Welcome Back To The Leanne Weekly - Issue 14.
I get such a kick every week from your messages about how much you’re enjoying reading my words, and how a Tuesday can now feel a lot less dull… I agree! I love writing, I love what we’re building, and I love that my words continue to resonate. My ‘on the edge of change’ section felt super vulnerable last week, so Thank You for such kind words in response.
This past week… where do I even start?! It’s been chaotic. The studio’s been closed for maintenance, which meant full steam ahead on other projects and more organising at home. More minimising, and the final stretch of house chaos. I wish I could articulate the stress, but I’m letting it go instead of giving it power. We’re down to the last few workmen, woo hoo. There’ve been delays, surprises, and a window installation that nearly broke us, but we are so close to the finish line… in more ways than one!
Ben and I managed to sneak in a lovely lunch date (we’re aiming for one quality moment a week until baby arrives - details of where we went in The List of Joy), and I had a girly sleepover with my bestie Lucy on Saturday - highly recommended. Now it’s my last week of classes at Peloton before maternity leave begins, and it’s all gone so fast! I’d love to see those of you with a Bike on the leaderboard this Sunday 23rd November at 12pm (UK time) for my 30-minute 90s Dance Ride - let’s wrap things up with a good time!
This week, we’re diving into The Beauty in Boring, and how to find calm and stability in the chaos. Following that we have The Art of Saying No (Part 2), a party-season refresh on boundaries and balance. Then we’ll tackle Decluttering the Mind (and the Wardrobe) to make space before year ends. I’m also answering your most-asked Instagram questions in case you didn’t see it there, plus sharing my List of Joy and LTK Faves as always.
Let’s get into it…
The Beauty In Boring…
‘Learning to Romanticise Stability Instead of Chaos’
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if my 30s are teaching me anything, it’s that sometimes I think to myself how good the BORING bits feel. Not the highlight-reel perfect, or the ‘I’ve got my life together’ kind of Pinterest moments, but the quiet ones. The ones that don’t make the grid. The walk you’ve done a hundred times. Folding warm laundry from the tumble dryer with a podcast playing in the background. Clean sheets. A night with no make up and no plans, and being OK with that. The truth is, the beauty in boring is everywhere, we just forget to notice it.
At some point in life we were taught that excitement equals happiness. I genuinely felt allergic to boredom in my teens and 20s, like it was the ultimate ‘you’ve given up on life’. I actually really, REALLY struggled with the idea of letting boredom in. So much so that I would often do as much as humanly possible in a day to combat the feeling, completely burn myself out, and always be behind on the house ‘chores’ / didn’t do them. It felt like if life wasn’t full of plans, projects, or ‘something to look forward to’ all of the time, then something was missing in life, and it was a major problem. The reality is, I ended up so tired that the plans I always had locked in, were just about me constantly ‘pushing through’ and not really ever enjoying them. The last few years, and especially in pregnancy, I’ve realised the opposite can be true. The small, predictable, even boring bits, they hit harder than the big, shiny moments ever could. Maybe growing up, slowing down, or simply tuning in, means learning to romanticise stability instead of chaos.
Maybe boring is what peace looks like. Maybe it’s our nervous system finally exhaling. Maybe the more we learn to find joy in what’s steady, in the things that don’t demand our energy but restore it, the less we crave the chaos that once made us feel alive. To be comfortable in a ‘boring’ moment for me is ultimate growth. When FOMO turns to JOMO, and I find calm in the mundane. What I've really learnt is that it’s a privilege to feel bored. To have a day that feels boring is literally the dream for some, and so my whole mindset has changed, because the chance to have a boring day is up there with one of life’s luxuries.
As we dip our toes into the festive season - Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the noise, sparkle, and social plans that start piling up with it - here’s your permission slip to lean into the ordinary. To let life be enough without the extra. This isn’t to say don’t embrace the season or say ‘no’ to everything (although keep reading as we will cover this today) but it is equally OK to find the the ‘boring’ amongst these festivities, and here’s how:
DON’T LOSE YOUR RITUALS - Morning coffee, evening walks, a Sunday tidy - notice how grounding those simple acts can be. You don’t need to overhaul your life; just show up for what’s already working and feels calm.
SLOW DOWN YOUR SENSES - Light a candle before dinner. Eat without scrolling. Put on a playlist that makes your home feel like yours. Boring starts to feel beautiful when you actually feel it.
DO LESS, BUT DO IT FULLY - Instead of multitasking your way through the day, try being where you are. One thing at a time. Present.
GET OUTSIDE - Go for the same walk you always do, but look up. Breathe deeper. Notice the season changing. Nothing new, just give it your full attention.
REDEFINE EXCITEMENT - Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the ones that don’t look like much from the outside. Calm isn’t dull; it’s a luxury.
Holiday season is approaching, and the pressure to make things ‘special’ can creep in, but what if this is it? The cup of tea before the day begins. The sound of someone you love laughing in the next room. The gentle predictability of your life when it’s not demanding anything from you.
The beauty in boring is that it’s NOT boring at all. It’s just life - stripped back, softened, and savoured. Lean in!
‘Maybe peace was never meant to be loud. Maybe the real magic is in the mornings that all look the same, and finally feel enough.’
So, we’ve talked about the calm, grounded parts of life that keep us steady. Now, let’s revisit a topic from a previous issue, but this time it’s with a nod to the end of the year, and how to protect that calm when the festive chaos starts knocking…
The Art Of Saying No - Part Two: Choosing Peace Over People-Pleasing In Party Season…
We are quickly approaching the time where the pull of saying ‘yes’ becomes VERY real. The dinners, the drinks, the ‘just pop by’ invitations, the one quick drink at the pub after work, the last-minute favours. The calendar fills, the boundaries blur… and before you know it, you’re running on fumes, wondering where your peace went, and how it’s not feeling quite like the most magical time of the year.
Here’s the truth: saying no isn’t rude, it’s responsible. Especially now.
The art of saying no isn’t about shutting people out, it’s about staying true to yourself. It’s about recognising that you don’t need to earn your rest, or prove your loyalty by showing up for everyone but yourself. You are allowed to choose peace over people-pleasing, which is so hard to live by, BUT it is always worth trying.
A few thoughts to hold onto this festive season:
Not every invitation is an obligation - You can be grateful to be thought of and still say no. You can love people deeply and still not attend every gathering. Energy is a limited resource, spend it intentionally.
‘Maybe next time’ IS a full sentence - You don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation. Kindness doesn’t mean over-explaining yourself. A warm, honest ‘not this time’ is enough. This may feel reminiscent of the last time we discussed the ‘art of saying no’ - and I said that ‘No’ is a full sentence. I hope you’ve used that!
Protect your slow moments - That calm you’ve been cultivating - the walks, the nesting, the cozy nights in - it doesn’t need to disappear in December. Schedule rest like you’d schedule a party. Make time to do nothing, on purpose.
Check your motives before you say yes - Are you saying yes out of genuine joy or out of guilt? If it’s guilt only, you know your answer. Be confident in it.
Remember: peace doesn’t need permission - You don’t have to justify wanting a quiet night, or a smaller circle, or a slower pace. Peace is a boundary worth defending.
As the lights go up and the social calendar starts to struggle for space, just know this - you’re not missing out by saying no. You’re making space. For calm, for connection, for what actually matters to you and yours.
So, we’re raising a glass to intentional yes’s, graceful no’s, boundaries that make you feel proud AND enough room for you in the middle of it all.
“I stopped saying yes to keep the peace, and started saying no to be the peace.”
(And if you want to refresh yourself on the first time we dived into this topic - check out issue 3 HERE)
Decluttering The Mind (& The Wardrobe) - Making Space As We Move Towards The End Of The Year…
I’ve got a real focus on the end of the year with today's newsletter, but it comes at us quickly and EVERY year, I promise to not repeat the same things that send me into overdrive, which is why we’re getting ahead of things here - together!
There’s something about this time of year that makes me want to clear things out (and that’s every year, not just because I’m nesting this year). It’s not in a frantic, ‘new year, new me’ kind of way, but in a let’s reset kind of way.
Maybe it’s the colder mornings, or the slower pace that naturally creeps in as the year winds down and it gets darker earlier, but I always find myself wanting more space - in my home (for decorations, ha), in my mind, and in my days.
We spend so much of the year accumulating plans, clothes, commitments, noise, and by November, it all starts to feel heavy and cluttered. Decluttering isn’t just about clearing shelves; it’s about clearing energy. It’s a way of saying: I don’t need to carry this with me into the next chapter. I know January is usually the time we associate with what I'm saying, but I think a ‘pre-festive de clutter’ (which includes letting go of what isn’t a definite ‘yes’ anymore) and trips to the charity shops (which in turn, means someone else gets to enjoy what no longer serves you) is a great feeling. At the very least, if this feels overwhelming or you’re time poor - create one clear designated space for any gifts, extra food, guests bags, games, etc so it’s not spilling out everywhere. I’m no party pooper, but for the host, you can’t think or relax when there's stuff everywhere, and literally nowhere for it to go. Help yourself, and create the ‘zone’ or the space.
When we let go of what no longer fits, physically or emotionally, we make room for what does. I usually always have things in my wardrobe that I wear once in a blue moon, and I am so guilty of never finding anything to wear. Lots of ‘statement’ pieces, and very little day to day. It’s who I am! This year, if it’s not fitting me until the end of my pregnancy or for the first few months of postpartum, it’s under my bed in storage bags. It feels SO good for the mind, and makes getting ready so much faster. Who knew?!
Here’s my tips:
Start small - You don’t need to overhaul everything. Start with one drawer, one thought, one habit. Clear the space that’s right in front of you - it often has a ripple effect.
The wardrobe test - If it doesn’t fit, feel good, or represent who you are now, it’s time to let it go. Your clothes should make you feel at home in yourself, not like you’re chasing an old version of who you were.
Declutter your mind too - So, take away the clothes for a minute and notice what thoughts or worries you’re holding onto that aren’t serving you. The guilt, the comparison, the ‘shoulds’ - all of it takes up space. You don’t need to carry every thought to the finish line of the year.
Create space for calm - Theme of today! When you strip away the excess, you see what matters more clearly. The conversations that fill you up. The people that make you feel lighter. The plans that feel like peace instead of pressure.
Decluttering isn’t about perfection; it’s about alignment. You’re allowed to have less, do less, and still be complete. Release the items, the expectations, and the internal noise that don’t serve the person you’re becoming. The clearest way to see what you truly want next year… is to clear space for it now.
You Asked, Im Answering…
Last week, I opened the floor to questions from followers on Instagram. I’m sharing my most asked ones here in case you missed it.
WHEN IS YOUR DUE DATE?
I’ve not given my exact due date, but it’s wild how many people ask. I like the countries that give a month or a ‘window’ over a specific date. Feels less pressure, comparison or eyes on you. I’ll be having a December baby and the baby will be here in time for Santa :-)
GIRL OR BOY? AND NAMES?
We always knew we’d never find out. The goal has always been to have a healthy baby, and I have always believed this is the best surprise you could ever, ever have. I most look forward to Ben being the one to share whether we have a son or a daughter when the time comes! I will be overjoyed with either obviously. When it comes to names, we have one name for a girl and one for a boy. We LOVE them, and have no back ups! We didn’t initially agree on names, I offered up a few and they didn’t go down well, and my mum had to intervene in the ‘discussion’, BUT, when we got to ‘our’ names, there was no need to persuade one another. They felt right, sound great and hope one day we get to use both!
HOW LONG ARE YOU TAKING OFF?
Honestly, I don’t know. It’s so funny as the people who tell me to not take too long off are the same ones who tell me not to rush back! I won’t rush back, I want to be with my baby and so I think I see myself coming back SLOWLY from summer ‘26. I did tentatively say late spring, but realistically that feels too soon still. I think once the baby is here, I’ll have more of an idea! I’ll miss you all, but I’ve recorded a lot of content so there should be new rides dropping for the first little while! I just want to be fully immersed in a chapter I waited so long for.
HOW ARE YOU FEELING?
So lovely to be asked how I’m feeling by so many. I don’t have a succinct answer to this. I did speak about it last week with all of you in issue 13. I’m feeling - ALL OF IT! I struggled mentally in my first trimester - after loss and IVF, I just couldn’t relax. It took me a while to not feel this way, and to be honest, I’m only really settling into it now and feeling my most relaxed, with only a few weeks to go. My heartburn is out of control, I’m popping gaviscon like sweets. My obsession with milk and anything heavily pickled hasn't stopped, my insomnia is a delight, the toilet trips could surely be classed as a workout by now, and I question if my belly can actually keep growing. It can, and it is. I’m out of breath all the time, and yet I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I feel sad, yet ready, to wrap up on my classes this week. Peloton is a huge part of my identity, so to say goodbye for a while comes with some weight. Ultimately, I’m giving myself grace on this journey and I’m just so full of pride and awe for my body. It’s been through so much and this is just magic. I’ll miss being pregnant, but I’m not sure I’ll miss the feet permanently in my ribs!
I’ll cover more of the questions asked across the next few weeks! If I don’t stop now, this issue will turn into a novel. I’m all in my feelings and the words keep coming! So, let's leave it there, and take it to more joy….
List Of Joy…
🍽️ EATING: THE DOVER Trying to get some last minute dates in, and this spot is a chef's kiss. Kind of didn’t want to share it, but want you to enjoy it too, ha! Booking ahead of time is a MUST, or grab a drink at the bar without a reservation.
📺 WATCHING: ALL HER FAULT on Sky Atlantic and Now TV. My Mum recommended this to me, and I am hooked! Perfect viewing for these rainy, dark London evenings. It’s based on Andrea Mara's 2021 novel of the same name. I don’t want to give anything else away.
🎧 LISTENING: JUST AS WELL, THE WOMEN’S HEALTH PODCAST with…. ME as the guest! I feel like we covered a lot in this episode. I recorded it a couple of months ago, and have been looking forward to it dropping. Hope you enjoy it if you haven’t listened already x
LTK Of The Week…
HM LOUNGEWEAR - Ordered two sets for postpartum. I love how soft they feel and they are so cosy. I wear a medium, and they have 3 colourways.
M&S SILVER SEQUIN MIDAXI A-LINE SKIRT - For the plans you do say ‘yes’ to. This IS the skirt! Sparkles for the win!
RHODE peptide lip treatment in ‘unscented’ - Can’t deny I love this for the lips, especially as we get into winter! I have one on me at all times! They’ve got some new scented ones too to try!
AMAZON Christmas Countdown Nutcracker - Fun for all the family year after year! I have a nutcracker obsession.
GUCCI nail varnish in Goldie Red - This is such a great gift for you or a friend. The perfect festive red!
THE WHITE COMPANY super soft faux fur long hot wattle bottle in ‘natural’ - This is a bestseller for a reason!
TOPSHOP leather look oversized funnel neck jacket - This is VERY similar to my River Island one that has sold out. Love it!
ADIDAS ORIGINALS DISCO SAMBA OG TRAINERS in silver glitter - need I say more?!
And that’s Issue 14 wrapped. I hope it left you with something nourishing - a thought, a shift, a smile, or simply a moment of calm.
P.S. Remember, if you share The Leanne Weekly with two people, a little D.Louise thank-you is waiting, because spreading the love should always come with perks.
