Hey guys! I hope you’ve all had a lovely week. Let’s have a look back at the past seven days in my life and what I’ve learnt from it.

What went on in my doctor life…

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues, I’m going to leave out this section of The Weekly Balance for now. I can’t share the specifics of my day to day work – its not appropriate for many reasons, but confidentiality is the main one. I would also guess that many of you, like me, enjoy taking time to switch off from all things pandemic, and I hope these weekly posts might help with that a little. I hope you guys can understand that, and thank you! I am continuing to share COVID-19 update posts on my Instagram at least once per week – you can check those out here.

What I’m thinking about…

Moving! This weekend I am moving apartment within Galway, and I’m both excited for a new chapter and a little sad at the thought of one ending. I’ve had a really awesome first year in Galway, working as a public health doctor and living in this lovely city, and I’m glad I have another year to go here. Moving home regularly is a reality for many doctors in training – often we rotate every six months, or every year, or sometimes as little as every three months, and frequently a change in home comes with it. I’m very grateful that I don’t have to move city this year, but I will next year. I guess this time next week I’ll be writing The Weekly Balance from a new home – that’s a funny thought for sure!

What I’m reading…

I recently finished The Switch, a novel by author Beth O’Leary, who wrote The Flatshare which I reviewed a few weeks ago. I absolutely LOVED this book. O’Leary’s books are like a hug to read – comforting, fun, and warm. They’re also a really nice read during the stressful and uncertain times we live in – I found this book to be really helpful for switching off (no pun intended) at night before bed.

The Switch tells the stories of Leena Cotton and her grandmother Eileen Cotton. Leena is a drive, ambitious and determined woman – in her late twenties, she’s already at the top of her game in a big London sales company, and has plans with her best friend to set up their own firm in the near future. However, as shiny as the exterior of her life may seem, the inside is is the opposite, as Leena struggles to come to terms with the recent death of her sister Carla – and in fact, when we meet her in the book she’s actively ignoring her grief. Eileen meanwhile, lives in a tiny village in the Yorkshire Dales, feeling lonely following her husband’s recent infidelity and the end of their marriage, and looking for new love. After blowing a big opportunity at work, Leena find comes up with a plan – she and Eileen will switch places for two months – and switch phones too!

This was such a fun read – and yes, there’s romance in there too! Definitely one to add to your list. As always, let me know what you’re reading in the comments below!

What I’m listening to…

Yet again, I have a How To Fail podcast favourite for you guys – I mention this podcast a lot but it really is awesome. This week’s guest was Glennon Doyle, whose latest book Untamed I reviewed last week in the Weekly Balance. It was my favourite interview I’ve heard with Glennon Doyle yet!

I also downloaded a new audiobook – called Dear NHS – Stories to Say Thank You. It’s a collection of stories edited by former doctor and author Adam Kay, to which actors, authors, presenters and many more contributed their stories of times when the NHS helped them in a time of need. It’s a lovely listen and I’m really enjoying it so far.

Recipe of the Week

The recipe I’m loving this week is my Oat and Berry Mini Scones  – a quick and easy recipe to whip up, and ideal for snacks for a new week ahead! You can find the recipe here.

And that’s a wrap for this week gang! If you want to get in touch, you can find me @theirishbalance on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I hope you have a lovely week ahead folks – remember, stay informed with the advice from your local health authority, stay safe, wash your hands, keep your distance and be kind!

Ciara 🙂 x