It can be hard not to feel guilt as a mum, but I’m learning that it is ok to do something for myself once in a while. I’m going with the mantra that a happy parent is a better parent!

Pursuing an interest

In my recent post 2023: Direction, hobbies and fun, I mentioned my passion for wine. I love drinking it but I also have an interest in its production and want to increase my knowledge. After much deliberating, I did a WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) course last year. It was a complete beginner’s course and only took seven hours. However, as someone who works from home, it was great to get out, meet new people and do an activity unrelated to family and work. I have massive imposter syndrome in my day job so this was a great chance to have a clean slate and chat with people that also enjoyed and had an appreciation for wine.

Having passed the first level, I had toyed with doing the second but time and cost constraints pushed it to the back of my mind. Then I was very generously gifted WSET vouchers for my birthday. This meant there were no excuses!

I’m really nervous about doing it as I know it’ll require more work and time. I’m also a little worried about my ability to retain information (I swear my memory hasn’t been the same since COVID), but I need to get over all of that and just enjoy!

Going forward

I would love to turn my interest into something more. For now, I have an Instagram account dedicated to the food and drink I try and enjoy. At 435 Followers I’m no influencer, but I enjoy posting and learning from and engaging with other enthusiasts.

Update 2024

Check out my new website Vino Cibo. Don’t forget to hit me up for any of your food and drink PR needs!

The post Personal growth and pursuing an interest appeared first on The Parent Social.

Here’s what I’m thinking about for 2023…

1. Make sure we’ve fun things planned throughout the year. I always feel a bit flat after Christmas and New Year so it helps to have things to look forward to. More meet ups with local friends we haven’t seen in a while and visits to those who live further afield; more weekend day trips, family meet-ups and BBQs are all on the list. Planning a family holiday would also be great!
   
   
2. Stop sweating the small stuff. I may have said this before, but will keep trying

3. Figure out what direction I want to move in career-wise. I made a few changes last year and want to build on this in 2023.

4. Stop being distracted by social media and not be afraid to mute WhatsApp chats from time-to-time! I want to cut screen time. This is especially pertinent in 2023 as my youngest two had mobile phones for Christmas – lead by example!

5. Look for more money-saving and making ideas and shop even smarter to save. My daughters have got more into the saving habit and and are rather excited by the 3.5% interest they’re getting. I’ll be encouraging this further in 2023.

6. Doing something for me. I’m interested in wine so last year embarked on a WSET course to learn more on the subject. It was refreshing to do an activity unrelated to family and work. I’ve now been gifted vouchers to do the second level. I’m really nervous about doing it as I know it’ll require more work and time, but I need to get it booked and enjoy!

7. Try to do something with the children individually. It’s difficult to find the time, but on the occasions I have managed, I’ve seen how much they enjoy the one-on-one time.

8. Couple time. Similarly, it would be nice to have some regular evenings out just with my husband.

9. Stop being afraid to say no if I’ve got too much on and on the flip side says yes to things like playdates more often.

10. Improving my fitness. I’m not very fitness-focussed, though I do like to walk. However, I’d like to set aside an hour a week for a specific training session.

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