My first ever Blog post

Hi everyone it's just me Tracey and this is my first ever blog post. I had never thought of blogging before because I really didn't know if anyone would be interested in my life, or things I do, or what I have to say but then I suddenly decided that if I enjoy writing it then it doesn't matter if anyone reads it.  But if you do read this and you enjoy it, then thank you.

Over the past number of years I have suffered from a number of medical problems including chronic arthritis and depression - sometimes quite serious, but in the past year I feel like I am coming out of the fog.  For quite a while I rarely left the house except to grocery shop, and communicated with only my close family.  I made excuses to myself and others not to do things because I just wasn't able to cope with a lot of situations.   Finally though I am starting to find my way again.  The arthritis is still a pain (literally) but I have learned to compensate for it mostly, and the depression has abated and I am feeling a zest for life, and an energy that I haven't felt for a very long time.  There are a few factors that I can thank for this.  Firstly my partner and pets which are my daily joy and constant love and support, as are the rest of my family.  Secondly my beautiful dad passed away in August and as devastating as it was, it also reminded me how precious and fleeting life is. Thirdly having not worked for a while I fell into a part time job which I love and which has forced me to start mixing with the world again.  Lastly I have developed a passion for organising, craft and Filofaxing ( which I will explain).

About 8 weeks ago I went on to YouTube to look at a movie promo.  After viewing the promo and a number of cute cat videos I noticed a bunch of videos on Filofaxes.  Now I remembered them from the 80s but hadn't given them a second thought (why would I?). I started watching the videos and I was addicted.  Now you might think this strange unless you love them yourself but I have always been a planner person.  I love to make lists and schedule my activities but tended to write copious little notes all over the place.  This was a way I could combine all my notes, lists and other info all in one tidy packet AND go completely nutso with pretty stuff like stickers and washi tape and post it notes and other crafty stuff.  I was in heaven - and so it began.  Eight weeks later I am the proud owner of three filofaxes - so far : ) - which I am in the process of preparing for next year.  One will be a personal planner, one a household planner and the other I will use to keep track of blogs and the YouTube videos I plan to make.  I won't talk about it much this post because I plan to expand on my Filofax obsession in future posts.

The other passion I have developed is organising.  I have always been a bit of a neat freak and liked an ordered environment but now I am slowly working my way around the house decluttering and reorganising everything.  My craft area is neat and tidy (and growing he he), all my partner's and my shoes are in neat labelled boxes.  There are little storage bins and shelves in the pantry etc etc.  I plan to make some videos about this also in the near future.  It is all very therapeutic and I feel that as I clean and declutter I am also decluttering my brain.  Maybe you understand if you too are a crazy organiser.

My intention with this blog is to share with readers not only my filofax passion and organising obsession but to chat about anything that comes to mind that interests, excites or even maybe angers me.  If you like my blog please comment and say hi.  I am just enjoying the thought that my world may just become a bit bigger and brighter through blogging.

Bye for now and stay happy
Tracey