Dear Tasha in January 2023,

I'm looking out of my study window at the garden. It's winter so there's not much growing although the snowdrops are starting to push through. Even though it's bleak out there, I still get a lot of joy looking out, knowing there's actually a garden there. Because yes, we have finally moved to a house with a garden and enough space for my own study!

This has been my year for making space for my mental wellbeing by prioritising my own needs. I started small with going out for walks in the morning as often as possible. At the beginning it was only once a week at the weekends, but over time it got more regular because I also started prioritising sleep, so I was going to bed on time and finally getting decent rest because we've been gently encouraging the kids to get better sleep. It's not perfect but it's much better than it was.

I can't believe I used to think I didn't have time for things like yoga and working out. I know I can put things down to the kids getting older and easier to manage but I know it's also because I'm so much better at deciding what's best for me and telling J what I need to do. We both know that what's best for me is best for all the family - everyone gets affected when I'm in a bad mood!

I think the one thing that changed for me was realising how low my mood was at the end of 2022. I want you to know that it is possible to feel truly joyful again. And I think it really started with deciding I'm the sort of person that puts my mental wellbeing first. And then making that one small change - those regular morning walks - that pushed the needle in the right direction for me.

I know things feel a bit bleak for you right now. But I can't wait for you to go through this year and feel how I'm feeling now. I think it's going to change your life so profoundly.

With love,

Tasha in January 2024