Well. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

Before writing this, I checked the date of my last blog post. May 16th, 2021. So a little over a year, which I think is the longest stretch I’ve gone without writing on my blog since setting it up. The question is, why the gap, and why write again now?

It’s taken me a while to figure out.

Since my last post, I’ve finished three different job rotations, prepared for and passed three professional exams, and moved twice (aaand, exhale). I don’t say that to brag. I say it to reflect, on what has honestly been a crazy year. Last July, as some of you might know from following my Instagram, I moved back to Dublin, after an epic and hectic two years living in Galway in the West of Ireland. Early on in the weeks that followed, entering my third year of my public health medicine training scheme, I realised that I just couldn’t keep The Irish Balance platform alive in the same way I had up to that time. This passion project of mine – writing my blog, creating social media content on public health topics and other bits and pieces, the podcast – has never been a day job for me, it has always been alongside my work as a doctor. And there are only so many hours in the day.

So I took a break. The only writing I’ve done over this past year has been in my own private journals, (almost!) every day. The only podcasting I’ve done is listening to those produced by others. I began deleting the Instagram app from my phone too, on and off, to reduce my social media use (which surprisingly worked!). I focused on my personal life and my working life – aka, my real world, not online world, life. And honestly? I’ve really, really enjoyed it. I’ve loved it. I mean, no one enjoys exams (if you do, hats off), but I have so enjoyed removing the ‘pressure to post’ online from my life. Granted, it’s a pressure I’ve always put on myself, to make The Irish Balance the best and most helpful online platform I can, but it made a big difference to take it away nonetheless.

Why return now? Good question. I think I’m still figuring that out, and taking it as it comes. Today, I felt like writing here. Tomorrow, maybe I won’t. In a week, maybe that’ll change again. Part of this blog has always been about personal reflections on my own journey with the idea of balance in life, and I’ve missed that space to reflect and share (without oversharing). I’ve also thought a lot about how I and The Irish Balance platform have changed over the years since I set it up (way back when in 2016!). A lot of personal growth has happened since then for me, some of which I’ve posted about before, and feel incredibly proud of. Since turning 30, I’ve felt like, well, me again. It’s something I’m grateful for every day.

There is always more growth to do I think, for me anyway, personally and professionally, but you can still feel at peace with where you are now while acknowledging that. I’ve had a busy few weeks since finishing my last rotation, starting a new job for the year, and a couple of much-needed short summer holiday getaways and activities in between. It’s been a whirlwind. As a result, this weekend is the first in a while where I’m embracing the stillness, and opening up to creativity again. But I definitely hope to write more and more here going forward, whether that be reflecting, foodie guides, or public health-focused posts – I hope a mix of the three. I also hope that you guys will enjoy seeing more content on The Irish Balance blog 🙂 . Jus taking it one day at a time.

Happy Sunday, and best wishes for a great week ahead.

Ciara 🙂 x