My Nan always says ‘A little bit of what you fancy does you good’. Mind you, she also says that you should put salt on slugs and sit back and watch them fizzle, but let’s not get into that. Her mantra extolling the benefits of self-indulgence from time to time is one upon which I have been musing ever more frequently. I know I do tend to bang on about the importance of working hard and making an effort but, well, a girl is only human, after all.
I can tell you right now what I don’t fancy. I don’t fancy sitting for endless hours at my laptop, surrounded by notes and paperwork and emails, wrestling with prose that becomes drier by the minute and politely arguing for weeks on end about what three words will grace the cover of my collected works, while outside the sun shines and Pimms is poured within punts that glide down the River Cam. No. I don’t much fancy that at all.
So bugger it, I’m not going to do it.
Books and work can wait a while as I seek out Pimms and punts and adventure. I shall visit my friends, who have surely forgotten what I look like by now, and descend upon family and eat all their food while wearing my best clothes and fanciest shoes. I shall hold my special ones in my arms and tell them I love them. I shall play cricket – quite a lot of cricket, actually. By Sunday I will have managed three matches in a week.Because life is too short.
And a little bit of what you fancy does you good.

Please note – if you are my publisher or an esteemed colleague from Middlesex University – Haha only joking! I’m working really hard on everything, honest.
BOOKS BY LUCY BRAZIER
Love it!! In the States, we would say, “you go girl!!!” Indeed, we all require quality time with family and doing the things we fancy. It will replenish you!! Jordis
Why thank you, Jordis! Maintaining a balance in life is very important and something with which I often struggle. Bring on the good times!
Lucy, Looking forward to hearing about your adventures!! Enjoy!
Certainly! Have a super day 🙂
A very good plan I must say! All work and no play is not the route to happiness in my experience.
I have pretty much worked flat out all my working life (which started at 17) and several things that happened this year brought my mind into focus and made me realise the same thing as you have – you should enjoy the fruits of your labour not just labour all the time!
So while I still work hard I have been making sure that it’s not the only thing I do now (if you discount the last 10 days 😂)!!
Very wise words, Jup! It’s so easy to get caught up in having a strong work ethic and achieving goals and dreams that soon ‘real life’ falls by the wayside. I’ve never been great at balancing both, but I am determined to try!
Have several cups of tea, dear chap, I believe you have earned them!
If you are determined you will succeed I’m sure Lucy due to all of your other successes that were achieved through determination.
Yes real life I remember that haha! and I’m getting back there myself now – it just appears that quite a few things passed me by so I’m busy running after them to make sure they don’t get away 🙂
Yes tea is the great healer and I have my “it should be for two people pot” next to me right now! Make sure you have a cup or four of tea yourself 😊
I tell you, there will be much tea drunk, dear chap! Maybe some Pimms too. Pimms has fruit in it, so is hydrating and healthy. 🙂
Good and may I point out that if Pimms has fruit in it then surely it is one of your five a day?!
If I have five Pimms I’ve hit my daily optimum intake!
There you go!! I knew you were clever 😊🍹😁