Wanderlust & shutter bliss

My very first crush.

I think his name was Matthew—funny how even that feels hazy now. But back then? Oh, every girl fancied him. He had that confident smile, that effortless coolness only teenage boys seem to master. And when he walked down the hall? It was like time slowed down. Ridiculous, really. But that’s how it felt.

I remember sitting in class, pretending to be absorbed in my book, only to sneak a glance over at him. And the one time—just once—when he looked back? I swear I stopped breathing for a second. Of course, I did what any awkward teenage girl would do: immediately turned away and acted like nothing happened. Classic.

Looking back now, it’s funny how serious it all seemed. How we thought that who you liked, who sat next to who in science class, or whether someone wrote “luv ya” or just “see ya” in your leavers book mattered. Everything felt so important, so defining.

But flipping through that book now, I see how innocent it all was. Before real jobs, bills, heartbreaks, responsibilities. Life was simple then. Crushes were sweet, drama was petty, and friendships were everything.

It makes me smile. And that’s the beautiful thing about first crushes—they stay with you, tucked away in pages of old notebooks, in the back of our minds, a little reminder of who we once were.

Daily writing prompt

Write about your first crush.

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I’ve never been one to talk much about myself. I usually prefer staying in the background, letting others shine, and just getting on with things quietly. But every now and then, it’s good to stop and reflect on who we are — and more importantly, what we actually like about ourselves.

So here’s me, stepping slightly out of my comfort zone to say this:
My favourite thing about myself is that I don’t take myself too seriously.

Life throws enough at us as it is — so being able to laugh at myself, see the humour in awkward moments, and not let the little things get under my skin has become one of my most valuable tools. I’ve learned that not everything has to be perfect, polished, or taken to heart. Sometimes, it’s okay to just be, to mess up, to laugh, and to move on.

But if I had to add anything else I appreciate about myself, it’s that I’m a caring and kind person. I genuinely want the best for people. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, helping where I can, or just being someone others can rely on — kindness matters to me. It always has.

So no, I might not love being the centre of attention or shouting my strengths from the rooftops — but I do love being someone who leads with kindness, keeps things light, and never forgets to laugh (even at myself).

Daily writing prompt

What’s your favorite thing about yourself?

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I’ve spent most of my life near the city. The hum of traffic, the buzz of people, the never-ending pace — it’s all I’ve ever really known. And for years, it suited me just fine. The convenience, the connection, the constant motion — it kept me going.

But as I grow older, I find myself slowing down in more ways than one. The noise doesn’t energize me like it used to. The rush doesn’t excite me anymore. Lately, my thoughts drift more and more toward one particular dream: retiring near the coast.

There’s something about being by the sea that brings me a sense of calm I can’t quite explain. I’ve always loved Cornwall — the winding coastal paths, the rugged cliffs, the soft crunch of sand underfoot. Some of my most peaceful memories are of simply walking along the beach, breathing in that salty sea air and feeling the wind on my face. It’s a kind of peace the city could never offer.

Retiring near the coast isn’t about escape — it’s about returning to a part of myself that feels most alive in nature. The idea of waking up to the sound of waves instead of sirens, of swapping concrete for coastline, and chaos for calm… it just feels right.

Maybe it’s not just about where I want to retire, but how I want to feel in this next chapter: grounded, peaceful, and close to the sea.

Daily writing prompt

How do you want to retire?

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There are many things that bring joy to my life—some big, some small, but all deeply meaningful to me in their own ways.

Every morning starts with the most adorable sight: my cockapoo, eyes full of excitement, tail wagging like mad, practically bursting with energy and love. She’s always the first to greet me, and her need for a morning hug melts my heart. That pure, unconditional affection is the kind of joy that can’t be measured—it’s just felt.

And yes, this might sound a little corny (but I don’t care!)—having an amazing husband who supports me in everything I do is a blessing I’m truly grateful for. He’s my biggest cheerleader, my calm in the storm, and someone who just gets me. Life doesn’t feel so heavy when you’ve got someone beside you who believes in you, even on your off days.

Another quiet joy in my life? Writing. There’s something so grounding about putting pen to paper. It doesn’t have to be perfect or even make much sense—it’s just mine. Whether I’m jotting down random thoughts, keeping a journal, or reflecting on my day, writing gives me peace. It’s where I find myself.

Joy isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes, it’s in the everyday moments—a cuddle from your dog, a supportive word from your partner, or the simple act of writing your heart out.

And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Daily writing prompt

Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.

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