No guilt, just joy: Finding time for the things you love

I hate to start a post with an apology, but here we are. Life has been hectic – I’ve been swamped with work and squeezed in a whirlwind trip to see my American family in California. So yes, I’ve been MIA for a few months. Sorry, lovely readers. But hey, I’m back and aiming to make 2025 the year I prioritise The Lellogram (and myself!) properly.

I could have waited until January to launch into that whole “new year, new me” spiel, but honestly, I hate the phrase. It’s loaded with so much pressure and… who needs that? Besides, guilt got the better of me. I’ve been beating myself up for not sticking to my own deadlines, so here’s a little post – short but heartfelt – about something that’s been on my mind: Why do we find it so hard to make time for the things we love, the things that light us up?

For me, it’s writing. For you, it might be yoga, reading until you’re blissfully lost in the early hours, running back to back marathons, or something else entirely. Writing makes me feel alive – zingy, refreshed, all the good stuff. And yet, most mornings, I hit snooze, burrow deeper under the duvet, and mutter, “Nope,” at the thought of facing the day. Is it just me? Or is this darkness (both literal and metaphorical) playing some cosmic joke?

And then there’s the guilt. Why do I feel this way about taking time for things that bring me joy? Is it a generational thing? A Generation X specialty? Me? Or just the reality of juggling big intentions with a life that doesn’t always cooperate?

Now, I realise this is starting to sound suspiciously like a New Year’s resolutions list – which I also hate – but hear me out: Twixmas (that weird transitional time between Christmas and New Year) feels like the perfect time to gently consider just one thing you’d like to do without guilt. Not a resolution, not a chore – just something for you. For me, it’s getting up earlier. I manage it for work – so why not for the things I love?

What one thing would you like to do without guilt?

Here’s something small but optimistic: treat yourself to a gorgeous new notebook. I did recently, and it gave me an unexpected boost. Why stationery gives me such a buzz is a mystery I’ve never solved – and maybe I don’t need to. I just know that jotting down ideas in crisp, fresh pages feels like a treat every time. It’s a little win, but it counts.

Today is my wedding anniversary, and it reminds me of light – how that day (despite the rain – December in London…) was so bright and gorgeous, full of warmth and hope. I think about that as I long for the days to grow lighter again, and it gives me perspective. The light always comes, even when it feels far away.

Our wedding day full of happiness

What’s your one thing, and how will you make it happen? No guilt. Just joy. And if you love the holidays, enjoy every sparkle. If you’re like me and long for the return of light, take it one day at a time. The light always comes. It always does.