I’ve struggled with the last few topics the lovely Denyse Whelan has proffered for her Monday ‘Life this week’ link-ups. Indeed, my post about routines (and my to-do lists) is wallowing in my drafts folder, along with last week’s post pondering ‘how much money is enough?’

This week – as it happens – has been no different. The topic is love, and my immediate response was to write something about poor old 49 year old me who’s never been ‘in love’ or ‘loved’ (romantically). And how it shits me that others take that for granted (ie. being loved) while I blame my weight and various other nuances for my eternal singleness. 

But again I’m tired of overthinking all that stuff, so I’m taking the easy way out and talking about ‘other’ stuff I love. More specifically, things I’m loving right now*!

1. My house
I tried to do one of those ‘things I’m grateful for’ challenges recently but almost every day ‘my house’ was the only thing that came to mind. I’m more contented (at home) than I’ve been in many MANY years and have become absurdly house-proud. I’m again buying a ‘housey’ magazine each month to ponder on decorating improvements.

2. Netflix
Like everyone else in Australia who’s discovered this cheap import I’m loving it. There are SO many shows still to watch (or re-watch) and I haven’t even scanned the movies. Better still, it’s got lots of kids’ stuff, which is great for my younger visitors. (I must have watched 50 episodes of the witty and educational Odd Squad while babysitting this weekend!)

3. Dancing in the Dark
I tried this class for the first time last week and wasn’t sure what it involved or how I’d cope with ‘freestyle dancing in a darkened room for an hour’, but I loved it. And wrote about it in my local blog.

4. Outsourcing
I’m not exactly sure I can afford it all on my part-time salary but I’ve already got a monthly cleaner and mowing company. The cleaners are a relief as they mop floors and clean bathrooms… so do the things I hate. And the mowing guys are a necessity as I’ve got a double block of land. Of course the lack of rain this year means I haven’t needed them YET in 2017, although one of my gardens could probably do with a bit of work.

I’m a big believer in outsourcing – when it comes to stuff you don’t have time or skills for – IF you can afford it of course.

5. My changing mindset
I’ve written here recently about some of my fairly anal thought-processes: my love/hate relationship with to-do lists; and some arbitrary rules I impose on myself. It seems I’m finally questioning some of this stuff and easing off on myself a little.

It’s a struggle as there’s some element of guilt I’m not still as ambitious as I feel I should be (am not yet of an age to retire so I SHOULD still be focussed on work and earning an income) and then a realisation that contentment and happiness is – perhaps – within my grasp. IF I continue to make some changes.

It’s a slow process and really quite challenging. I’ve been up and down a bit lately as I overanalyse it all death, but I think it’s been more positive than negative.

And there you have it. Five things I’m loving right now. I did contemplate including their counterparts… the yang to their yin or something: work and commitments; lack of exercise; the heat; menopause; my motivation and so forth, but decided it’s best to keep it upbeat for a change!

What are you loving at the moment? 

* Note I’m talking stuff or things. Not people. Cos hopefully those in my life know how important they are to me.