2025 - A fresh start

And so we begin a new year! The Christmas decorations are packed away, the last traces of tinsel have been swept up, and my little apartment is feeling refreshingly bare. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the festive season—the twinkling lights, the cozy nights, the hustle and bustle of it all. But once it’s over, there’s something so invigorating about starting fresh, with a clean space and a whole new year ahead of us.

As I take in the calm after the holiday storm, I can't help but feel a renewed sense of excitement. The apartment is quieter now, the clutter is gone, and I can finally focus on what’s next. And for me, what’s next is a big change.

A New Chapter: A Bigger, More Remote Space

For months now, my partner and I have been talking about moving. We’ve both been feeling the pull toward something new—something different. This small studio apartment has served us well, but it’s starting to feel a little cramped, especially as we look ahead to all the things we want to accomplish in 2025. It’s time for a bigger space, one that can truly accommodate our growing needs and ambitions.

We’ve been doing a lot of research lately, exploring different areas and narrowing down our options. We both feel ready for a change of scenery, something more spacious and, most importantly, something a little more remote. There’s a certain romanticism to the idea of living somewhere off the beaten path—away from the noise and busyness of the city, where nature is right outside your door, and every morning feels like a quiet retreat.

The Cottage Dream: A Perfect Escape

I’ve always romanticised the idea of living in the middle of nowhere, in a cosy cottage with a log burner crackling away in the corner. There’s something so appealing about the thought of waking up to crisp, fresh air and spending evenings curled up by the fire, reading or reflecting on the day. That feeling of isolation—of being in a place that’s completely your own—has always been a dream of mine, and this year, it might just become a reality.

I picture myself surrounded by rolling hills or towering trees, with wide open spaces for my mind to wander. I imagine the simplicity of life there—no distractions, no noise, just a sense of peace and contentment. It's a stark contrast to city life, where everything moves so quickly, and I’m more than ready for that slower pace.

The Ups and Downs of Studio Living

Living in a small studio apartment has had its perks—there’s something charming about a space that forces you to be minimal and intentional with your belongings. It's cosy, it's efficient, and it’s just right for two people starting out. But, as much as I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve also felt the limitations. The lack of space for all the things we’ve accumulated over the years, the absence of an office or a dedicated guest room, the inability to entertain friends and family without feeling like the walls are closing in—these are the things that have made me crave something bigger.

While I’ve learned to make the most of every square inch, I’ve reached the point where I need more. More room to spread out, more space to work, create, and grow. More freedom to step outside and breathe in the fresh air, to feel like I have a little more room to grow as well. A change of scenery is just what I need to recharge, refocus, and fully embrace the possibilities of a new year.

The Excitement of What’s to Come

As we head into 2025, I’m filled with anticipation. The idea of leaving behind the familiarity of this cosy studio for something entirely new is both exciting and a little daunting. But I know that it’s a step toward something bigger, something more in tune with the life we want to build.

This year is about embracing change, stepping outside of our comfort zones, and welcoming the unknown. Whether it’s moving to a new place, pursuing new dreams, or just creating more space for peace and creativity in our lives, I’m ready for it all. The excitement of the unknown is one of the best parts of starting a new chapter.

So here’s to 2025—a year of fresh starts, new adventures, and maybe, just maybe, a cosy cottage in the middle of nowhere.