And just like that, I’m back. Sorry for the pause — life got busy doing its thing and now we’re in 2026!!!
Since being made redundant back in June, I seem to have developed a slightly worrying new personality trait: taking risks. Big ones. First up, I took three months off to study (because apparently stability is overrated, I did complete the 2 Open University courses though), followed swiftly by moving to a completely new area — although in my defence, I did already know a few people down here. (I did also run that Ultra Marathon and complete the open water swim…I will update you all on those too, promise!)
The idea of moving had been floating around in my head for a while, but redundancy has a funny way of removing anchors. When you’re no longer tied to a job, a partner, or even a postcode, suddenly those “what if?” thoughts turn into “why not?”. So I came down to stay with a friend, viewed a few houses while I was here, and very quickly went from just looking to this feels dangerously real.
I narrowed it down to two houses and enlisted my parents for a New Forest road trip to give their verdict. It took my mum a little longer to come around, but the house I now proudly call home won over my dad and me almost instantly. Even better, the owners agreed — and accepted my offer. Result.
One of the perks of my new location is that London is only about an hour and a half away, so I fully assumed I’d end up with a hybrid job and a couple of weekly commutes back to the city. What I didn’t see coming was landing a pretty dreamy job just 25 minutes down the road in Southampton. Sometimes, taking the leap really does land you exactly where you’re meant to be.
And that’s the thing — I genuinely feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Of course, there are moments that feel a little lonely (I still only know a handful of people down here), and moments that are downright overwhelming and exhausting. I’m learning a new job, settling into a new company (which I’m absolutely loving), and putting in the effort to meet people and make new friends.
All of that is happening alongside moving into a new house, celebrating my birthday, and fully leaning into the chaos that is Christmas (and New Year!!) A lot at once? Definitely. But somehow, it still feels right.
So 2026 is wide open for all sorts of new opportunities, and everyone is making their New Year’s resolutions and announcing their goals…my goal is to fully settle in to my new home and to start to build a life that I enjoy (and that I’m proud of!).
Here’s to 2026 and to all the opportunities it brings with it!
Speak soon,
M x
...and with it a piece of my soul 
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