I took my kids to the theatre the other day to watch “The Koala who Could.” The whole thing with Kevin (the koala) is that he loves clinging to his tree and he turns down all invitations to do anything because he doesn’t like change. About halfway through, I turned to my friend and said, “Oh my God. I’m Kevin.” She nodded, sagely. “We all are.”
Right. Time to switch things up. Here’s what I’ve been trying to do so that I can become a koala who CAN!
Just book it. I’ve booked a holiday for after Christmas despite the fact that we are still in March. This is so unlike me I can’t even tell you. I read about 250 TripAdvisor reviews (“there was actual poo in the kettle”- my fave) and was almost paralysed by indecision as per usual, then remembered Kevin and hit ‘buy now.’
Stop passively watching TV. Of course, when there is good TV, I watch it, I’m just trying to stop with the zombie watching. Like when I find myself zoning out to Stacey Solomon sorting out yet another person’s house. There is other stuff to do. God, I could even do some exercise, though I definitely won’t.
Listen to more music. I’m a podcast addict, but that means I am always ingesting information, which must be exhausting, on some level? I’m finding my new discovery of ‘the radio’ quite refreshing - plus there’s far less talk of HelloFresh or BetterHelp.
Walk the dog somewhere else. “I’m an intrepid adventurer who knows no bounds,” I think to myself as I park up beside a new patch of grass next to my local retail park.
Stop with the phone. I don’t think I will ever be one of those people who leaves their phone outside the bedroom, but I am trying to stop reaching for it before I’ve even woken up. Instead, I take three deep breaths and
think of all things that might go wrong todaywrite a gratitude list in my head. Honest.Buy more flowers. Yes they all die, but while they are alive they make everything feel a little brighter, don’t they? When I have fresh flowers in my house (before I’ve killed them through neglect) I like to think that I might pass as a functioning adult to visitors.
Share the good stuff. I’m trying to share any tiny piece of good news – even if it’s meaningless to whoever I’m telling (e.g. “I just got a new paid subscriber on Substack!” My mother, “Who is Substack?”).
Celebrate. I have always been averse to ‘events’ like birthday parties or anniversaries - I think it’s an anxiety thing. But now I am trying to embrace them (the ‘tent poles of life,’ somebody called them), even if I do occasionally self medicate with beta blockers on the day. I was happy to hear Sharon Horgan telling Louis Theroux that she does this, too.
Do ‘tomorrow you’ a favour. I can’t remember where I heard this but I love it. It makes all those dull tasks like emptying the dishwasher before I go to bed feel like self-care instead of a chore.
Stop watching the news. For obvious reasons. This is probably what ruined Kevin the koala in the first place.
CLOTHES STUFF
Trench of dreams
It’s time for the trench, isn’t it? Or at least it was last week. Here’s my dream one, from Sézane (of course). Alternatively, Alexa Chung’s new collection with Barbour has just launched.
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Spring jumper of happiness
Not to bang on about M&S again, but I bought this the other day for under £30 and it makes me feel so happy and sunny and hopeful. Who knew a jumper could do all of that? I also like this bag.
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Bad hair day hat
I do like a cap. Vogue says this is the one to get for Spring. Something about Kendall Jenner. It’s on my list.
HOME STUFF
Spring stripe tumblers
Are these not the most uplifting things you’ve ever seen? They sold out in less than two weeks last year, so snap them up quick!
TECH STUFF
Polaroidy printer thing
I have so many photos on my phone and I never do anything with them. What I need is this cute little printer. You can add frames or text and probably do lots of other things that I will never get around to understanding. The point is, I can now have all my best pics on my fridge with zero effort.
TV STUFF
With Love, Megan
I watched With Love, Meghan when my parents were down to stay last week. It gave me the idea of recording my very own hosting series - With Apologies, Dominique - which would feature things like my Dad clearing up dog poo from my back garden or my one year-old throwing up in a little pile on my Mum’s new shirt. Channel 4, I’m ready and waiting.
That’s it for today! Have a lovely Tuesday and I’ll see you next week!
Dx
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P.S
👗Did everyone already know how nice Boden dresses are? Why did nobody say?
👶 Enjoyed this from Marina Khorosh about how nobody cares (including you) when you’re pregnant for the second time.
🚆 Useful list of good day trips from London. How have I still not made it to Deal?
Who is Dominique Afacan?
A very good question. Dominique (that’s me) is a writer and solo mum of two, based in London. The idea for the Nesting newsletter came about because after ten years of flitting around the world as a travel journalist, I wanted to share my new-found excitement about hanging out at home. I am also the author of Bolder – Life lessons from people older and wiser than you – a great birthday present, if I don’t say so myself – and available to buy here.
P.S The illustration for Nesting was created by my exceptionally talented friend Julia Murray in New Zealand.