Happy 2015 and a very belated welcome-back-to-school, wonderful readers. Apologies for the unexpected hiatus over the summer holidays- I've been busy, away (Melbourne and Thailand, if you're interested), or generally just too lazy to write anything for the blog. Many of my hobbies have been neglected lately (*cough* novel...) so I'm hoping to leap back into creative mode very soon.
I find myself wishing I'd written a New Year's post, because since when do I miss opportunities to create new goals? So, I decided I'll give you guys a taster of my attitude towards 2015 (my final year of school).
I find myself wishing I'd written a New Year's post, because since when do I miss opportunities to create new goals? So, I decided I'll give you guys a taster of my attitude towards 2015 (my final year of school).
(Side note: the turtle represents me.)
First of all, it's been decided. I'm in Year 12 this year, and it's high time I had a good twelve-months of This Year Rocks. I'm done leaving it to luck and circumstance: this year, it's all about MAKING it happen. Last year was probably the most difficult year of my life, and I'm technically still in recovery from that. But this is the year I'm diving into with a willpower to make it great.
I like doing things in threes or sevens. Three is a good number, because it makes a list feel complete. Seven, likewise, gives a sense of fullness, but is also an alchemist's number and supposedly lucky. I don't necessarily believe in luck, but I like the idea that I can create my own good fortune (plus, I love fantasy and magic). So, without further ado, here are my resolutions:
1) Eat more fresh produce.
Towards the end of last year, I noticed my eating habits were beginning to include more processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, sugar and generally a lot of things-in-packets. I'm not constantly worrying about what I include in my diet, but in the knowledge that fresh food makes me feel more energetic and vibrant (as well as benefiting my skin and physical fitness) I am aiming to include more natural foods, which will gradually replace some of the processed foods.
First of all, it's been decided. I'm in Year 12 this year, and it's high time I had a good twelve-months of This Year Rocks. I'm done leaving it to luck and circumstance: this year, it's all about MAKING it happen. Last year was probably the most difficult year of my life, and I'm technically still in recovery from that. But this is the year I'm diving into with a willpower to make it great.
I like doing things in threes or sevens. Three is a good number, because it makes a list feel complete. Seven, likewise, gives a sense of fullness, but is also an alchemist's number and supposedly lucky. I don't necessarily believe in luck, but I like the idea that I can create my own good fortune (plus, I love fantasy and magic). So, without further ado, here are my resolutions:
1) Eat more fresh produce.
Towards the end of last year, I noticed my eating habits were beginning to include more processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, sugar and generally a lot of things-in-packets. I'm not constantly worrying about what I include in my diet, but in the knowledge that fresh food makes me feel more energetic and vibrant (as well as benefiting my skin and physical fitness) I am aiming to include more natural foods, which will gradually replace some of the processed foods.
2) Get some form of exercise every day
This one is extremely important to me, because it plays such a vital role in determining my mood. Over the last 9 months, I have spent some time exercising almost every day; however, the amount of time has decreased substantially over the holidays. My goal is to maintain my level of exercise, and if possible to increase it by 10-20 minutes over the next 9 months, to help sustain my physical fitness and boost my mood with those wonderful, beautiful, I-love-them-so-much endorphins!
This one is extremely important to me, because it plays such a vital role in determining my mood. Over the last 9 months, I have spent some time exercising almost every day; however, the amount of time has decreased substantially over the holidays. My goal is to maintain my level of exercise, and if possible to increase it by 10-20 minutes over the next 9 months, to help sustain my physical fitness and boost my mood with those wonderful, beautiful, I-love-them-so-much endorphins!
3) Be kinder to myself
Too often, I catch myself in critical tirades about my own inadequacy or insecurity. In modern society, it is a social norm to be highly self-critical. Sometimes this can lead to improvement in a person's character, but unfortunately it can also be very detrimental. I know this habit of mine constantly hinders my progress, and as such I've decided to be kinder towards myself. This will be one of the harder challenges for me, but since 2015 is my year, I am determined to give it my best, and I know I can succeed.
Too often, I catch myself in critical tirades about my own inadequacy or insecurity. In modern society, it is a social norm to be highly self-critical. Sometimes this can lead to improvement in a person's character, but unfortunately it can also be very detrimental. I know this habit of mine constantly hinders my progress, and as such I've decided to be kinder towards myself. This will be one of the harder challenges for me, but since 2015 is my year, I am determined to give it my best, and I know I can succeed.
4) Make small goals to fulfil
Despite my best intentions, I tend to make goals that are unrealistic (and sometimes unachievable within the given time period). Like many people, I'm great at making goals- just not so good at keeping them! Starting with this list, I'm resolving to create goals that are realistic and motivating.
Despite my best intentions, I tend to make goals that are unrealistic (and sometimes unachievable within the given time period). Like many people, I'm great at making goals- just not so good at keeping them! Starting with this list, I'm resolving to create goals that are realistic and motivating.
5) Have something to look forward to every week
Inevitably, if I have nothing to look forward to on the weekend, I become depressed. Things start to look monochrome, and nothing can get me excited. I feel flat, and the dull, stressful school work seems like it will never end. I've come to realise the true importance of "me time" and social events. The promise of a good weekend keeps me going even in my bad weeks. Sure, it seems obvious: but it needed mentioning.
Inevitably, if I have nothing to look forward to on the weekend, I become depressed. Things start to look monochrome, and nothing can get me excited. I feel flat, and the dull, stressful school work seems like it will never end. I've come to realise the true importance of "me time" and social events. The promise of a good weekend keeps me going even in my bad weeks. Sure, it seems obvious: but it needed mentioning.
6) Be mindful of the positive things and people in my life
No matter how many times I am grateful for the people I love, I will never appreciate them more than they deserve. I resolve to be mindful and appreciative of the privileges I enjoy every single day. That's all for that one :)
No matter how many times I am grateful for the people I love, I will never appreciate them more than they deserve. I resolve to be mindful and appreciative of the privileges I enjoy every single day. That's all for that one :)
7) Carpe diem
This year, I am going to take those opportunities and make them into freaking magic! I'm going to make this my year. Destination (happiness), determination (willpower), deliberation (my choice). Please somebody recognise that reference.
This year, I am going to take those opportunities and make them into freaking magic! I'm going to make this my year. Destination (happiness), determination (willpower), deliberation (my choice). Please somebody recognise that reference.
I hope you guys can all find inspiration or at least some entertainment in the list ;) as always, thank you very much for reading. This year, expect a wider variety of content, motivation, humour, and anything else I can manage to cram into my posts. Also expect fewer posts (sorry) because, well, Year 12.
Until next time
Love always,
Em xx
Until next time
Love always,
Em xx