Or, New Year, same Ol’ me, New Outlook? 

Every year, if you’re anything like me – you may fall into the camp of setting yourself a whole list of unachievable resolutions… lose half a stone, write a book, get up every morning and practice yoga, start running & enter 10k, clear out the clutter, travel more, eat healthier, start a new hobby, make home beautiful, start new venture, be more decisive, be more organised, have an exhibition, do more fun things with the kids, earn more, drink less – the list goes on. 

Most of which usually peter out by the end of January… though it got me thinking, all these resolutions imply the same thing – I am lacking something… so this year I plan on setting myself just one resolution – well, not so much of a resolution, more of an intention for the year; Be Kinder to Myself; by prioritising wellness and feeling good! (well technically that might be a couple in one but still, you get the gist)…

I’m no longer setting myself up to fail, and yes I may still like to write that book, or lose half a stone but if that doesn’t happen in the imminent future, it’s okay…

Do you have any New Year’s intentions this year?

If you’re thinking of being kinder to yourself too, here’s a few ideas of what that could look like; 

 

• Saying no to things
• Going to bed earlier
• Journalling
• Prioritising quality family time over work
• Having a gorgeous Sunday morning lay-in once in a while
• Being kinder, and putting less pressure on yourself
• Swapping a cool glass of wine after a long day for a warm bath
• Listening to an inspiring audio book while walking the dog
• Carving out time and space to create; be that writing, painting, drawing, doodling – anything that gets you in the flow!
• Preparing a delicious nutritious meal on the weekends, and equally relishing a naughty takeaway once in a while
• Having a Friday night guilt free Netflix binge! (Firefly Lane anyone?!)
• Being more present with your little people, and putting your phone away when you’re with them, it’s amazing the difference it makes
• Taking breaks from social media
• Enjoying a guilt free day to yourself
• Treating yourself to an early night and a good book
• Savouring that first chai latte (insert beverage of choice) in the morning
• Enjoying the warmth of a sunny day, and the cosiness of being inside on a cold rainy one… 
• Dancing like no-one’s watching (and singing like no-one is listening) to Sweet Home Alabama (or your favourite feel good tune) while making the kids tea
• Sweating it out in a body pump class

‘Rolling out your yoga mat for a sweet little reset‘

• Taking yourself on an artist’s date once in a while (this one comes courtesy of the ever wise Julia Cameron)
• Going on a hike – discover new walks on your doorstep, being in nature is so good for the soul!
• Lighting a candle, and enjoying a ten minute meditation to pause and renew – meditation is such a powerful tool to help bring a little calm into our world
• When things go awry, adopting a kinder, more accepting inner voice
• Treating yourself to a nourishing massage (or give yourself a relaxing facial)
• Booking a date night in with your significant other
• Booking a date night in with yourself!
• Rolling out your yoga mat for a sweet little reset
• Creating a feel good affirmation to say to yourself, try sticking it to your bathroom mirror to create a little uplifting morning ritual
• Exploring the art of delegating
• Taking a mindful morning walk, and set yourself up for feeling calmer for the day
• Treating yourself to a bunch of your favourite flowers
• Enjoying an art class
• Taking something off your ‘to do’ list
• Watching an old movie
• Slipping into your pjs, putting some logs on the fire and curling up with a delicious hot chocolate.

Generally, I’m hoping to seek more joy in the every day! And on those days when everything seems to go a little wrong, when the kids are causing chaos, the house has turned upside down and a work deadline is looming, learning to just let it go… because at the end of the day we are all just a work-in progress.

Wishing you a Happy, Healthy 2023 – let’s create our own sunshine!