Welcome to the latest post of The Weekly Balance. Let’s have a look back at the past seven days in my life and what I’ve learnt from it.

What I’m thinking about…

Love! Well, it is Valentine’s Day, so it’s on the brain. Whether you love, hate, or are indifferent to Valentine’s Day, I think it’s a day when love, in all it’s equally valid forms, should be recognised. Of course, what gets the most attention on Valentine’s Day is romantic love, and to be honest, social media and all the marketing around it can be a bit overwhelming. What I’ve found really helpful this weekend is reminding myself of the importance of love for myself, and of the love I’m beyond rgateful to have – that of my family and my friends. There’s actually a lot more love out there than you might think. Take a bit of time today to show some love for yourself, and the loved ones you cherish.

What I’m reading…

I’m currently reading Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout. I actually don’t have a review yet for you guys, as I’ve about 50 pages left of it! I’m absolutely loving it and I know I won’t want it to end – but that’s the sign of a good story I know!

As always, let me know what you’re reading in the comments below!

What I’m listening to…

This week there were a few podcast episodes I really enjoyed. I’ve listed the top three below for you guys:

How To Fail with Elizabeth Day: I talk about this podcast a LOT I know, but genuinely it is one of my absolute favourites. This week’s episode, the second of season 10, is with author and mental health advocate Matt Haig, whose latest book The Midnight Library is a 2020 favourite of mine – and it’s my February Book Club pick! The conversation in this podcast episode is honest and frank, and I loved it.

Sibling Revelry: I only discovered this podcast this week! But hosted by Kate and Olive Hudson, it’s one I’ve got a few episodes picked out for already. I listened this week, on my sister’s recommendation, to the interview with Amy Schumer and her sister Kim Caramele. It is laugh out loud funny, and well worth the listen.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepherd: I loved a recent episode of this podcast which was an interview with professor of psychology at Stanford University Jamil Zaki, all about empathy and compassion in our modern world. It’s a really interesting, funny and thought-provoking episode and it’s a top recommendation from me this week.

What I’m watching…

Schitt’s Creek! So, I tried the first couple of episodes of this a couple of months ago when there was all the hype about it, and I just didn’t love it. But I’ve been told by many of you that I MUST persist beyond the first few episodes, so this weekend I made it to episode 7 and I’ll admit I’m definitely enjoying it more now. I’ve got Firefly Lane lined up on Netflix next as well, another recommendation from you guys!

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 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay safe, wash your hands, wear a mask, keep your distance and be kind!

Ciara x