Tag: Life update

Posted in Bipolar disorder, depression, health, intentional living, lifestyle, mental illness, wellbeing, wellness

Currently… Life update February 2026

Posted on by Laura

Hi everyone, I hope you are all well. Those of you who regularly read my blog posts may have noticed that I’ve been AWOL for a long time and haven’t written anything since April 2025. The truth is that for over six months, I really struggled with my mental health, coping with (or not) a lengthy spell of depression and chronic anxiety. And, unfortunately, one of my symptoms of really low mood is that I’m barely able to string a sentence together let alone write a blog post.

When I first started struggling, I was convinced it was due to something that had made me upset at work, but as time went on, I wondered why the event was still upsetting me. I’d been stable with my bipolar disorder for a fair few years, using both my medication and therapeutic strategies that I’d learnt in various therapy sessions to keep me well. However, the anxiety and depression continued and I became worried that I would never get better again (another symptom).

After around 4 months of difficulties, I saw a mental health practitioner at my GP surgery and she suggested that it might be worth tweaking my medication by increasing my anti-depressant. She also suggested that I might get blood tests done to check my hormone levels in case I was perimenopausal and the community pharmacist she had contacted about me agreed. At 48 years old, I was convinced that I could have started the menopause but I was so wrong! My levels were incredibly low which, according to my online reading, suggested I was well into the menopause – this came as a huge shock. After what felt like a long and agonising wait, I was started on HRT (in the form of patches), which I was advised could take up to three months to work. I kept taking the higher dose of my antidepressant but knew that it would cause extreme agitation at first and would take weeks to kick in. I was given a short course of Diazepam for this but it persisted for weeks and I wasn’t allowed any more. I was then prescribed a beta blocker to deal with the physical anxiety symptoms but it was still a real struggle as the medication doesn’t help the psychological side of things at all.

Whilst waiting for the antidepressant and HRT to kick in, I did lots of reading around bipolar disorder and menopause and discovered that fluctuating or low hormone levels can affect the efficacy of bipolar medication such as mood stabilisers and antidepressants (which I’m on both of), reducing the positive effects. I was upset that not one of the medical professionals I saw while unwell knew this and the various doctors I’d seen before the mental health practitioner had any idea about this.

Christmas was hard as my mood was so low, but, just after new year, I noticed the depression and anxiety had gone and I finally had my old self back. As with all previous episodes, it was like a switch had been flipped and I felt so much better. Unfortunately, I had a few issues with my physical health as I slipped down the bottom half of the stairs at home in my socks and then slipped again on a very icy pavement, injuring my coccyx (which is still not totally better). However, despite being in a huge amount of pain when sitting, it didn’t get me down and I accepted it would take a while for me to get better.

My writing mojo is totally back, as you can see from the above and this is the first of hopefully many posts and updates in 2026. I thought I’d ease myself back into blogging with a life update, including what I’m up to right now. I’m like a completely different person and so many friends have commented on how well I look. It’s such a relief for me and my family and, hopefully, I’ll be stable for a long while to come and as such, making the most of my life going forward. Here’s what I’m current finding joy doing:

Currently reading…

This month, I’ve been stepping out of my comfort zone and reading some books that are not the crime or psychological dramas I usually prefer. I’ve read and listened to on Audible, a historical fiction classic novel called I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith and despite it being completely different to what I usually read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Also, it was a book club read for a new online challenge created by Kelseyleigh at My Abiding Journal over on YouTube and it was nice to listen to her thoughts about it too. When I’d finished this book, I again opted for a different style, this time a Romcom called The Switch by Beth O’Leary. This light-hearted read isn’t as fast paced as my usual choices, but again, I’m enjoying the story, reading a few chapters in bed each night.

Currently watching…

There are so many fantastic dramas on at the moment and we’ve had to record some of them to watch over the next few months. We’ve just finished the BBC’s Wild Cherry and ITV’s Betrayal which were both fantastic and gripping. Right now, we’re loving the 29th series of Silent Witness and have also just begun watching The Lady which is based on the true story of Jane Andrews who was royal dresser for Sarah Ferguson in the late 80s to late 90s. We’ve only watched one episode so far but it looks promising.

Currently preparing for…

…spring arriving next month. There are lots of shoots popping up in the garden and we have a few miniature narcissus already out. There’s lots of tidying up to do out the back and as well as writing a list of gardening jobs, I intend to write a room by room list of spring cleaning jobs.

I’m also looking forward to changing up our home decor for the new season. I have lots of items I’ve purchased over the years (many decorative bunnies) but I’ve also purchased some mini honeycomb eggs and some tiny ceramic bunnies for my twig tree. In addition, I’ve ordered a lovely handmade felt banner from Etsy featuring daffodils and felt balls in shades of yellow and orange which I can’t wait to display in my craft room.

Currently working on…

…my new memory keeping and creative journal which I started last month. In it, I’m recording the highlights from each month as well as a bingo challenge from My Abiding Journal that I’ve signed up for which encourages you to create new seasonal memories following a fun game format. So far, I’ve completed my January pages and have printed lots of photos and collected ephemera for my February entries. I like to combine small amounts of journalling with the images and I’m also trying to draw a small piece of art each month to represent something I want to remember. Last month, I drew and coloured in some snowdrops and this month, I plan to sketch a sanderling which is a small wading bird that we’ve enjoyed watching feeding in the shallows of the sea as the tide comes in.

Currently enjoying…

…doing much more work at my local university. Whilst I was unwell, I struggled to get out of bed as I was always tired. This meant I only made myself available for sessions on an afternoon. Now I’m well, I’m available mornings and afternoons and have had much more work. It’s lovely to be back on top form and I feel such a sense of accomplishment after each working day.

Currently trying out…

…a number of new recipes from a vegan cookbook that I bought my husband as a gift. It’s wonderful to be spending time together preparing home cooked meals again and we’ve even learned how to make our own stir fry sauces which are so tasty and flavoursome. We’re looking forward to trying out many more over the coming months.

Final words…

I’m currently doing so much that I would be able to carry on writing this for hours yet but I don’t want it to end up being a TLDR affair! So, for now, that’s the end of my update and I invite you to comment and let me know what’s going on for you at the moment. I’d also love to know what everyone has planned for the spring months and I hope you’ll join me in a little seasonal cleaning in the March to May period. I’m planning on writing a blog post about how I’m going to prepare my spring cleaning lists so that I can be sure that all of those once or twice yearly tasks get ticked off.

Thanks for reading and have a wonderful springtime,

Posted in Blogging, crafting, intentional living, journalling, lifestyle, memory keeping, reflective journalling

Currently… Life update March 2025

Posted on by Laura

It feels like it’s quite a while since I did a life update and with signs of spring emerging, including the sunshine which is currently streaming through my craft room window, I thought I’d do another one to share what’s going on for me right now. Before I start my next paragraph, I’m going to open a new window (on my computer rather than in my room as it’s still pretty chilly today) and look back at my last similar post to see how things have changed.

Currently reading…

…a family mystery called The Midnight Hour by Eve Chase. The book, which is mainly set in Notting Hill, London, swaps between two timelines – (one in the late 1990s and the other, the present day, twenty years later) and tells the story of Maggie and her little brother Kit. It’s the second book I’ve read by this author, and, although it’s not a total page turner like my usual murder mystery and police procedural books generally are, there are a few twists and turns and the storyline is holding my interest well. Unfortunately, it’s taking me a good while to finish any of my books at the moment as when I clamber into bed at around 10.30pm, I’m usually so tired that I can barely keep my eyes open to read a couple of chapters.

This year, I’ve got into audio books and although I haven’t purchased the above one on Audible, the next novel I have lined up was only £1.99 on Kindle and then £2.99 for the accompanying audiobook so good for my tight budget. Plus, it’s set in the USA, so I figured it would be nice to hear some of it read in an American accent. For my first audio book, Geneva by Richard Armitage, I read the whole thing on Kindle and then listened to the audiobook, whereas for my second read, I alternated between reading bits and listening to bits and I think I’ll probably do this for my next read too.

Currently loving…

…addictive word games. I’m a real fan of any kind of word game and a couple of months ago, I was introduced to Wordle and have loved playing ever since. The app, which I have on my mini tablet, features a web based word game where you are given six chances to guess a five letter word. Each time you guess a letter correctly, it turns yellow if it’s in the word but in the wrong location or green if it’s in the correct place within the word. There’s a daily puzzle which I enjoy doing straight after my breakfast to get my brain going and I also regularly compete against other players to be the first to get 25 points by guessing in as small a number of tries as possible. A good understanding of word patterns is put to use as you play and I find it great fun, particularly if I manage to guess the word within a couple of attempts.

Currently making…

…infusible ink projects to get more use out of my Cricut EasyPress 2. One of my goals for this year is to make a number of infusible ink and iron of projects using Cricut Design Space, my JoyXtra and my Easypress 2 medium. I’ve had a blank tote bag for a while now and also bought a set of 3 cosmetic bags in different sizes. I made a little bag for my niece last year but I wanted to do some designs for myself. This week, I’ve added a design to the tote bag using a gorgeous deep purple galaxy infusible ink paper. It didn’t turn out perfect as the ink didn’t completely transfer properly the first time, so I had to re-do it by trying to line the sheet up again, but it’s okay and I love the positivity of the sentiment.

I’m not sure that the photo shows off the colours and the sparkles too well but I experimented with hanging the bag in different locations and this was the best I could do without resorting to using my DSLR camera and Photoshop.

Photo credit: Laura Jones for Keeping It Creative

Currently working on…

… completing the initial chapter of my Marie Kondo Tidying Companion workbook. This was one of my goals for February but I didn’t realise how time consuming it would be. At the moment, I’m taking lots of photos of the storage we have upstairs and downstairs in out home, plus lots of snaps of the before of our home. My final task, when I’ve cropped and stuck in all of the photographs, is to pencil in a tidying timeline, set some intentions and record how I’m currently feeling about the process of decluttering my home.

Currently planning…

…a big garden tidy up, setting seeds, chitting our seed potatoes ready for planting and adding some more spring colour to our beds. I put my back out doing some (supposedly helpful) stretches in bed last week and it’s just starting to get back to normal after having to take co-codamol regularly for a number of days. Next week, my husband and I are hoping to schedule in some time to do some gardening jobs including clearing up brown and shrivelled leaves from the beds, mowing the lawn (which disgustingly is currently covered in bird poo from visiting woodpigeons) and cutting back various dead bits of plants. The council will soon be starting brown garden waste bin collections so we want to make the most of our payment for this service. I also want to get some new primulas to add a bit more bright colour as some of ours got killed off last year (who knows why!).

Final words…

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my mini life update and it has inspired you to reflect on all of the things that you have going on right now. If you don’t have your own blog on which to share your “currently…” you could maybe try make a few notes in a journal under your own headings that you can look back on in the future to see how your life changes over time and with the seasons.

Wishing you a wonderful springtime,

Posted in Blogging, lifestyle, reflective journalling

Currently… Life update October 2024

Posted on by Laura

The last time I did a life update was in the summertime of this year so I figured that, as we’re now well into the autumn season, it’s time to write a new one. Before starting, I’ve made some brief notes on what I’m up to right now and how I’m feeling at the moment.

Currently reading…

About once a week, I check out the Kindle charts to peruse the popular books and select a few to download. I also regularly visit Waterstones to see what’s new. This month, I’ve decided to try a few different authors and I’m currently reading a novel by Simon McCleave called The Snowdonia Killings which is a crime thriller set in North Wales. I found it a little difficult to get into at first but I’m now enjoying it more. The only other book I’m dipping into at the moment is The Happiness Year, where I’m selecting Autumnal exercises to try.

Currently watching…

There’s so many good television series on in the autumn and I made a list of all of the ones I want to check out. At the moment were watching:

  • Joan – a crime drama inspired by the true story of a woman who becomes a jewellery thief in a bid to provide for her young daughter who is currently under the care of social services
  • Ludwig – a crime / comedy drama starring reclusive puzzle lover David Mitchell who poses as his twin brother, a police detective, to try to find out why he has disappeared and ends up solving a number of crimes along the way
  • The Voice Season 13 – the popular British singing competition where individuals (and the occasional group or duet) take to the stage to perform in the hope of get at least one chair turn and the chance to work with the support of a celebrity coach

Currently eating…

Since the beginning of autumn, we’ve been enjoyed cooking together and trying out a range of online recipes for vegetarian soups and stews. Over the next few weeks, I’m hoping to type out the recipes with any modifications we’ve made, to add to our little recipe folder that I keep in the kitchen.

Currently drinking…

As the weather gets colder, I’m starting to crave hot chocolate and I’ve discovered that it tastes much better made with oat milk rather than the soya milk I used last year. However, cartons of oat milk are much more pricey so I’m trying to only have it as an occasional treat.

Currently feeling…

I’m feeling a bit sorry for myself at the moment as I have a painful sprained wrist after falling over on the beach and it’s taking ages to heal. Also, I’ve been unable to hear through my left ear for two months due to impacted wax and I’ve been trying various remedies to no avail. I’ve finally seen a doctor about it and will be getting it syringed at the surgery later in the month. I’m grateful that they’ve started to offer this treatment again though!

Currently crafting…

I’ve bought a couple of mini cross stitch kits from Mouseloft to do this autumn. I’m currently working on a cute little squirrel called Cyril who is holding up a prized acorn. The other kit, which is also from the ‘In The Woods’ collection, features a mouse peering around a tiny toadstool. These kits are super quick to do and intend to custom frames for them so I can add them to my seasonal decor next month and for years to come.

Image credit: Laura Jones for Keeping It Creative

Currently working on…

I started adding some new products to my Etsy Shop last month and I hope to continue with this during October. Some of the charms are winter and Christmas related, whilst others will be available all year round. It takes me a while to take all of the photos with my DSLR and, as it keeps raining, the lighting isn’t too good!

Currently enjoying…

As the dark nights draw in, there’s plenty of time for indoor hobbies and one which I’m particularly enjoying right now is doing 1000 piece jigsaws. At the moment, I’m doing a Gibson’s one called curious creatures and it has four panels going across – minibeasts, land mammals, birds and aquatic life. After I’ve finished doing my jigsaws, I pass them on to my mum and dad to do. They then donate them to a charity shop for someone else to enjoy. During days out, they scour various charity shops for jigsaws to do. They then save them for me so we’ve always got a good stash to keep us busy.

As well as being fun, doing jigsaws is an excellent way to challenge and exercise the brain.

Final words…

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my mini life update and it’s made you think about all of the things that you have going on at the moment. I’d love to hear about your current favourite hobbies and if you tend to enjoy different activities depending on the particular season.

Posted in lifestyle, memory keeping

Currently… life update March 2023

Posted on by Laura

I promised myself I would keep to a schedule of doing one of these on my blog around every six months so this one is slightly overdue – my last one was August 2022. It’s been nice to check back on my previous one, to see how things have changed, what has stayed the same or at least similar and where my priorities lay then and now. I challenge my readers who also have their own blog to do their own ‘Currently’ with their own categories.

Currently eating…

lots of vegetable rich foods in recipes we’ve found online. This week we’ve enjoyed Turkish ratatouille with yogurt dressing and flatbreads and tonight we’re making vegetarian enchiladas which we’ve made once before and had totally forgotten about! We found that the first recipe wasn’t enough without some form of protein so we’re going to try adding a Quorn Fillet, halloumi or some type of pulse.

Currently drinking…

as I do some kind of workout each day, I’m trying to drink much more water as well as my usual cherries and berries squash. I tend to have four coffees too and I find I get dehydrated if I don’t follow each mug with a large glass of water. I’m also enjoying the Summer Shine J2O which has just made its way to the supermarket – it’s been around for a few years now and I always buy myself a four pack every now and then throughout Spring and Summer.

Currently watching…

I know we’re a bit late to the party, but we’ve got really into The Handmaids Tale and watch at least one episode each week. We’re halfway through Season 2 so we’ve got plenty left to keep us entertained. We’re also enjoying Unforgotten season 5 and The Bay which I believe is now up to season 4. Grace is also back on which is based on the novels of Peter James and if you love crime dramas, this is definitely one to watch too.

Currently creating…

the final few pages of my December Daily project. I did want to be finished by now but I’ve been busy doing other stuff and kind of put it off until the end of this month. I’ve been trying out my fuse tool to make shaker pockets and after about 4 failed attempts, I’ve finally made a fully sealed and functional one! The picture is a Christmas card that I cut the front off and trimmed.

Photo credit: Laura Jones for Keeping It Creative

Currently loving…

the extra light that comes with Springtime / British Summer Time. We’ve had quite a bit of rain so far since the clocks went forward, so it’s not been super bright but I’m sure sunshine is on the way! It’s also great to see things popping up in the garden – our hyacinths are in full bloom and our tulips and late flowering daffodils should be along soon.

Currently listening…

to songs from Les Misérables. We went to see the musical last year and it was amazing. I debated buying the soundtrack but instead we’ve been listening to the tunes on my husband’s tablet whilst cooking. If you haven’t yet made a trip to see it at the theatre, I would totally recommend it if you enjoy musicals.

Currently feeling…

tired out! I’ve done 3 workouts today – two mini Pilates workouts using a resistance band and my new magic circle and then an aerobic routine with a little bit of core work on my mat afterwards. The aerobics one was a free Instructor Live one which was shared on the NHS website. I was meant to do Zumba today but I got a call last night from the gym saying that the session had been cancelled due to instructor illness. I certainly think I’ve made up for missing it and I’ll be ready for bed straight after watching The Bay!

Final words…

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my mini life update for early 2023. If you do create a similar post yourself on your own blog, do comment and I will be sure to check it out.

Posted in lifestyle, Planning and journaling

Currently… life update August 2022

Posted on by Laura

As I haven’t posted yet this month due to being on holiday, I thought I’d do a quick and easy life update. I think this kind of journalling is great to look back on so you can see how things have changed and even if you don’t have a blog, it’s nice to do an analogue record in a journal or notebook.

Currently eating…

lots of fresh and juicy fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, pears, mangoes, grapes and watermelon. I always try to make sure I get at least 5 portions of fruit and veg each day and I also have one as part of my breakfast and something as a snack later in the day.

Also, whilst in Amsterdam, we had an ‘all you can eat’ breakfast at the hotel on a couple of the days. When perusing the offerings, I found some overnight oats which had been made with soya milk. There were two portions left and it was the perfect opportunity to try them. I mixed a little strawberry jam into mine but, to be honest, they were nice enough just plain. Since returning home, we’ve made some for our breakfast quite a few times and we’ve now managed to get the consistency just right. I can totally recommend them as a tasty and filling start to a busy day.

Currently drinking…

iced coffee. I haven’t yet made it myself but I’ve enjoyed it a few times in different cafes. I have a shot of caramel syrup in mine and they’ve been really nice to have as a cooling refreshment during the hot days we’ve been having as an alternate to my usual hot drinks.

Currently watching…

lots of great dramas on TV. I’m particularly enjoying Shetland, Van Der Valk and The Secrets She Keeps (on catch up) as I love police and psychological stuff. It’s nice to settle down to an hour or too of great television each evening before bed.

Currently reading…

C.L. Taylor’s latest book The Guilty Couple which I’m really enjoying so far. Again, psychological thrillers are my favourite kind to read. I’ve just created a huge TBR list in my bullet journal and I have 13 fiction and 5 non-fiction self help style lined up so they should last me the rest of 2022.

Currently listening to…

the Wet Leg album on You Tube to see if I want to buy it as a download for my iPod. I love their first two singles Chaise Longue and Wet Dream a lot and I enjoy listening to them on the radio and singing along.

Currently pinning…

desk organisation ideas. I’m trying to decide what I want available on the desk in my craft room and what I want to put away so that I have plenty of space to work. I’m also trying to establish how to keep things neat and tidy. I always find really good ideas on Pinterest to pin.

Currently enjoying…

Looking at all of the flowering plants which are in full bloom in our garden. We have lots of different colours out there at the moment and it’s a really bright and cheerful space to sit out in. I wish the weeds didn’t grow quite as fast though!

Currently creating…

journal layouts which document our holidays to Scotland and Amsterdam and pages of images of my recent purchases and why I love them. I’ve just started a new TN insert and I think it will probably be full by the time I’ve finished. For the travel stuff, I like to include photographs, receipts, daily itineraries, food menus, leaflet cuttings etc and decorate with coloured and patterned papers, washi tape, stickers and ephemera.

Final words…

So that’s a mini update on my life right now which I hope you enjoyed reading. I would love to hear what you’re up to in the comments. I’m going to schedule in more posts like this one as it’s really interesting to revisit and see how my focus has changed over time. I’ve only done two ‘currently’ posts since I launched my blog over four years ago but I think at least every six months would be good for the future.