Happy Monday everyone!
Where did January disappear to?! On the morning of January 1st, I woke up brimming with excitement and optimism for what 2025 has in store. This year holds special significance for me—I’ve marked it as my year of transformation. More on that soon. But for now, here are some recent reflections that I hope will inspire, inform, and spark new ideas.
What I‘ve LEARNED
A couple of weeks ago, I took my car to the local garage for what I suspected was a battery issue. Sure enough, they confirmed it needed replacing. But when I saw the quote, I nearly fell over. It was ridiculous for something that, in theory, seemed pretty straightforward.
So, instead of handing over my card and wincing at the bill, I decided to take matters into my own hands. A quick dive into the world of car batteries led me down an unexpected rabbit hole—comparing brands, learning about cold cranking amps (who knew?), and watching more YouTube tutorials than I care to admit. Before long, I’d not only sourced the right battery at a fraction of the price, but I’d also successfully fitted it myself. And, in case you’re wondering, no, I didn’t blow up the car. It’s still running like a dream (I hope I haven’t just jinxed it!). Oh, and I saved 300% compared to what the VW dealership quoted me.
Now, I am not known for my mechanical skills. But as I stood back, admiring my working car, I couldn’t help but feel proud of my achievement. Not just because I’d saved a hefty sum, but because I’d learned something new—and that, as it turns out, is even more valuable.
It got me thinking: how often do we default to hiring an expert when, with a bit of research, we could actually do the job ourselves? From fixing a leaking tap to troubleshooting a dodgy WiFi connection, we have so much knowledge at our fingertips. A quick search can reveal step-by-step guides, explainer videos, and forums filled with people who’ve tackled the exact same problem.
Of course, some things will always require a trained professional (I’m not about to start rewiring my house), but I’ve made a decision: before calling in the cavalry, I’ll at least attempt to figure it out myself. Because beyond the cost savings, there’s something deeply satisfying about rolling up your sleeves, learning a new skill, and completing a job with your own two hands.
So, next time something around the house needs fixing, why not give it a go? Worst case scenario, you still end up calling an expert. Best case? You surprise yourself.
What I’ve LOVED
In previous blogs, I’ve written about the power of habits—something that really clicked for me after reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it. The book reinforced the idea that small, consistent actions can lead to significant long-term change.
After reading it, I started introducing micro-habits into my daily routine—small, incremental actions that built up over time to make a big difference. One of the habits I picked up was learning Spanish using Duolingo. The app’s simplicity made it easy to stick with, and during a mini break to Spain over New Year, I was pleasantly surprised at how much more confident I was compared to previous trips.
But after more than a 500-day learning streak, something shifted. What started as a fun daily challenge became more of a chore. I found myself opening the app not because I was excited to learn, but because I didn’t want to lose my streak. And that’s when I realized—maybe it was time for a change.
At the same time, I’d made a commitment to focus more on my physical health—stretching more and improving my cardiovascular fitness. Rather than piling on more daily habits, I decided to swap one for another. I paused my Spanish learning and replaced it with a daily stretching routine and a 7-minute HIIT workout. The result? A seamless transition that didn’t feel forced, overwhelming, or like I was failing at something.
What I’ve loved about this process is the realization that habits aren’t set in stone. We can adapt, evolve, and shift our focus without guilt. Just because I’m not actively learning Spanish right now doesn’t mean I never will again. But for now, I’m enjoying the tangible health benefits of movement and exercise every day.
What micro-habits have you introduced into your daily routine? Or what small changes would you like to make?
What I’ve LIKED
Sometimes losing something makes you appreciate what you have and had. We recently lost our pet rabbit. It was a quiet loss, but one that left a noticeable space in our home. Rather than dwell on the sadness, along with the family, I’ve been focusing on gratitude—thankful for the time we had, the little moments of joy, and the reminder that nothing lasts forever.
Loss, even in its smallest form, has a way of making you reflect. It made me think about how fleeting time is and how easy it is to take things for granted. I recently came across the Latin phrase memento mori—a reminder that our time isn’t infinite. While it might sound morbid at first, I actually find it empowering. It’s not about dwelling on the end but about making the most of every opportunity while we can.
Losing something, even as small as a beloved pet, reminds us to cherish what we have right now. To take the trip, say yes to the adventure, spend time with the people who matter, and appreciate the simple moments that often go unnoticed.
So, here’s to making the most of life—not in a grand, bucket-list kind of way, but in the everyday choices that shape our days. Because, in the end, those little moments are what truly matter.
Final thought:
Here is a song to kick start your week:
If you would like to read the latest Monday Morning Musings then subscribe here:
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- Adapting to AI, Moments that Matter & Living with Lions – From 23rd June 2025.
- Baking, Biking and Being Back in Touch- From 21st April 2025.
- Seasons of Change & Rekindling the Love of Learning – From 24th March 2025.
Monday Morning Musings 
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