Reflecting on 2016 and looking ahead to what this year has in store. I’m not necessarily making specific resolutions, instead setting some goals to aim towards.
Be Happy
On surface value, this might seem like the cliché goal to have but I think it’s something we can each work on. Last year brought up some challenges and whilst I feel the majority of these are well on their way to being settled in some way, there are still some issues that I need to face. Like I said in my year in review post, you have to take the first step to make changes, whether they’re big changes like moving house, a new job, or little things like cutting out a cup of coffee on the way to work and saving £££ by the end of the year. For me, I want to be happier and take away unnecessary stress. We all put too much pressure on ourselves to look and/or act a certain way and it’s not healthy so I want to really work on that and be happier and more positive.
Travel
Living in the UK, we really do have the rest of Europe on our doorstep. So why then, haven’t I been snowboarding in the alps, or witnessed the midnight sun in Norway? We can always say ‘oh we’ll go next year’ and put off a trip because it’s too expensive; but this year I want to change that. I want to spend a weekend in Venice, pedal a bike around Amsterdam, take a road trip somewhere and see a little more of the world this year.
Learn to Swim
Something that you probably don’t know about me, considering I find it highly embarrassing – is that I can’t swim. Nope. Not at all. It’s something I need to do, for myself mostly, to have the confidence to go away on holiday and laze on that inflatable swan in the pool or have the option to go snorkeling or on a boat trip and make full use of the spa facilities rather than sitting poolside.
Spend More Time Outdoors
I guess this goes alongside travelling more, but I spend a lot of time indoors sat in front of a screen creating blog content, watching a film, scrolling through instagram…you get the idea, and I want to change this up. The fresh air and low winter sun at Derwentwater on New Year’s Day reminded me how lovely it is to take some time out and appreciate what is right in front of us. Whilst I’m not suggesting I set off to hike up a mountain, though I’m sure my boyfriend would be delighted to do so, swapping a (not so necessary) shopping trip for a walk, or visit to the beach might be the way to start. And yes Lewis, this means we’re going camping this year!
Keep Blogging
Yes, I might’ve nabbed this one from last year’s goals but I do want to continue blogging. Even if there are days I feel like throwing in the metaphorical towel because my photos aren’t going right (that blue hue in the winter – I’m talking about you) or I feel disappointed because someones copied content I put so much time into (I should be flattered, I know, but it’s hard) All that aside, I blog because I enjoy it, because it’s my place to write what I want and reflect. It just so happens that sometimes I get amazing opportunities to visit places and try new things and for that, I’m very grateful. Brand collabs aside, I blog for me and I’m excited for what 2017 will bring for content, design updates and success.
Have you set yourself any resolutions or are you giving yourself some goals to reflect on this time next year?
9 Comments
I can't swim either! I don't really mind too much but sometimes I feel bad for Simon when we're on holiday and he has to go in the pool on his own. It'll be a shame on Honeymoon as well as swimming with dolphins is out! For a brief moment I thought about learning to surprise him but I'm too terrified!
I feel like it's one of those things, once I learn I'll probably feel so much better. I've gone years avoiding swimming and trying to keep it a secret, as I do really want to be able to. Swimming with dolphins would be amazing but something I'm not really going to aspire to just yet. A couple lengths of a swimming pool and lazing on a lilo without worrying I'll fall off and sink – that'll be enough!
These are some great goals and they're definitely achievable! I particularly love the one about travelling – it's made me realise that I'd like to travel more this year. I haven't lived with my mum for 4 years now and I'm just starting to dip my feet in the world of graduate work, so I haven't been on holiday in what feels like forever! I definitely need to put a bit of money aside each month to save up for a nice European city break or something.
Olivia – The Northernist x
Thanks Olivia! You can do city breaks for quite cheap too if you find a decent deal and book in advance. I'm sure you'll get somewhere this year – let me know where you're fancying and if I've ever been, I'll try to offer some tips!
Great goals! Don't be embarrassed about not swimming, my OH only learned last year and he's so good now! I also really want to visit more European countries, there are so many on my list!
http://www.thedizzyingheights.co.uk
Thanks Divya, I feel a bit better just for admitting it! It seems to be one of those skills you're just expected to have.
Learning to swim is one of the best things you'll ever do, I promise – I've been swimming since I was 7 and actually really enjoy it still!
Lucy | Forever September
Thanks Lucy!
Such great goals for 2017. I agree with the happiness one, I too want to be more positive and not let little things get me down. Also when are we going to book up for Paris? I'm still game for a little bit of travelling if you are? AND if you need a pool pal I'm more than happy to come swimming with you? 🙂 Best of luck for 2017 Tasha – you bloody deserve all the success in the world <3
plainsarahjayne.com xxx