New Year Reflections & Goals

It’s the start of a brand-new year. A fresh page in the story of my life and it feels like I’m standing at the edge of a precipice, able to achieve anything I set my mind to. I feel I’m stepping into this year a completely a different person to who I was a mere 365 days ago. I’ve achieved so much in the last year which has helped me grow in confidence and begin to see a clearer view of the path I would like to walk.

Of course, to look forward I first need to reflect on what has gone before and I feel my post at the end of 2017 is a good place to start. I’m not usually one for making New Years Resolutions as they are often forgotten after a few weeks, however in last years post I did make 5 goals/resolutions, so how did I do?

Look after myself and do things that have made me happy.

I feel this is something I have achieved and can happily tick off my list. In the last year I have ensured I take time for myself as often as I can; be it a lunch out with friends or an hour of peace and quiet with a book. Previously I had spent all my time and energy on everyone else, completely forgetting to take care of myself and I’ve realised now just how important that is. I need to be well and strong in myself to enable me to take care of my family, it’s not selfish to take time for me it’s essential to my wellbeing.

I also feel I’ve made a good start at being able to say no and only doing things that make me happy. I know I still have work to do on this, but I’m much in a much stronger place mentally now which has helped me become more assertive.

Push My Limits

Again, it’s another MASSIVE tick in the box for this one. In 2017 my anxiety was crippling and prevented me from doing so many things, robbing me of any joyful experiences. Whilst I had made tiny steps towards the end of last year I wanted 2018 to be the year I pushed my limits and boy did I do that! In June I went to Spain for a few days to celebrate my friends 40^th and despite my anxiety trying it’s hardest to prevent me from going, even until the last minute, I did it and had the best time!

I also applied for and got a small part time job which was a huge step for me and one I agonised over for days. As soon as I had pressed the button to submit the application the doubt and panic started to creep in, but it’s been one of the best things I’ve done.

Weight

I said last year I would embrace who I am and try and eat a little better. Well…..I embraced who I was but I think my eating habits may be worse than they were this time last year! Oops, must try harder!

Make peace with the past and look to the future

I lived by this motto last year and it made my life a much happier place to be. The realisation that I can’t change the past, only the future, was a long time coming for me, but once it stuck it’s something I’ll never forget. You never forget, just make your peace and move on.

Blog

This time last year my blog was still reasonably new and I had no idea which direction it would go in. My aim was simply to keep doing what I enjoyed and hope that someone would want to read it. Fast-forward a year and I’m truly overwhelmed with the support I’ve had and the readers I’ve gained. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities my blog has afforded me and the friendships I have made since my site launched.

So, I’d say 4 out of 5 ain’t bad, I genuinely can’t believe the difference a year has made!

Reflections over, what do I want to achieve in 2019? Like last year I don’t want to set myself too many goals that will ultimately be unachievable so here are just a few.

Keep improving my blog content

This year I’m planning on mixing my content up and trying some new ideas. I feel I now have a better idea of the direction I’d like to see my blog heading and will be implementing some changes as we go into the New Year.

Organise more Blog Tours

At the tail end of last year, I had the pleasure of working with author Olga Gibbs and running a promotional tour for her book Heavenward. I loved every minute and have already agreed to work with her when the second book in her series launches in Spring. This is something I’d love to do more of in 2019 and am excited to see where it takes me!

Spend more time as a family

Sometimes life gets busy and family time somehow seems to slip to the bottom of the pile, so this year I’d like to carve out some dedicated family time. No technology, no excuses, just the five of us doing something fun together and enjoying each other’s company.

Attend a blogger event

This is a big one and if I’m honest one which at present I can’t envisage happening thanks to my old friend anxiety. However, I’m adding it to my list as I would really love to try and push my limits even further this year and this is definitely out of my comfort zone.

Last year is finished and a new one just begun; I’m hoping this one will be as good to me as the last and I’m excited to hop aboard the 2019 roller-coaster to see where it takes me.

Happy New Year to you all & good luck achieving all your goals in 2019!