Time to reflect on 2017. Tea anyone?

I’m writing this as I’m sitting on a train coming back from London in the evening. From my window I can see a myriad of warm white lights twinkling in the dark and bringing some sense of comfort and cosiness (or ‘hygge’ if you prefer the latest buzzword). It’s almost Christmas and amongst all the present shopping panic and overindulgence, it’s important to also think about the good things have happened this year.

I feel like many of us get caught up in the day-to-day moans and things that don’t go as planned, so rather than reflect on the year as a whole, I’d like to suggest reflecting on the good things only. I dare you to make a list of 10 things that you really loved this year. From your favourite sunset on a holiday or the feeling of the warm sun on your skin to the more practical, “bigger” things like a new job or a pay rise or buying a house. I say “bigger” in inverted commas because I have a feeling we’ll someday realise it’s the small things that really stay lodged in your heart and memory.

But what does this have to do with tea?

I can hear you think: this is a blog about tea, not self-help and motivation. Well, as I was saying in a recent post, tea can be the perfect excuse to stop and take a step back. While hygge has definitely captured the attention of the public recently, it’s not just fluffy socks and fairly lights. In fact, it has nothing to do with things at all. It’s something you feel, that results from sharing experiences with others and creating memories. Danes (who are the originators of the idea) actually lead a minimalistic life when it comes to owning things, but love to spend time together. And they have been the world’s happiest nation for many years so they must have something figured out.

So make a cup of tea and enjoy the moment. Enjoy the taste, the warmth, the feeling of your favourite mug or cup in your hand.

And take a moment to be grateful for something in your life. I’m grateful for many things including a happy, loving family, but I’m also grateful for you.

Yes, you! When I started this blog back in January I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I’m so happy that 302 people found value in what I wrote. So thank you! And an even bigger thanks to those of you who repeatedly visited the blog over the past year. Make sure to leave comments if there’s something you’d like me to talk about and I haven’t. And share what you find useful. I trust you’ll help me make 2018 an even more successful year.

For now, I hope you have a merry Christmas, Hanukkah, holidays or whatever you celebrate! In the meantime, you can follow any news from me on Instagram and Twitter @whiteduckling. I’m off to transform into a Christmas elf!

See you next year,

Anca