Let's get cosy and comfortable

Ok so we are in the thick of a pandemic and the weather is cold outside. Even more time to make the most of being inside whilst taking the occasional trip outside for exercise or even essential groceries shopping. But am I the only one wanting to hibernate? Apparently our ancestors use to. But right now it's important to keep safe and occupied inside too.

I'm finding myself more distracted by the News right now, in particular to what's recently been happening in Washington D.C. at Capitol Hill. The drama and shocking reality that has occurred in the USA since 2020 election run up and in recent days has been sleep depriving and gripping for Americans and for all of us just following global current affairs. I am sadden and shocked by the terroristic displays of those who stormed Capitol Hill. Such a contrast to how the US authorities previously responded to the the recent BLM protests and previous protests held there in past years. But all that craziness aside, it just makes me want to hide and try to disconnect with the social media about these events.

I have been looking at planning 2021 and how to divide the year up in a natural and less invasive way based on my expectations and wants for the year. For example, I was thinking of travelling back to the UK for Chinese New Year in February to be with Mum, which now seems very unlikely with the UK-France boarders being closed for the foreseeable future due to new more invasive strain of COVID-19 from the UK. But right now I can at least count on the seasons happening. Mother nature always providing us with the reminders of natural environmental changes.

I've been thinking that Winter time is also a cosy time. I love being able to wrap up in layers. Putting on my hat and scarf and wearing the different coloured jumpers I have. Of course what we cook and eat during this season tends to vary a lot. Just now I was thinking rather my afternoon tea, maybe a nice cup of hot chocolate would be welcomed. Even better with some whipped cream on top! Or even the French or Alpine style of eating comes out when I get out our raclette machine and feast on melted cheese over boiled potatoes, charcuterie and cornichons. But sometimes a simply freshly made soup is always welcomed during this time. I used up some old looking carrots, with a couple of parsnips and very large sweet potato to make a lovely soup. Just added a few dried chilli flakes to give the soup a bit of heat to fend off any possible cold symptoms. I have noticed during Winter there are certain things I eat less of, like fruits in general. I have more of a craving for carbs and savoury dishes. I've been cooking noodles and pasta quite a few times over the recent weeks. But eating to fulfil what my body might want or need is really only one aspect that's keeps me occupied.

I know that the New Year period there's always a barrage full of promotions from subscriptions to methods to loose weight, online sales and even planning for the summer holidays. But all this is only a short term fix of self-gratification like, "yes I'm going to be thinner", or "wow that 70% off", or even "let's go to Greece in June!". Certainly its all distracting and difficult to resist the temptation. Though the one thing I have been focusing on is "making the most I've already got". January is always the impact of Christmas splurge. So I know I have to save to pay for that spend. I also remind myself, I really don't need that extra pair of shoes even if it's more than 50% off. I do have enough. Also I discovered in 2020, I really never accepted my physical self with all it's lumps and bumps and differences. This time I'm focusing on keeping active and healthy as best possible on my terms.

So as much as I feel like cosying up on the sofa, I'm still very keen to go out and explore within the conditions of French curfew and weather conditions. I do miss going out to dine and meeting up with friends in a café. Those times will come back in time when the government deem it safe to do so. But I invite you all to take some time to reflect what you have look whether or not you need to use those promotions or not. Or even give away items you no longer need to those who may benefit instead.

In the meantime, give yourself the space to breathe and allow yourself to grow into this New Year of 2021.