Hello and a happy Friday to you,
As I adjust to a new life, oh life as a freelancer, as well as give myself quite a bit of much-needed time off, I haven’t written The Uplift newsletter in a few weeks.
I work shifts on Fridays (and Mondays) so I have to be organised to get my newsletter written on a Thursday, which I am doing this week. Well done me! Seriously, anyone who has self-discipline to fulfil their creative projects, give yourselves a big pat on the back, right now.
Since I last wrote, I completed the lovely dog sit in Clevedon, Somerset, which was extended to a total of four weeks. I’ve been staying in Bristol quite a lot, did a cat sit for friends in London and am on another cat sit right now before going camping in Wales this weekend. Yes, just as it starts to rain.
I’ll level with you, I am quite relieved about the temperature drop, because as a pale being, I’m so over being sweaty and showering at least two or three times a day (the privilege of being home-based).
My latest podcast
Like the newsletter, my podcast has been a little sporadic recently and I learnt the hard way that sound and internet checks are essential when you’re moving around as much as me.
Despite dodgy WiFi meaning Life, Oh Life was recorded on iPhones, the content of my most recent recording with the incredible Donna Lancaster overrides the less-than-perfect sound.
I planned to record six episodes for the first season of Life, Oh Life so watch out for me spinning a delayed episode six as a bonus episode in the coming weeks.
Uplifting News Stories
German Shepherd Gets Retirement Party After Six Years on Police Force | Newsweek
Man, 96, graduates East Sussex College with degree | The Argus
I’m also going to say the generous and lovely Matt Haig doing this really uplifted me this week, as well as the people finding his wonderful new The Comfort Book.
Features Worth Sharing
How not to be a dick to hospitality staff | The Big Issue (Disclaimer: written by me)
Burnout eating: how chronic pandemic stress can disrupt and destroy our diet | Guardian
The Big Issue’s urgent plan to Stop Mass Homelessness
What I’m watching
This Way Up - I had a slightly down day the other day and watched the new series in one sitting. The message at the end really spoke to me in that moment. If you know, you know.
Real, live theatre, darling!
And oh the joy it brings. I went to see Funny Gals at the Underbelly Festival and would very much recommend.
The following day, I spent the evening in another purple tent - this time The Udderbelly at London Wonderground in Earls Court, with a very dear friend and former colleague who was the perfect person to invite as she loves uplifting stuff as much as me. We saw the Choir Of Man.
Alrighty that’s it from me for today. Have a wonderful weekend wherever you may be and remember to be kind to yourself.
Becky x
This is The Uplift, a weekly newsletter by me, journalist Becky Barnes. If you enjoyed it, or my podcast, feel free to buy me a coffee.
The Uplift will arrive in your inbox every Friday, featuring good news, self-care and life advice.
A bit about me: I’m a journalist living in London. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.