much better without distractions
You also have time to actually listen. At the best of times, I’m the worst for paying attention. I struggle to recall information that people tell me and added distractions like phones can definitely make it even more difficult. I’ve been working on “getting the shot” and then putting my phone away. And it feels good. I’ve even been leaving my heavy duty Canon at home. WHO AM I?
Relaxing is seriously important for your mental health
Within the first few days of my being home, my mom remarked that it’s the least stressed I’ve been in the past few years of coming back. While I was working full-time, I struggled to switch off and enjoy time with everyone around me. I felt on edge and it always showed. This year, I’m on my own schedule (which I do realise, is a great privilege) and I can take the necessary time out from writing and working on my blog to give myself the space I need to recoup.
And being able to take a few weeks to rest from writing has already made a big difference for me.
So that’s life for the next few weeks. I can rest my brain while I’m home – totally switching off – and come back to the blog (and to England) with a fresh perspective.
Hope everyone has enjoyed the Bank Holiday Weekend (and short week!) in England!
See you guys again soon! (And because I wrote this a few days ago and DIDN’T actually post it, I’ve got some new posts that’ll be going live over the weekend).
Kelly x
PS. If you need to keep your brain occupied with old posts, check out my guide to Newcastle AND the most Instagrammable restaurant in Paris.
Oh, and photos of me by the talented Allie Smith of Rush & Teal.