February F.O.C.U.S

Continuing on the ritual* I started early this year, and relieved I’m still at it.

𝗙avorites: I view skincare as self-care that bookends my day. This month, I ran out of my Kiehl’s cleanser and grabbed the Shiseido face wash out of curiosity. One wash in, and I thought, why did I not try this sooner. As in?!?! Unexpected delight, and it has now earned its permanent spot in the lineup.

𝗢utings: February had an accidental jazz theme, and I’m not complaining. Gian and I went to The Jazz Room, which turned out to be exactly the kind of night that catches you off guard. Somewhere between My Way and Fly Me to the Moon—songs I’ve known my whole life—I found myself quietly humming along, feeling more moved than I thought I’d be. Also made it to Curtains Jazz Club, tucked behind unmarked doors, twice this month which is the most unambiguous endorsement I know how to give a place. First time’s a curiosity, second’s a choice.

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all, and I stood tall
And did it my way

𝗖hallenges: The books are starting to collect dust. WorkLunch and Maven lessons sit in a queue, half-watched. I am extremely gutted. The plan for March: carve out the time, show up to it, and stop letting good intentions expire quietly.

𝗨plifts: There is something powerful about being in a room full of people who take their craft seriously, who make things with intention, and care deeply about the quality of what they put out. That energy is contagious in the best way and reminded me that the right room doesn’t just support good work. It calls it out of you.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ I love doing my work because of this.

𝗦hifts: Breakfast. I started having it. For someone who spent most of adulthood treating mornings as a coffee-and-go operation, this is genuinely new. The body’s response has been immediate and extremely pointed, as if to say: we’ve been waiting.

And just before the month turned, we stepped out into the Sydney night for Mardi Gras. After all of it, February saved its most joyful exit for last.

*Monthly F.O.C.U.S inspired by Jeanelle Teves' Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T. and also the founder of WorkLunch