Simply Human

I don’t do New Years resolutions mostly. Mainly because it seems just silly to me. Nobody seems to keep them, so what is the point of it. This year like many before, when people asked me about my resolution, I said I don’t do them.
In my head although, I had one thought. If I’d make a resolution, it would be to build stronger connections with old friends.
It’s very easy to lose connection with someone who once was dear, and even is now. Everybody has their own life to live and in most cases, our paths go in separate ways. Now it takes effort, investment of time and money to keep the friendships alive, to build them deeper, more meaningful. Not that easy anymore, right?

It’s spring now. I just came from a 7-day vacation from Estonia. I’m really glad I went. It was amazing to see people dear to me again and I started to miss these casual coffee dates over stories of old memories more than ever. The life is different there and my family and friends almost convinced me to move back. And how much I would’ve wanted to believe them, I just couldn’t see my life there anymore. My life is in Istanbul for now, I felt it once my feet touched the ground when I came back. Some sort of heaviness peaked in my heart when I had to leave the land that has been my home for 20 years. I guess it means I truly care of the people, places even, but no-one can be in many places at once. So I had to leave again.

Today, I booked tickets to see my friends on the other side, I’m going to Dubai and Oman. Although I maybe might have liked to buy a new camera, or choose a less fire-like destination for July, there was no hesitation in my mind to book these tickets. I’ll figure it all out, it’s only about the value of the friendships and truly showing it what’s in your heart. I can’t live in any other way. If you care about your friends, you have to show it, no matter what. No matter the distance, price or uncertain holiday permission. Great things require effort. You just have to take the leap.

Here is an illustrative picture, since I didn't have any great ones myself.
Hope you're having a happy day!
Love,

Keeping up my New Years resolution

In winter, when mornings are dark and daylight leaves us during earlier hours, like a whole another lifestyle starts. I’ve never been a morning person, not in childhood, not in school time. Waking up used to be the most terrible thing happening to me each day. But lately it has changed in some magical ways.

First tip - don’t wake up too early. Seriously. I know not everyone can plan around their time of waking up. But if there’s any room to adjust the times, finding a suitable time is the best way to wake up happy. For me 7.25 is perfect, yet still leaves me enough time to do my morning rituals. This leads to my next point...
Naturally it happened, that I go to sleep much earlier than I used to. That makes me sometimes even wake up before the alarm. Who would’ve guessed.

Making sure the heating is on for the night. I can’t come out of bed in a cold room! Very important!

Opening favorite Spotify playlist first thing after opening my eyes. Currently enjoying relaxed acoustic tunes on ‘Morning coffee’ playlist.

Taking time for breakfast. If I have time for breakfast, my day starts always in a light and happy mood. Sometimes I put on some funny show, like ‘Friends’ or ‘How I met your mother’, which gives me the feeling that there’s no rush and gives a good laugh as well. Also, I used to loooove watching BBC news in the morning, when I still had that channel. Maybe I’ll get back to that habit.

Opening curtains! Sometimes I open the window to breathe the fresh chilly air to which hits me with energy. If I’m lucky, there’s sun to see which makes me extra happy.

Having my bag and clothes ready in the morning saves tons of time! Also, taking make-up to complete it in the office, saves me some ‘calm breakfast’ time.

Productivity. I’m much more productive in mornings, so I know that if I take the step to get out of bed, there’s a lot I could get done before I leave home. I have this routine I love worked out, so when waking up, I look forward to get the day started.

Happy mornings!

Love,

Mariliis

How I Became a Morning Person - Winter Edition

Today I feel different. I feel rested, motivated and happy. Sun peeks in from my bedroom curtains already from the morning and as I leave home, the cool autumn air wakes up my senses immediately. I get on the car of my colleague who is already waiting outside, and we drive, taking sharp maneuvers, to the office listening some French song.

There has been changes in my life lately. I signed my full-time contract, after being a ‘freelance-intern’ for 4 months, and started a full-time office job. At first, I was coming 2 times a week, later 4 times a week. I thought to myself - Oh! I’m already coming 4 days a week. It’s almost like I’m coming full time and my life is in balance. This is great!

Little did I know how huge(!) difference it was for me to switch from coming 4 days, to 5 days. I started to be tired all the time (no wonder), my laundry was unwashed, dishes were laying in the sink and as I got home and discovered I don’t have anything in the fridge, I was forced to order in. Sounds like a typical scene, doesn’t it. But the thing is, I don’t like ordering food. I’d always prefer homemade meal. It’s so easy to get out of balance, when working full time, isn't it.

But this weekend I got my things sorted out and I’m all prepared to take on this week. Honestly, I feel damn proud of myself right now. This involved an in-depth weekend preparation. I washed all clothes, dishes. Made a meal plan, deciding what I’ll eat each day in advance and went to classical Turkish bazaar all by myself to buy groceries for the whole week. Unbelievable how cheap it is! Of course, I got a load of village eggs from a local farmer whose chicks walk around freely. Best eggs come from happy, life-enjoying chicks!
While walking home, red faced, like a donkey with my 100 bags, a car even stopped to ask if I need any help. ''No thank you'' I said. I already reached home by that time.
When I came home on Monday evening, my casa was clean, food was ready and I was happy not to worry about a single thing. I’m not denying that working 4 days made everything easier. But as we need to make our life work with what we’ve got, and I'm truly happy to join our office team full time. So I’m glad to say that I finally figured out a plan to get my life back in order.

Ps. I let them write Carolin, because that's the name they mostly get correct.

Love,

Mariliis

Keeping up my New Years resolution

How I Became a Morning Person - Winter Edition

Getting my working life in order

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Keeping up my New Years resolution

How I Became a Morning Person - Winter Edition

Getting my working life in order

Welcome to my blog

Find stories about

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❉

Tell me what you want to read about

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