I wasn't going to bother with writing down new year's resolutions this year. You think on them once a year and immediately get caught up in the business of living (struggling to live in my case), and resolutions fall by the wayside. However, I just went and visited Ingrid, who lives over the road from Manor Place. She shared some insights about keeping a daily journal, life and being a year of change. She motivated me to write some things down at the very least.
I want this to be a year of change.
- I don't want to live another year under the weight of my mortgage.
- I want my job to be fun and not a grind to carry the mortgage.
- I want to take time to smell the roses - find out what I enjoy doing and do it.
- I want to live a life less ordinary.
- I want to be in control of my life, not the other way around.
The key to achieving this is to free myself from the millstone around my neck that is Manor Place. I have to be focussed on my goals and be strong. Don't give in to societal expectations but be my own person.
Of course all the family/friends and health things still stand. I have made significant progress in losing weight since last year but still have a long way to go. I feel positive about this goal. It is achievable for me after all.
Well, that's it. Not too much on that list. Just got to do it now :)
Tuesday 20 December 2016
It's that time of the year again....approaching Christmas and the new year, when reflecting on our past year and setting goals for the approaching one is the norm, however cliche. Despite experience telling me that new year's resolutions are a complete waste of time, as I never even think about them until the same time the following year, I find myself in that same cycle yet again. I will allow myself to get caught up in the stream of things without questioning it too much. Sometimes it's good to just reflect, even if your goals don't come to fruition.
The things I've regretted most this year are quite superficial:
- Not keeping in better contact with friends and family
- Not showing the people I care about, that I really care about them, every single day
- Poor financial management (spending too much on frivolous things and not repaying debt)
- Not being as organised as I could be at school
- Not being as fit and healthy as I should and could be
A very small list really.
Keeping in better contact with friends and family
There is no reason why I can't achieve this. I just need to allocate a regular time for skype, phone calls, and letter/email writing. A text a day takes no time at all!
Showing the people I care about, that I really care about them, every single day
Taking a few minutes each day to do something nice for someone else. Sharing more of myself (no matter how difficult) is totally achievable.
Good financial management
Be mindful. Is it really necessary to go out for a coffee or a glass of wine? Could we not go for a walk or pop round for a visit? Socialising does not need to cost money. Keeping tabs on finances and doing my best to funnel money into debt repayment only takes a short time each week. Thinking carefully before buying anything and making sure any expenditure is purposeful.....don't be hasty when out and about and wanting a caffeine fix! Plan ahead.
Being work organised
It only takes a month to form a habit! Start making that habit now. Decide whether to make it an early to school or stay late after school habit. Don't leave school until thoroughly prepared for tomorrow. Don't put ANY jobs off till another day. Do them straight away (especially report comments).
Being fit and healthy
This shouldn't be as hard as it is! Just be mindful!
Make every meal decision based on nutritional value (I like healthy food, so this shouldn't be so hard). Eat smaller portions - you feel really nauseous if you eat too much anyway! Exercise every day. Simple.
I had never felt better than when I was cycling to school several times a week. Cycling up the hill made me feel strong. I liked the feel of muscles. I liked being able to walk up hills without puffing. I liked sleeping well each night. I liked the doctor telling me my blood pressure was better than hers. I felt a satisfaction in making it up the hill without stopping! Although I dreaded the climb home EVERY SINGLE TIME, I always felt good at the end. How can I overcome the dread? How can I solve the sore knee issue?
I ENJOY walking, cycling and swimming. I ENJOY being transport independent and car free. I just have to decide on an achievable routine and make it routine. Three weeks to become a habit! Establish that habit over the holidays, BEFORE school starts again.
