So, it's a new year. Whooo... Gone is 2016, famed for being the annus horribilis for many people I know and for the world in general. On a personal level, there's been a few lows but equally as many highs too. I'm proud of running two half marathons, a hobby which is definitely following me into 2017, getting to know the new addition to our family, my nephew Oscar and being a bridesmaid for and watching my little sister marry the love of her life and childhood sweetheart.
You can make changes at any time of course, but there's something about the start of a new year, after the over indulgence and exuberance of Christmas and the general festive period, that makes it a good time to take stock of your life and realise what you want to achieve over the coming 12 months and beyond.
Rather than resolutions, I've set intentions for the year. It doesn't matter if I don't reach all of them, as long as I've made some progress and continue to work on them into the next years. After all, small progress is still progress right??
Anyway, here's my 2017 intentions...
1. Run a marathon and complete it, run a half under 2hrs and a 10km under 50mins.
I've already signed up to the Yorkshire Plus Net Marathon on the 08th October so I guess I've already committed to that one. I'll hopefully be able to succeed and achieve some half and 10km personal bests as part of my marathon training.
2. Start driving lessons and pass theory test
I've never been that bothered about driving or owning a car, with living in a city like London, you just don't need it. However, as I think about getting older and possibly relocating away from the city to be able to settle down and buy a house, you can't deny that being able to drive would open a lot more possibilities. I feel like this is one thing, I need to stop putting off and just stomach the time and costs and get on with it. Wish me luck, crossing a road terrifies me, never mind getting behind a wheel!!
3. Be more of a morning person
Every work day I press snooze on my alarm for as long as possible, then rush around using every single last second until I'm out of the door, rushing again to the tube station, getting stressed and frustrated at every time the tube stops unexpectedly, making it to my desk by the skin of my teeth. It sets the day off to a bad start. I want to be able to take my time a little bit more, make sure I look and feel calm and well put together when I arrive at my desk.
4. Learn to cook more dishes, plan meals better and food shop better to save money
I'm not a terrible cook but I fall back on the same tried and tested meals (sausage pasta) again and again. I want to learn a few more dishes and get better at cooking things from scratch with fresh ingredients. I need to get into my head that spending more on a supermarket shop will benefit me in the longer run and stop me spending more in Sainbury's local on top ups and in Pret when I haven't made breakfast at home.
5. Save more and chip away more at the credit card
Pretty self explanatory.
6. Read 52 books
I have this intention every year. One book a week. I fail almost every time by one or two books. This year I'm determined. I just need to select books that I can't put down and partake in a little less mindless internet scrolling. Currrently reading: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche
7. Look after my health a little bit better
Make sure I keep my regular appointments for eye tests, smear tests, dentist etc.... Get a better skin care routine and drink less alcohol!
I'm guilty of burying my head in the sand when it comes to the above but I need to realise I'm not getting any younger and looking after myself will help me both look and feel better.
8. If you want to do something, just do it, even if it's by yourself
Ten years ago, I left Hamburg after 6 months of working as a language assistant in a school. I haven't been back since. I was browsing the Easyjet January sale and found flights for £45 return. I just thought f*** it and booked them. I didn't wait to check if anyone else would be interested or before the politics of where to stay and what to do. I just wanted to go and be able to suit myself. It's gonna be a little bit strange eating by myself but hopefully I'll enjoy this and possibly take a few more solo trips this year.
Fingers crossed for me !
