21/01/2021
Welcome to Sum up Sunday. A weekly update of my thoughts, feelings and experiences for the past week. Enjoy.
As I sit writing this, I have to let you know that I'm in a bit of a mood and that's a shame, as it's been one of the best weeks I've had in a long time. I suppose that is just the nature of this pandemic though, one minute you're loving life and the next something happens (or sometimes nothing at all) and you lose your mojo in a heartbeat.
It's reassuring to know that this feeling will be gone just as fast as it came about. I'll get a nice early night and start the day tomorrow with a complete reset and step into February with a can-do attitude.
Well done to all of those that did that little bit extra this month. I've seen so many of you smash your January/New Year goals out of the park and can see what a difference it's making.
Also well done to everyone for just making it through this month. Turns out that January+Global Pandemic = Bad times. It's been a long, cold, dark, wet month and like my wife said, "if January was a weekday, it would definitely be Monday and most people hate Mondays". There are exceptions of course, but if we did a poll, I'd be fairly confident that Monday wouldn't do great.
So, even if you haven't lost ten kilograms, ran 100km, or taught youself how to play Wonderwall on the guitar, give yourself a massive pat on the back. We are almost a year into this new way of living and just getting through each day healthy, warm, clean and well fed, is more than enough to be doing ok.
Due to the pandemic. my life has become so boring that one of the things that brings me so much joy in life is doing the washing up. I'm not even kidding, any chance to get my hands warm and bubbly, I'm forearm deep in fairy liquid, scrubbing filth like a mad man.
All jokes aside, what I love about it is, it's one of the only tasks I can do with no distractions and be fully present. You know how it works, grab a plate, give it a scrub and pop it on the drying rack. Not all that exciting and considered to be the worst part of any meal, not to mention getting in the way of the next distraction of sitting in front of the telly or scrolling through Instagram. But if you change your perspective, you can learn to love it.
Now, you might have a dishwasher or have someone in your life that does the washing for you. But think of something you absolutely hate doing... It could be anything like hoovering, cleaning the bathroom, mowing the lawn, whatever it is. Simply change the way you think about it by making it your only task. Be involved with how your body moves towards an end goal and appreciate the feeling of being totally engaged. It's the same as doing your favorite thing, the only difference is how you react to it.
Try and love something you hate doing this week and let me know how you get on.
This week's recommendations
Ardy's Hour 4/52 is a good one. lots of chilled hip-hop vibes and a couple of classics chucked in there too. Please give the playlist a follow so you can be kept up to date throughout the year.
Instagram page I've been enjoying - @royspeople
I won't spoil it for you, just click the link and let the page make you smile.
Show to watch (Again) - Seinfeld (Amazon Prime)
It just gets better and better. Just started season 3 and I'm already a bit sad that there are only 9 seasons.
Video to watch - Bonobo: Cirrus [Official Video]
It's a great song and this video gets trippier and trippier throughout.
I hope you've all had a lovely week. If not, that's ok. Life isn't perfect at the moment and so many of us are facing struggles we never even imagined. Have faith that this storm will eventually pass and we will all get to hug each other once again. Unless of course, you're not a hugger then we can fist bump.
Ardy's will remain closed until further notice. Please sit tight and grow those beautiful locks, hopefully, it won't be too long.
Just because I'm not cutting, doesn't mean I'm not here to listen. send me a message if you need anything. I'll help in any way I can.
Lots of love, Ardy x
P.S. Please feel free to forward this message to anyone who you think may need to see it.
