Do you invest in yourself?

Not just self care, actual real life money talk.

Photo by Ralph Katieb on Unsplash

Good morning friends and happy Friday to you. It’s come round quick don’t you think?

This week I am sending out journal prompts as usual, ahead of the weekend. An invite to switch off and slow down.

Before we move onto that though, I want to ask you a question…

Do you invest in yourself?

Here are few things I have invested in for my writing, well being and happiness in 2024.

• I have entered five writing competitions, each one costing a small fee. £12 is the average but I am currently debating the latest one which costs a little more at £30. It’s a risk right? What if I don’t win? The chances are very slim as this one is open internationally. At the moment it’s £30 that could be spent on the kids Christmas presents…

• I pay £15 a month to be a member of Write Mentor. I have met like minded people, had a Zoom catch up with some new friends and not felt alone when the rejections start rolling in. This £15 is a must at the moment, for my sanity and dream chasing.

• New Writing North writing conference in May. This was £80. I found the day inspiring even though I had huge imposter syndrome. Definitely gave me food for thought and I chatted to some nice people.

• A visit to the hairdressers every 4 (ish) months - £75. It always boosts my mood and sitting in the hairdressers chair for three hours (yikes) gives me plenty of “thinking” time.

• Zumba classes - £5 a week. With one thing and another, (family life) I haven’t been for over a month. But I will definitely have more time for it come the new year and I can’t wait to go back.

• Saturday morning Park Runs with my mum and son. This doesn’t happen every week as sometimes I take my daughter to her swimming lesson, but I feel like this is a good investment of time when we do go.

Of course, I could go on to list all the things I have invested in over the year to benefit the whole family, but this is about those little bits of spending you do just for yourself.

My picture book critique group met up on Zoom last week and the topic of investing in ourselves came up. “With little return” we laughed. It was true. I have invested money in my writing and so far not had anything physical back in terms of earning a living full time as a writer. There have of course been ‘bits and bobs’ but nothing close to life changing. So why keep investing?

Well, because it makes me feel good. When we have knock backs it is important to have a good support network to keep you going. This is where a lot of my investment has paid off in the last six months certainly. Dance classes, hair appointments, membership to be a part of a ‘club’, all makes me a better person, which in turn affects how I am as a mother. I have a bit more headspace because I have made time for myself. I have spaces to vent etc and feel like I am making those steps in the right direction 🤞

So, what about you?

Why not make a list of all the ways you have invested in yourself in this last year? It definitely doesn’t need to be big or expensive things. Just perhaps acknowledging the little steps you have taken to look after yourself, your mental wellbeing and the goal chasing.