Life-changing – in the best possible way. There are certain moments in life that quietly shift everything.
Not always in the dramatic, movie-scene kind of way — but in the “from this point on, nothing is quite the same” kind of way.
Sometimes it’s a new job. A move. A big decision. A change in family life. A turning point you didn’t expect, but suddenly you’re on a different path.
And next week, our life is about to change in a very fluffy, slightly chaotic way… We’re picking up a puppy. A chocolate cockerpoo, to be precise.
Now, I know what you might be thinking — a puppy? That’s exciting… but also completely mad. And yes. Both things can be true at the same time.
Because getting a dog isn’t like buying a new gadget or taking up a hobby. It’s not something you can “try out for a bit” and return if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle. A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.
And while this pup is technically my daughter’s Christmas present, the truth is, this is a family commitment. It’s a shared responsibility. A new routine. A new energy in the house. A new little personality who will depend on us for everything.
And I’ll be honest — I think part of why it feels so life-changing is because it’s not just about the dog. It’s about what it represents.
It’s a decision that says: I’m choosing a future that includes more joy. It’s a decision that forces you to slow down and be present. It’s a decision that reshapes your days — your mornings, your evenings, your weekends, and for me even my work routine.
It’s also a decision that comes with a big helping of reality.
There will be sleepless nights. Toilet training. Chewed shoes. Unexpected vet trips. That moment where you wonder why you ever thought this was a good idea. (I’m fully expecting that moment around week two.)
But there will also be the good stuff.
The kind of joy you can’t really explain unless you’ve experienced it — the tiny paws, the first tail wags, the companionship, the laughter, the comfort, the way a dog somehow becomes part of the family before you even realise it.
And maybe that’s what life-changing really means. But that everything becomes different.
And often, it’s the changes we didn’t plan for — the ones that disrupt our routines, stretch our patience, and ask us to grow — that end up being the most meaningful.
In some ways, this feels like the perfect moment for a new chapter. We’re moving towards Chinese New Year, and next year brings the Year of the Fire Horse — a year often associated with energy, boldness, independence, and big shifts.
I’m not claiming the stars are responsible for my puppy decision, but I do love the symbolism. Because this does feel like a season of momentum. A season of stepping into something new, even if it’s slightly unpredictable. A season of learning as we go. And I have a feeling this little dog is going to bring exactly that.
The truth is, life doesn’t stay still for long. Whether it’s family, work, relationships, or the unexpected twists and turns we never saw coming, we’re constantly adapting. And sometimes, the best thing we can do is stop resisting change and start leaning into it — with open hands and an open heart.
So yes… next week, life is changing.
We’ll be learning new habits, creating new routines, and no doubt making a few mistakes along the way. But we’ll also be building something lovely — a home that includes muddy paws, puppy cuddles, and a new kind of love. And I can’t wait.