New Year, New Umbrella?

You’re about to endure some indulgent, sentimental, and motivational reflections with the odd inspirational quote thrown in, which can only mean one thing…it’s New Year!

2015 was a tough, punishing marathon of a year, in which bad things happened in threes, fours and fives. The time between January 1^st 2015 and January 1^st 2016 kind of felt like walking into a dark tunnel completely by mistake, getting lost, but just kind of carrying on walking until I got out the other side. It wasn’t without a few crying selfies. But here I am, still standing (curled up in the foetal position).

Here are a few goals for 2016 and the years ahead because I’m feelin’ good about this year folks…

I’m going to take time to take care of myself. Last year I kind of forgot the basics of looking after yourself and often had to remind myself why it’s a priority; it allows you to do everything you actually want to do. You couldn't pursue goals, look out for others, or feel confident and worthy without brushing your teeth and eating a balanced diet.

 “Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities…because it is the quality which guarantees all others” – Winston Churchill

It’s so important to challenge yourself, but sometimes it’s easy to forget how big the rewards are; even if things don’t work out, you deserve a hug from yourself for trying. I’ve already started making a conscious effort to say ‘yes’ more, but I think putting the pledge in writing will give me the extra nudge I need to really commit. I’m not even joking when I say another of my resolutions is to learn to say ‘no’. As bizarre as it sounds I feel like I say no to fun and say yes to things I neither want or am obliged to do. This needs to change, obvs; I am worthy, world.

If there’s one thing my life is missing, it’s a hobby. This year I am committed to finding my true calling; whether it’s knitting, Zumba or pottery, I am open to whatever it may be. While I’ve always written, it’s never been regular. I love those people who manage to write a book alongside their day job; on packed trains, in between meetings, after the kids are asleep/ before they awake. If nurses, and neuroscientists have time to write, I sure as hell don’t have an excuse.

Thanks for letting me indulge in some soul searching. Who doesn’t love a bit of self-motivation?