After a whirlwind holiday season filled with challenges, I’m embracing a fresh start and sharing the journey to self-care and positivity in 2025!
Well, what can I say? 2024 decided to make its grand exit in the same chaotic fashion it entered—filled with stress, worry, and more than a few curveballs. Yet, as I sit here reflecting, there’s a glimmer of hope that things are finally turning around, and I can’t wait to share what’s next with you.
Let me take you back to just two days before Christmas. My brother had to cancel our long-planned dinner because he was struck down with that awful flu going around. Things were so bad he was hallucinating—an incredibly scary situation for everyone involved. It was heartbreaking not to have him with us, especially during a time when family means everything.
If that wasn’t enough, Christmas Eve brought its own set of challenges. My oldest Chihuahua, Heathcliff, woke up unwell. To spare you the graphic details, he was passing blood and vomiting—a terrifying sight for any pet parent. We rushed him to the vet, leaving him in their care while they ran tests. With 12 people expected for Christmas dinner, I was torn between canceling and soldiering on, my emotions swinging wildly between panic and helplessness.
By late afternoon, the vet called with some good news: Heathcliff’s tests were normal, and we could pick him up later. Relief turned to shock when we collected him, though—along with our beloved boy, we received a £901 bill. Christmas miracles come at a price, it seems!
Even with the “all-clear” from the vet, Heathcliff was far from himself. He continued to pass blood and wouldn’t eat, which meant he couldn’t take his medication properly. We set up a sofa bed downstairs and took shifts, letting him out every hour or two throughout the night (which continued until New Year) Christmas dinner went ahead the next day, but it was subdued. No festive drinks for me, and my heart wasn’t really in it. Everyone left early, and we returned to focusing on Heathcliff’s recovery.
Thankfully, by New Year’s Day, there was light at the end of the tunnel—Heathcliff had his first solid poo! (Yes, I know how ridiculous it sounds to celebrate this, but if you’re a pet owner, you get it.) He started eating again on December 30th, little by little, and we finally began to breathe easier.
In the midst of all this, I’ll admit my usual stress-coping mechanisms kicked in—hello, chocolate binges and hair-picking (I’ve been a split end picker since the age of 12 in times of stress I literally shred my hair) I’m fairly certain I single-handedly consumed enough chocolate to bankrupt Willy Wonka’s factory. Let’s just say I won’t be stepping on any scales for at least a month!
But as chaotic as the holidays were, this week brought a sense of renewal. I went through my wardrobe, and let me tell you, it was time. Somewhere along the way, I’d lost my sense of style, defaulting to comfortable stretchy outfits that do nothing for my confidence. That stops now.
And then there’s my face—oh, the betrayal of stress, sleepless nights, and a caffeine-fueled existence. I had an “ah-ha” moment while looking in the mirror with my glasses on (a rare occurrence). Let’s just say I’d grown accustomed to the blur filter without my glasses on. The wrinkles, the dryness—it was a wake-up call to take better care of myself, inside and out.
So, here’s where we are. 2025 may have started with its challenges, but I’m determined to turn things around. My plan? More water, less chocolate, a fresh wardrobe, and a renewed sense of self-care. I’m not aiming for perfection, just progress.
Thank you for sticking with me through the highs and lows. Your support means the world, and I can’t wait to share updates on how this journey unfolds. Until next time, take care of yourself—you deserve it. See you soon!
P.S. If you’ve had a rocky start to the year, let’s tackle it together and make 2025 a year of positive change!
Dizi Daisy 