Everyone says they don’t believe in New Year Resolutions. I’ve said it a gazillion times, myself. We’ve all done that thing, in our youth, of vowing to give up cakes/go to the gym four times a week/drink more water/drink less booze, and by January 20th, we’re sat there eating a doughnut (in our gym kit that we put on but didn’t make it out of the door), drinking Diet Coke instead of water, with a slight hangover because we drank a bit too much wine the night before. Oh, and filled with lovely self-loathing because we CAN’T EVEN KEEP our new year resolutions.
But while I’m not a fan of a resolution, I am a fan of a plan. I think there’s definitely something to be said for starting off a new year with a bit of a vision of how it’s going to look for you. I’ve read posts from some of my favourite bloggers (hi Katie and Molly!) about their plans and it’s spurred me onto think about mine. So here they are!
I’m going to stop allowing my hormones to kick my ass on a regular basis. 2015 was filled with bouts of anxiety and depression, for me. Thankfully, it was also filled with bouts of feeling great too. But I realised that an imbalance of hormones meant that for around a week every month, I’d feel low, tearful, keen to stay indoors and an overwhelming feeling of being unable to cope with day to day life. Sheeesh! Drama queen, here. I chatted to a bunch of friends about this, only a few weeks ago during one of my worst dips ever, and the advice they gave me has left me feeling ready to fight it, when it next rears its ugly head. Hurrah!
Off the back of this, I’m going to look after myself much better. At the end of 2015, I got into a real cycle of just not caring about myself, and I’ve already started to remedy this with buying new skincare products and using posh Jo Malone bath oil. Also in my plan is starting to drink smoothies for breakfast again (hi Nutri-Ninja, old friend) and going back to the gym. I’ve linked to it before, but this Caitlin Moran piece which talks about treating yourself like a pet is really worth reading.
I want to focus on this blog a little more. Sorry to admit this, but my blog has always been a bit of a hobby that I fit in, when I can. I’ve never been one of those bloggers who posts regularly and consistently, instead I blog when the mood takes me and when I have time. But this year, I’d like to show my blog a bit more love, and try to approach it with a bit more planning and consideration.
I want to continue to improve my photography skills. I spent a lot of 2015 teaching myself how to take better photos. I grew up in a house that had a darkroom and was always interested in photography, even taking a module at uni which taught me how to use an SLR. But during my 20s, with easy peasy point-and-click digital cameras emerging and in those pre-camera phone days, I lost interest. So I’ve loved learning how to use my DSLR, and I want to carry on improving this year. I also want to get better at shooting and editing video too – I taught myself how to do this from scratch last year, but because I’m not a natural, it’s something I have to remind myself to do.
I’d like to finally organise our house so that it’s not a total tip. Anyone who’s been to my house can testify that it doesn’t look anything like the photos I post on Instagram or this blog. Sure, there are pockets of order and tidiness, but the reality is this: I’m a hoarder. A terrible terrible hoarder. I keep everything (you know, just in case….) and the result is that I have piles of paper everywhere, tiny plastic toys from party bags on the kitchen table and books that I’ll never read. Add to this the fact that I’m naturally a bit messy, and it means our house is just filled with clutter. So, in 2016, I want to redesign our under-the-stairs cupboard to have shelving and space to store loads of stuff, and I want to re-organise our dining room/play room to use the space and storage more effectively.
Not how my house usually looks
I’ve also got a couple of career goals, but I’m going to keep those to myself for now – not in an attempt to be cryptic and annoying, but just because it’s not always wise to blab on about everything in public, is it?
So there you go – my plans for 2016. What are your plans?
I just wanted to say I’m not really a blog reader, I stumbled across your blog whilst googling for reviews on a product you reviewed. Ihave found myself following your blog because I can totally relate to you and it’s refreshing to read that I’m not alone in my little quirky ways! It’s OK not to be perfect and I love your honesty especially about the hoarding! We are moving soon and have just rid the house of plastic party bag toys!
Good luck with your plans for the year ahead and I look forward to reading more of your blog!
Some great goals here, wishing you every success with them. I hear you on every single one, definitely things I want to do this year. I started having a clear out and it feels good, although I’ve lost momentum a bit so need to get started again.
Brilliant plans, I have a feeling 2016 is going to be a good year! It’s amazing what a difference getting organised can make to your mindset, as well as taking care of yourself. I plan to do much of the same. x
I really love this Alison. These are definitely some achievable goals, and so important for your mindset and your wellbeing. I could do with taking heed myself. I am sure you will kick ass at them. x
Your goals all sound really realistic and achievable! Our house is often a mess too if it’s any consolation. Happy New Year x
Hi Alison, I love this! Organising the house is an absolute must for me too Good luck with achieving all your goals for 2016 x
Hi Liz Really enjoyed reading your blog. I am a mum of two and de-cluttering is definitely on the top of my agenda this year. A bag has already gone off to charity today. Kids old toys and clothes. I run a website selling children’s furniture and we have some fab storage ideas, great for organising and hiding the clutter. You can take a look at http://bit.ly/1JfsMGa xxx
Thanks Jemma, glad you liked my blog. The storage ideas on your website are lovely. Thanks for the link x
Love the new look of the blog, Alison – fab post as always! Happy New Year! xx
Some fab plans! I to suffer from HUGE PMS and I think I am going to pop to the doctor to level it out a bit. It was getting to the point where I was going to have to stay in the house during certain times of the month which is utterly ridiculous! Can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for you x
All really good plans and I can really relate to them all, especially the last one! I am always very good at distracting myself with very important other jobs (like having a cup of tea) when I should be tidying!
Em x
I’ve loved reading everyone’s ‘goal’ posts, and yours is no exception my dear! YES to decluttering, taking better photos and looking after yourself more, and the latter is a biggy for me this year. I read that Caitlin Moran post a while ago and totally agreed with it. This year i’m going to be my own pet 😉 More coffee/lunch dates with you please! x
Oh Ali I love your list here and so much of it I can relate to and need to do myself. Here’s to a kick ass awesome 2016. Hope to see you at a conference or two beautiful!!!
I also have the ambition to improve my photography skills this year. I also will try to concentrate on projects at home like adding more DIY storage. I wish you good luck with your resolutions! Thank you for sharing!