May 2023 Monthly Review

Birthdays, being consistent and better sleep!

Welcome to my first monthly review for May 2023 - and it’s actually been really nice writing this because it’s reminded me that I’ve actually packed a lot into one month, but that I’ve made a lot of progress too - not something I’d realise or congratulate myself for if I hadn’t have written it down.

I thought that these monthly review posts would be a good way to show you a bit more about me, as they kind of cover a bit of everything about my life all in one. So sit down for 5 mins, grab a cuppa and enjoy!

Mum life:

I’m happy to report that this month I’ve generally had a lot more sleep because my youngest seems to have stopped teething for now…I know until it starts again but I’m just enjoying this while it lasts! And wow, how different do I feel with more sleep - sleep deprivation is the literal worst!!

Both of my son’s had birthdays this month - my youngest turned 1 at the start of the month, and my middle son was 6 last week - I know everyone says it, but I’m at a complete loss as to how they are that old already - I still think of my middle son as like 3 years old, and my youngest as 3 months old…I need to catch up!

I kind of wrote May off, because I knew how busy I’d be with all the birthday prep and parties etc. And I was right to do that! Huge relief now it’s all done, they all had a fab time, but it is exhausting making sure that everyone has a good time - and even then not everyone was happy!

Behind the scenes of my coaching business:

This month has been all about feeling creative, inspired and excited to finally release my new things into the world. I’ve deliberately given myself lots of time to do the prep work behind the scenes so I don’t get overwhelmed and set myself unrealistic expectations.

I got back into coaching a client this week after having a break for maternity. We did Voxer coaching (Voxer is like a professional Whatsapp) and it was amazing how much we covered in an hour of going back and for with voice notes. I just loved getting back into coaching, it makes me so happy!

I released a new freebie - ‘5 Mini Pep Talks for Overwhelmed Mums’ - a free E-Book that I created when I was having a tough day and I needed to hear some positive words and a different perspective on my situation. You can grab your copy here:

I’m working behind the scenes towards releasing my new podcast - The Inspiring Mums Podcast’ in the next fortnight which I’m both excited and nervous about. I actually had a lovely chat with my first podcast guest this week, so I’m looking forward to recording that episode in June.

Released my first Substack post - I deliberated over what I was writing so much, but I got there in the end. Taking imperfect action is how I’m approaching everything at the moment!

Stayed consistent with my weekly emails to my email community - I talked about themes like; what if it all worked out, is it any wonder why mums feel unfulfilled, time to take my own advice and a life update from me.

I haven’t put pressure on myself to consistently post on Instagram - but I have found myself scrolling way too much now the app is back on my phone. I pretty much stayed off it for a year because I get so addicted to it and then the toxic comparison hits me, but I’ve been back on to post for my business, but it really doesn’t make me feel good, at all. So I’m looking at ways at how I can focus on other activities that I enjoy that still connects with mums, just away from social media.

I actually loved this post from

THE RED FERN 🌿 By Helen Redfern

that was linked to content creation too, and how much the content creation takes over and takes us away from doing the actual work we want to do.

Things I’ve done for me this month:

Read

• I read Love Untold by Ruth Jones which I’d highly recommend - I didn’t want it to end. Amazing strong female characters, love a multi-generational story, even better when it's set in multiple locations in Wales - the ending was surprising and emotional too. 10/10.

  

• I also read Girlfriends by Holly Bourne - a really good read that bounces back and for between the present day and back to the early noughties when the main character was a teenager. Lots of nostalgia in there which I enjoyed and a feminist theme running through it.

Crochet - I’m carrying on working on my Summer Ripple blanket (Attic24 pattern) which I am loving. It took me ages and lots of trying, trying and trying again to my head around the pattern, but I think I’m on it now and happy with how it’s looking. I’ve still got a long way to go but I love having a crochet project on the go, and I can just pick it up and do a few stitches whenever I’ve got the time.

Walks in the sun - we got my youngest a trike for his 1st birthday, so it’s been really lovely pushing him around in that, he loves it because he’s so nosey and he can really see everything going on when he’s in it.

More mindful moments - It might be because I’ve been having a bit more sleep, but I’ve been having these mini mindful moments where I’m trying soak in the kids at the age they all are now (8, 6 and 1) - mainly if the kids are all playing together nicely - I mean, they are fleeting, because usually an argument about trading Pokemon cards or whose turn it is on the TV will break out, but you know I’ll enjoy those mini moments while I can!

Things I want to focus on in June:

I’ll write a full June goals post next week but to give you an idea of what I want to focus on for June:

• Launch my podcast

• Work on my mindset more so I’m not self-sabotaging

• More mini moments of self-care

• Plan in more quality time and 1 on 1 time with the kids

• Be more intentional with my time on social media

I’d love to know how May has been for you - let me know in the comments!