This week in the Gratitude Challenge it’s time to talk about the city I live in. I have to admit this made me a tad teary when I realised I had to talk about Birmingham instead of Glasgow (I moved here in July 2016) but then I remembered I have so much to be grateful for!
1. Blogging community
In Glasgow I wasn’t talking blogging seriously. There may be a blogging community back home that I just wasn’t aware of, but I’m pretty sure it’s nothing compared to what I’ve experienced down here. When I took to Twitter I found a Brum Bloggers Facebook Group, a regular Social Media Cafe Event and a weekly Brum Hour that lets local businesses meet up online.
2. Restaurants galore
I’ve not tried out nearly as many restaurants as I would like, but I’ve made a good attempt. Sunday lunch in The Fighting Cocks in Moseley is one of the best ways to see out the weekend, and I recently had some great grub in Cherry Reds. Other places I’ve enjoyed visiting include The Stable and The Cosy Club.
3. Change is good
I knew when I left Glasgow that I was so ready for a change. Although I’ve city-hopped I still feel like there’s been a substantial change in my mindset. There’s something freeing about feeling lost in the crowd of a brand new city, where no one knows you and you can be whoever you want to be. This has really shown in my newfound body acceptance and change in hair colour!
4. Career goals
I was lucky enough to find a part-time job within the first few weeks of arriving in Brum, after an initial panic of thinking no one would hire me! Although I’m more focused on improving my blogging income I’ve also had an interview for a writing job that I would never have been able to commute to if I’d lived in Scotland. There are just so many more opportunities for people with big career goals.
5. Friendly people
My social anxiety was a big concern when I moved so far away from home. I was under so much stress after recently losing my job as well as relocating our entire life in 30 days that I was sure my anxiety was going to be particularly bad. However after meeting some lovely bloggers (Bryoney, Erica, Claire, Emma, Elizabeth and Sinead) I felt so welcomed and at home.
6. The shopping is good
When I first visited the Bullring I couldn’t believe how many brands were on offer. Even six months later, I still get lost and have to visit the information point for help. I always forget where I am and have to stop for emergency coffee breaks; luckily there’s no shortage of chain and independent cafes in Brum!
7. Christmas Markets
The German Markets that set up shop in Birmingham every Christmas attract millions of visitor, which I thought would be pretty terrifying to witness. We ended up joining the crowds every weekend in December and even took a brave turn on the big wheel. The atmosphere was certainly exciting, and it gave the already busy city even more to offer tourists.
8. It’s full of creative people
Blogging has led me to lots of like-minded people in Birmingham. I’ve met lots of people who are successfully pursuing their passions in the creative industries and just as many who are happy to do it in evenings and weekends as a hobby. One of the best things is that I’ve found a local WordPress trainer who has helped me polish up my tech skills in order for me to redesign my blog.
9. Canals
People are always telling me that Birmingham as more canals than Venice. While admittedly it doesn’t have quite the same amount of sunshine, it definitely has its fair share of canals. I’m lucky enough to live just a minute away from Brindley Place where I can walk along the short canal walk to the Mailbox. It’s a great scenic trot into town!
10. Close to London
Although we haven’t ventured to London yet, it’s kind of exciting to know we’re just an hour or so away from the capital city. I wouldn’t normally be able to attend blogging events or training days in London, but now that scenario is totally do-able; an enticing thought as I broaden my horizon and explore more creative ventures.
What’s your favourite thing about the city you live in?
It’s not a bad place really, in spite of the stick it gets. I live just outside the city so I get the benefits without any real drawbacks. As it happens, I work just around the corner from Fighting Cocks!
Ah Moseley is lovely! I’d happily live there especially if I was close to the Cock!
It’s very expensive sadly. King’s Heath up the road is much cheaper and only a half hour walk or so.
It’s also nice being walking distance to everything 🙂
Yes! Thank god I don’t have to use busses, I couldn’t cope with that!
I know!! I hate buses…yet love trains!!
I have visited the Bullring a couple of times and three years ago I went to look arond the German markets, so that was interesting. I will probably be down that way one day again, as my friend lives in Halesowen.
I must say the Bullring is great if you enjoy shopping!
It is if you do. I don’t mind going round there, accept for Black Friday. Oh god, I did not realise and wondered why it was so packed as it was than normal. I made sure I did not do that again. 😀
Hi Fiona
I live in Brum too! Love it. I didn’t know of any of the blogging groups you talked about so I must check them out! Thanks for sharing and all the best with your blog too!
Hi! Yes, definitely check them out, I’ve met some great friends through blogging x
Wow you covered a lot of subjects about your city! If I understand properly, Brum = Birmingham, since you have both in the same entry ?
You have found a great place to move to, in spite of your anxieties about it. Congrats! It took me 12 years to move out from my mum’s, and I didn’t even go that far.
My fav parts are that it’s not too big, yet offers access to libraries, organic stores, enough public transports to reach most places, and especially access to nature : not too far, I can go hike up the mountains, and breathe fresh air of the woods up there.
I wrote about it on my blog a bit in more details (but not that much longer)
It’s very expensive sadly. King’s Heath up the road is much cheaper and only a half hour walk or so.
Thank you for such lovely places with descriptive content. Very-well written article and informative one. Really helpful and worth reading.