The Dazzle #1

Things that have been making me smile, in an attempt to help you stave off the Sunday Scaries

Not my friend Scarlett’s toy poodle, but something to make you smile all the same. Photo by Gabriel Crismariu on Unsplash

Hello and welcome to the Dazzle! It’s a gratitude list, for people who don’t do gratitude lists. And people who do do gratitude lists, now I come to think about it. It’s all of the things that have cheered me up in the last week, in the hope they might cheer you up as we prepare for the next one. And I would love it if you fancied adding the things that have been dazzling you in the comments below. (Also, I’m getting to grips with the tech here, so stick with me while I learn how to make it look a little snazzier!)

The How, by Yrsa Daley Ward I first read this beautiful book eighteen months ago, and found it so comforting that I revisit it every few weeks. Daley Ward is a poet and writer and her thoughts on “the great work of meeting yourself” have got me through many a tough moment. I love her - she also has a Substack, The Utter, which was my first ever paid subscription here!

My friend Scarlett’s toy poodle Because: toy poodles.

Crossfit I have become obsessed with Crossfit. OBSESSED. Until earlier this year, I thought it was those crosstraining machines at the gym, but I have discovered that it is actually an incredible, inclusive community of people who happen to love throwing themselves around and lifting weights. I think it’s great for women because it’s so strength based. The best thing about it is how easily instructors can scale each class for your ability. I go to this one in south London three or four times a week - it’s essential for my mental health more than anything else - but they are all over the country and easily found via Google.

8 months without a cig With thanks to the (free) Smoke Free app, which has been enormously encouraging. It sends you certificates! It lets you know when your circulation, immunity and lung function are back to normal! I found it while desperately looking for some sort of ‘counter’ to keep me going, and I think it’s by far the most useful one.

A party that started at 5pm and was done by 10 As someone about to start their 7th sober party season, I really think this is the way forward. I’ve written my column in tomorrow’s Telegraph about it, you can read it here now.

My nails I never used to get my nails done, but I’ve decided they’re the easiest way to cheer myself up when I’m feeling frazzled. I barely ever wear make-up so these are my one concession to ‘personal grooming’ lol. They’re by Gel Bottle in their new Alpine shade, if you too fancy going a bit Elf.

Anything by Rose Tremain How have I only just discovered this insanely brilliant novelist? I just gobbled up her new one, Absolutely and Forever, and am now onto Trespass. Any more recs much appreciated.

The staff member at Oxford Circus tube making everyone laugh when all the escalators were broken Niche one, this, but I love acknowledging those people who are going out of their way to cheer everyone up. Look for the radiators in the world, instead of focusing on the drains - it makes life a lot easier!

A great bit of advice “When you stop trying to control everything, life starts happening”. I need to have this tattooed on my arm, I think. See also: “you don’t need to know - you just need to let go”. Amen to that, as we head into a new week.

You being here on this list I am so, so insanely grateful for your presence, and hope you will stick around for the next issue of the Dazzle. If you wanted to support this Substack and join my little community, you can upgrade to paid for £1.25 a week. But it’s not essential, and the most important thing is that you are here!

Lots of love,

Bryony xx