This September feels full of hope and potential. After a period of supply teaching I now have a few permanent hours at a lovely school I've been working at since February. It's a very different role to my previous teaching post and fits in perfectly with my desire for less responsibility and a happy work life balance.
Over the summer holidays I've been contemplating how different I feel compared to a year ago when I was in my last job. I think that the challenges and changes that I've taken on have given me a new confidence borne from following my heart. I'm happier, healthier, and oh, I'm laughing a lot more these days.
After completing my tiny garden makeover and finishing my 40 piece minimalist wardrobe this summer, I now need to turn my attention back to keeping my day to day spending under control. More planning, budgeting and resolve are needed as I've lapsed a little with recording and restraining my spending recently. I'm also looking into minimizing my hair and beauty routine and seeking homemade and natural alternatives to what's on the shelves in the shops. I'm on my second week of using alternatives to shampoo – I'll keep you posted on my no-poo venture. You can't beat a new challenge!
Wishing you all a happy and healthy September xo
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I am pleased you are enjoying teaching again. I look forward to reading your no-poo experiences. I have only tried natural sulphate free shampoo's by Odylique and Louise Galvin. I too need to rein the spending in. Wishing you a happy and healthy September too. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteUsing a non sulphate shampoo and conditioner (also called clarifying shampoos) made my hair feel better than the ordinary sulphate loaden ones. There are lots of great organic shampoos out there that I'd be interested in trying if no-pooing doesn't work out!
DeleteI love the way September fills me with the feeling of hope and potential too, Claire! It's like a clean slate every year. Good luck with all of your ventures! (P.S. That quote and photo are great!)
ReplyDeleteThank you Joy. I can't believe I've only just come across this TS Eliot quote. I agree it's a great one.
DeleteI was on the right path spending wise, but I seem to have wondered off it by buying a few very expensive baking and cookery books I just couldn't resist. Oh well, new month, new chances. All the best there xxx
ReplyDeleteI have this tendency too. If I stop spending in one area I soon find a new one to replace it. I'm trying not to buy anything other than essentials. Fingers crossed!
DeleteIsn't it nice to look back over the past year and be proud of your achievements? I admire your determination to reach a good work life balance and the happiness and health that comes with it. I have a long way to go.... Have a great weekend. Cx
ReplyDeleteThank you Christina - it's taken a few years to get to feeling more in control of my work life balance. Probably having older children helps x
DeleteClaire it's wonderful that you have a better work/life balance now and wonderful also to have the joy of teaching with less responsibility, isn't it? This year I've been volunteering at a disadvantaged school helping children with reading difficulties. It's quality teaching time without staff meetings, playground duties etc and I'm loving it.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing about your no poo venture :)
Hi Megan. So lovely to hear that you're enjoying similar (voluntary) work. I will update on the no poo venture - not sure if there will be photos though :-)
DeleteThe work life balance is so important. You're making good choices and feeling happier. I try and do this in my everyday life too.
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Thank you Jean - I think believing you have choices is important; sometimes we're not as trapped as we think we are xo
DeleteI'm delighted to hear that you laugh more, what more could you want from life, really? You seem to have achieved a really wonderful work life balance, and I really admire and respect you for the choices you've made.
ReplyDeleteI'm really intrigued by the no shampoo challenge, do share your results with us! x
loads to share on this topic!
DeleteHi Claire, I too need to change my job for one with less responsibility and stress, but it's scarey taking that first step to change things! Were you scared? Did you have a final straw that made you take action? Xx
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