If you read my last blog post, you’ll know I was stuck in a bit of a rut. Okay, more like a full-on bog of despair. My mental health had taken a nosedive, and I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world (and dropping it on my foot repeatedly). Not fun.

But here we are, a few weeks later, and things are looking up—or at least I’m not hiding under a blanket pretending the outside world doesn’t exist. What’s changed? Well, I can’t promise any life-changing epiphanies or overnight transformations, but I’ve made some tweaks that have helped.

1. Family Time: AKA Controlled Chaos

When I wasn’t feeling great, I think I forgot how grounding (and loud) family time can be. Recently, I’ve made more of an effort to be present—not just physically, but mentally. Whether it’s our chaotic games nights (which almost always descend into bickering over rules), dog walks that end with muddy shoes and tired legs, or rewatching the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special for the umpteenth time, being with family has brought back a sense of purpose and normality. Let’s be real, though—it’s not all picture-perfect. There are tantrums (not always the kids), burned candles from forgotten tea lights, and days when “quality time” just means surviving until bedtime. But hey, I’ll take it.

2. Writing: My Sanity Saver

I’ve also thrown myself back into writing. Not in a romantic “words flowed like wine” way, but more in a “stare at the screen until something makes sense” kind of way. There’s something oddly satisfying about creating characters who have messier lives than me—it’s like free therapy. Writing has reminded me that even when the world feels out of control, I can still build my own little universe on the page. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine.

3. Dipping My Toes into Entrepreneurship

In a fit of “why not,” I started an Etsy shop. Due to my spiralling obsession with the ACOTAR series (or hyperfocus if I finally get around to admitting my neurodivergence) I’ve spent hours designing things on Canva, in-jokes of the fandom and cultural mash-ups. Most of this time is me second-guessing everything and wondering if anyone really needs a mug saying ‘Cassian is my book boyfriend’. Spoiler: probably not, but I’m doing it anyway. My shop, Rebels and Queens, is a mix of historical and literary-inspired merch (with a side of sass). I’m still figuring it all out—branding, pricing, the inevitable imposter syndrome—but it’s been fun to have a project that’s entirely my own.

Real Talk: It’s Not All Smooth Sailing

I’d love to tell you I’m cured and thriving, but that’s not how this works. There are still days when I feel like I’m wading through treacle, but they’re less frequent now. And when they come, I try to remind myself that it’s okay to feel off as long as I keep going.

So, if you’re in a funk, here’s my unsolicited advice: focus on the little things that bring you joy, even if it’s just a cup of tea, a good walk with the dog, or 30 minutes to yourself. And if you fall off the wagon? Dust yourself off and try again tomorrow.

Thanks for sticking around for this slightly rambling update. If you need me, I’ll be over here juggling family, writing, and figuring out how to sell tote bags without losing my mind. Progress, not perfection, right?

Oh, and one last thing—next time, I’ll be writing about the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which has pretty much been holding me together these past few months. Expect thoughts, feelings, and maybe a rant or two about Ianthe. Stay tuned!