Last week, I took some well-earned time off work, and I’ve tried to find a photo I took that encapsulates the week and it was tough! Why? Because I had such an amazing time filled with moments that ticked so many boxes.
A Week That Fed My Soul
I fed my inner nerd by visiting the National Archives in Kew and exploring their fascinating exhibition on MI5. I also managed a fleeting trip to the British Library, one of my favourite places in London and where I have fond memories from spending pretty much every non-working hour there in the second half of 2012.
At home, I just about finished painting my shed (just one more coat to go!), as well as general house stuff – cleaning, mowing the lawn and keeping it presentable!
I also used the time to catch up on business admin, update expenses and generally get organised.
Celebrating My Birthday with Purpose
My week off was planned around my birthday and I wanted to spend the day in a way that nourished my soul. It started with breakfast with a friend, and was followed by a day with a strategy coach (Joanna Lott) and about 24 inspiring female coaches, all of whom have done incredible things. We looked back at 2025 so far and then explored how we want the next 6 months to look like, and I left buzzing with new ideas and the reassurance that I do know what I’m doing, so I can now get on and do it!
I spent the evening at the Oval, to cheer on my beloved Surrey cricket club, who beat Kent on the final ball of the game, and my nerves have just about recovered!
Exploring London Through Fresh Eyes
On Friday, I wanted to see the poppies as well as ‘do’ the Tower of London and I walked over 4 miles, mostly up and down stairs! I enjoyed being a tourist and created new memories there. Sometimes we associate a place with a person or experience; for me and the Tower, it was a school trip in the 1980s and I wanted a new and positive narrative, which I definitely have now.
I also discovered a coffee shop at Victoria Station (Redemption Roasters), which supports and trains prison leavers with the skills they need to gain meaningful employment and they do very good coffee, which is also very important!
A Week That Had It All
For me, the week just about ticked off every box:
- Time for my business
- Space for my home life
- Moments with friends
- Joy for my nerdy and curious self
- Good food, fresh air and a LOT of walking.
It was the best week I’ve had in years, but it got me thinking – shouldn’t this kind of week be the norm and not the exception?
What Does a Balanced Week Look Like for You?
How regularly do you fill your weeks with:
- Life admin and chores
- Business / work
- Fun and laughter (also friends and family)
- Hobbies and creative outlets
- Those things that nourish your soul and fill your cup
- Exercise and self-care
I do most of these most weeks, but not the way I did last week, and it wasn’t just because I was on holiday. It’s so easy to get bogged down, to focus on the to-list, which will never be a to-done one, and to just go through the motions.
But, and here’s the thing, we only get one life. It’s not a dress rehearsal. There are no do-overs. You can’t hit rewind and make a different choice. You can, however, press pause, evaluate where you are right now and think about where you want to go.
In a recent blog post https://clairemelvincoaching.co.uk/june-a-time-for-reflection/ I shared that this is the perfect time to do just that – we’re nearly half-way through the year and there’s a lot you can do in six months.
Want to Rediscover Your Mojo?
After my week off, I feel refreshed, inspired, motivated and excited about the rest of the year, and beyond. If you’re not feeling the same, I’d love to help you rediscover your mojo and bring more happiness, purpose and joy into every day. Get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.