The Places We Belong

The Places We Belong

This blog is a labour of love, and it will always be free. Over 1,000 people read every post which is incredible. And if just 100 people donate €2 it means that I’ll be able to continue doing all of this for another year. So if you like the work, it would mean the world to me if you considered making a donation. Thank you to everyone who already has this year. There’s no expectations, as ever, and I hope you have a lovely week. Donate here

There is also now a Thoughts Too Loud Podcast!

Don’t panic if you’re feeling fine.

Every now and then your mental health will be wonderful. You’ll feel no anxiety. You will be filled with hope and optimism. It’s a glorious time. It isn’t so common, but learn not to anticipate its disappearance.

Learn to be with it, the same way you learn how to accept negative emotions. Don’t question whether you deserve happiness – you do. I questioned it for years and it get me stuck. I told myself I didn’t earn these little oases of respite from anxiety.

But I do and so do you. Bad days happen often enough that, when the good days come, we should relish them. We should soak in all the good vibes and bank them for later. Save the memories for when life gets a little tricky.

I performed at my first Seanchoiche last night and it was gorgeous. It felt like I was in the right place, feeling the right things, with the right people. Since I’ve been home I’ve been wondering whether I miss this place. I was thinking that I prefer my life in Barcelona. But then there was last night. And suddenly I realised why home is so special. Events like that don’t happen everywhere. So while I may not always miss being here, it is a place where I feel I truly belong.

And I think it took leaving to finally realise that.

I’m currently at EP if you’re reading this. I’m probably hungover in some field. I wrote this on Thursday. I hope your weekend has been gorgeous.