Take my hand and we'll face the end of time

Today's title is inspired by a song written about the television show Good Omens and you can listen to it here.

Over the weekend, I went back to my home town. I'm originally from a little Derbyshire village and moved to Ipswich last year. I haven't really managed to be home for over a year, which means I haven't seen family and friends for a very long time. And with my studies, I simply haven't had time to go back home for a visit. I miss my friends and family a lot, but moving away was one of the best decisions I made. Even if I still get homesick at times. So we were defiantly overdue a visit.

One of my partner's best friends was getting married in the Derbyshire Dales. So I worked so hard last week to make sure I could warrant the time off, this meant working at my desk for long hours to get everything done in time. I did manage to do everything on my to-do list and it was lovely not to worry about my thesis or my writing or anything. I could simply enjoy my time up north.

The wedding itself was in Bakewell, a place I love. Then after the ceremony, we travelled to Matlock Bath where I spent much of my childhood and adolescence with friends and family. It was lovely to be in a place where I had fond memories. The wedding flew by, we met some lovely people in the wedding party and Yashka was very well-behaved. It was lovely to explore areas that I have never been to, we did the Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath which I had never done before. It was very scary, but a fabulous experience.

Then on Sunday, we visited friends. Meeting in my hometown was odd, it was weird being back there after such a long time. Nothing had changed and we were able to pick up where we left off with our closest friends. The hours flew by and before we knew it, we were on the road home.

It might have been a flying visit to the Midlands, but it was very much needed. Getting away from everything for a little bit and reconnecting with loved ones was lovely. It reminded me that Derbyshire will always be my home, but Suffolk is where I want to spend my time. I will be back up north to see family, and friends and to make more memories up there.

For my own mental health, reconnecting with friends and family and visiting places that hold a very special place in my heart were very much needed. Especially with the stress of my PhD, taking time to recharge is self-care. And being able to see the people I love was the motivation I needed for the next couple of weeks.

On that note, I will see you all next time. Be kind to yourself and remember that you are still making progress, even if it is baby steps. And it is ok to take a step back, recharge and reconnect with loved ones. Because we are all doing our best.

Until the next time.