Hello and a happy *Monday* to you,
How are you doing? It’s been a few weeks since I sent an Uplift so I thought I’d send you a Monday edition this week as to be honest with you, it’s the first time I’ve had enough motivation. I previously told you how my first round of egg freezing had slightly disappointing results. Since then, I have undergone another round of injections and another egg retrieval procedure, so it’s been a slightly intense couple of months. Thankfully, the second round was a bit more successful and we got 12 more eggs, so I have 20 on ice for the next 10 years as a fertility insurance policy. Before I did it, I found it really useful to ask someone who had done it questions, so feel free to reach out to me if you’re considering it too.
Egg freezing meant pet sits were put on hold, but today I’m starting a week-long dog sit in Ramsgate, Kent, and looking forward to lots of sea air and coastal walks. I’m from Canterbury originally, which is quite nearby, so I am also going to be catching up with some local pals and family.
I haven’t been doing loads of work lately but I did enjoy doing these couple of pieces for Evening Standard Homes & Property: one about an artist who collects and sells rare vintage Ikea and another about London’s most beautiful front doors. Since I spoke to Bella, I’ve seen front doors in a whole new (muted) light and have attempted photographing some myself, with the top tips she gave me: bold colour, foliage and an “amazing” knocker is the winning combination.
Uplifting News Stories
Afghan interpreter, 34, is ‘happiest parent’ as son starts school in London | MyLondon
A half-mile installation just took 20,000 pounds of plastic out of the Pacific | Insider
Firefighter Rescues Stuck Kitten, Adopts It Weeks Later | Newsweek
Features Worth Sharing
Giant China Project Leads the Rise of Renewable Mega-Hubs | Bloomberg
Women Aren’t “Forgetting” To Have Children. They Can’t Afford To | Refinery29
What I’m listening to
Adele and Self Esteem on loop.
Recommendation of the week
I use this journal every year and I cannot recommend it enough.
Have a great week,
BB X
This is The Uplift, a weekly newsletter by me, journalist Becky Barnes. If you enjoyed it, feel free to buy me a coffee.
The Uplift will arrive in your inbox every Friday*, featuring good news and self care. I also have a podcast about life advice.
A bit about me: I’m a journalist living in London. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.
*occasionally Sunday or Monday