2018 Resolutions
Here we are, already well into the new year and for me, it's one that's already been full of changes. I've never been too fond of change (it's stressful, isn't it?), but I've found that the points in my life that have been full of change have been where I've grown the most.
Change - planned or not - is transformative, and almost always in a good way. So here's to some more planned changes, in the form of New Year's resolutions. I'm happy to report that I did quite well with last year's.
My husband and I took a few trips - including jaunts to Paris, Copenhagen, New York, Chicago, and Florence. After lots of trial and error, I taught myself how to use Lightroom, which I now use for the majority of my photo editing. We've started to cook many more meals at home (moving into a new house with a proper kitchen helps!).
Most of all, I'm proud that I did well at looking after myself a bit more, especially towards the end of the year. Last year, I resolved to stick up for my time, my health, my needs and myself - and I'm happy to say that I had the courage to make some significant changes when I noticed that my mental health and happiness were taking a dip.
As usual, I love this little questionnaire format (see my 2015, 2016, and 2017 resolutions), so I've kept it for this year too. Here's to change - and growth:
A bad habit I'm going to break | Saying sorry. Or I might. Or Maybe. Sometimes, I'm not sorry, I will or I won't. And it's okay to say so and be up front with my feelings and make my intentions clear - others can #dealwithit.
A destination I'd like to visit | Where do I begin? I'm always adding new places to my list of dream destinations (there are currently 88 line items). For this year, we've already got a trips to Tulum and Seattle (and Sunriver, Oregon) in the works. We'd love to round that out with a few trips closer to home - my husband is eyeing Iceland while I'm hoping to take a trip someplace a little warmer - perhaps Morocco, Spain or Tuscany.
I'm going to work harder at | Being kinder to myself. I've always been my own toughest critic, but sometimes perfection can get in the way of progress and even though better may be possible, sometimes good is enough (despite what my school teachers may have said).
A project I'd like to finish | Last year my husband and I bought our first home and for the first time, we have a garden. At the moment it's pretty much a blank slate. I'd love to make it a really beautiful space, filled with plants and flowers that have a really special place in my heart (or at least look or smell wonderful - like the chocolate cosmos above).
A class I'd like to take | I've said it before, but working out clears my mind and reduces my stress like nothing else, so this year I'm making spin classes a priority. I've been using ClassPass for a while now (and loving it) - a spin class followed by a protein smoothie is a routine that I really look forward and that has a massive (positive) impact on my mental health.
I'd like to spend some more time doing | Intentionally staying away from screens - specifically my phone and computer. It's far too easy to log on and mindlessly spend hours each day on Instagram (thanks, Stories) or scrolling through the new arrivals on ASOS. If I do log on, I want it to be with intention, not out of habit. The rest of the time, I want to look at and experience the world through my own eyes (maybe a lens too) - whether it's exploring London or cooking a meal at home.
A food I want to eat more of | It's something that I'm always gravitating towards, but a more vegan diet - specifically more fruits and vegetables (my habit of hummus, flatbread and rosé doesn't make for the healthiest of meals ).
I want to wear more | Clothes and accessories that put a smile on my face - life is too short for mediocre. If I'm spending money on new item for my wardrobe, it should be something that I love. Even basics - trousers, jeans, t-shirts (heck, even opaque tights) - should make you do a little jig in front of the mirror and think, 'hey, I look pretty stellar.' After all, if you don't feel happy and great wearing it, what's the point?
Add your answers (or a resolution or too) in the comments below - I'd love to hear.
Until next time,
- B