Hello, lovely readers. It’s been a little while, hasn’t it? Life has moved in that steady, humming way it often does—full of new chapters, gentle surprises, and the kind of changes that slowly transform you without asking for permission. I’ve been meaning to sit down and write, to catch my breath and share a bit of where I’ve been lately—heart full, hands busy, soul quietly blooming.

First, let me tell you something I’ve carried close to my chest for weeks now: I’ve been granted my Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. Even as I type those words, there’s a lump in my throat. This moment—this quiet, life-altering milestone—is so much more than a legal status. It’s a whispered “you did it” after years of holding my breath. It’s the sum of sleepless nights, homesick mornings, and a hundred small sacrifices only I will ever truly understand. Receiving my ILR feels like arriving at the top of a hill I wasn’t sure I’d survive climbing. There were moments I wanted to turn back. But today, I stand a little taller, knowing this journey—gritty, beautiful, and long—was worth every step.

Millie’s Birthday: A Pause for Joy

In the midst of all that grown-up chaos, there was also a soft, sweet reason to smile: Millie’s birthday. My beloved fur baby turned another year older, and we celebrated in our own simple way—with treats, cuddle marathons, and plenty of belly rubs. She doesn’t know about visas or deadlines, but her presence grounds me in a way that nothing else does. She reminds me that sometimes, all we need is a soft place to land at the end of a hard day. Millie has been more than a pet—she’s been comfort, companionship, and unconditional love in its purest form.

Work has been full-on lately, but thankfully, I’m coping well and still trying to find that sweet spot between productivity and self-care. Some days, it’s easier said than done—but I remind myself that progress is still progress, no matter the pace.

Something Special for Christmas…

And as Christmas approaches, I’m quietly working on something dear to my heart. I won’t say much just yet—some dreams are still growing beneath the surface—but please know this: I’m praying over it. Dreaming with open hands. Trusting in God’s timing. I’ve always believed that the best gifts arrive when we least expect them, wrapped not in ribbons but in grace.

So, that’s where I am these days. A little tired, yes. But deeply grateful. A woman in progress. A heart in motion. Still figuring things out. Still choosing joy. And you—wherever you are, whatever season you’re in—I hope you know that you’re not alone in your becoming. We’re all unfolding at our own pace. Give yourself grace.

With love, warmth, and so much light,
Anj Gabriel
Still chasing dreams. Still believing in the slow magic of it all.