Well, here we are. The end of another glorious year.
Seriously, it’s been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster hasn’t it? I mean, from a global perspective, 2016 has been a bit of a train wreck. Sure, there have probably been some good points but they’ve been overshadowed by the really bad.
On a personal level though, 2016 has actually been pretty good. I mean sure, we had a rocky start but now everything seems positive and stable and not like it’s about to go down the toilet. I couldn’t be further away from where I was when I wrote my 2015 review.
Speaking of which, can I just take a moment to be a total cliche and and say – how quickly has this year gone? It seems like only 5 minutes ago that I was sat at my Mum’s house writing about the end of 2015 and looking forward to 2016. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t have predicted half of the things that have happened.
Looking forward to 2017, it’s very hard to know how to feel. There’s so much uncertainty in the world at the moment that it’s hard not to worry, but at the same time my personal life is looking nice and steady so I’m positive we’ll look after each other no matter what happens.
I’ve stopped setting resolutions in the past few years as I never, EVER stick to them. So instead of writing a list of goals and tasks I’m just going to try and have a different outlook on life. These are my key areas of development:
1. Keep blogging
I feel like I’ve really made some progress with the blog this year, which I’ll be going in to more detail in tomorrow’s post. I hope to keep up this momentum and continue to grow the blog. I get so much pleasure for finishing a post I love and sending it out into the world that I don’t ever plan to stop. Let’s see where next year takes us.
2. Take More Time
If I had to summarise 2016 in one word it would be: fast. I have felt like I was constantly chasing my tale and I didn’t really feel organised or prepared or in control. It was very much a case of deal with whatever hits you first and leave the rest until later. I’d really like to slow down a bit in 2017 so I can make the most of my time. I’m tired to saying “I”m too busy for this” or “There’s no time for that”. It’s time to get back on top of things so I can really enjoy each day.
3. Be realistic
Following on from the previous point, I need to remember I’m only human and can’t do everything. I need to be honest with myself (and other people) and try not to take too much one. I always forget to schedule in free time and end up filling every spare moment with an event, chore or outing. Time to learn to say no and make sure I save some time to just be.
4. Clear out
Anyone who knows me will know I’m a complete shopaholic and a boarder-line hoarder, which is a TERRIBLE combination. I can’t stop buying things and I can’t get rid of anything so we’re currently drowning in stuff. My one resolution, if I was making them, is that for the next 6 months at least, I will buy as little as possible and throw out as much as possible. Hopefully then I’ll be able to focus on what I have, what I really need and what I can live without.
5. Be happy
Overall, I want to try and be happy in 2017. I know there are a lot of terrible things going on in the world, but ultimately I have very little control over any of them. I think I really have a duty to appreciate that my life is pretty darn good at the moment and enjoy it while I can. If 2016 has taught us anything it’s that you really never know how long you’re going to get, so you need to make the most of every day that you have.
I hope that you have a lovely New Year’s Eve, wherever you are and however you choose to celebrate. I have my fingers crossed for us all that 2017 will be kind and full of hope. Whatever happens, I’m ready for it!
Happy New Year Everyone!
Love this!