Hey everyone,

So the insomnia is well and truly back. I have had a very busy week so far and it has only been two days of the new working week. University has started again and I have been working long hours. I have barely seen any daylight the last few days.

I have had a good two days at work, and feel refreshed at work. I have also decided to do Veganuary. I have done it for many years, and it just helps me reset for the new year. It also means more home cooking, and being more conscious with what you are putting in your body. A bit of a clean eating month, to be honest which I love. I also love cooking and trying new recipes, and I am one of those people that love vegetables and seeing colour on my plate.

However, yesterday after work and being exhausted and cooking and eating, I was watching something on my MacBook and just catching up with messages, and I just felt this overwhelming sadness. I do not even know what brought it on. Grief catches you at odd times. I was just recalling my dad and his laughter and some of the jokes he used to make, and all of a sudden I just felt so sad and upset.

I guess it is okay to be sad. It is okay to feel your feelings and emotions. And it is okay for me to miss my father. It is all part of the normal grief reaction. It just hits you at odd times, and I am still sometimes surprised by my grief and how it can come so quick at times. I guess, it is also my personality though. I feel very deeply.

And that is me, and that is okay. You are your own unique person, and it is okay to recognise all the little quirks that make you, you.

With love always,

Amina xo