Hello 2018

For me personally, I feel like in leaving 2017 behind, I am in a good place. I've been able to do so much more, again, on my blog and for anyone who stops by the read what I have to write, a big THANK YOU goes out to you. I never will be the biggest blogger, nor do I aim to be - I am to just be me, doing what I want, what I know and what I like. And that really is how I feel about so many things now; I feel more secure in my role as a mama, although every stage has it's new challenges, I am happy in my own skin and overall, I am happy being me without feeling the need to compare myself, my achievements or my life with others. At least, not so much.

In fact, I'd say that's what I have done for the past 12 months. I've tried to relax more, accept where I am and how things are, push where needed to gain more but not give myself too much to do or set myself unattainable goals. I feel like I am in the best place I have been in how I feel, how our family is, with work, with this blog and just in my general attitude. 

It hasn't been easy but I guess with each passing birthday, I have become more aware of who I am, and who I want to be, and what I want from life. I've always been driven and I do seem to find a way to make things happen, but this past year has been less stressful and I've been able to appreciate the moment more rather than always looking ahead to the future. When looking back at my hopes for 2017 post, this is what I wanted to achieve and I feel really good in saying I worked hard to do so and enter into the new year with a positive frame of mind and the urge to continue on this path.

Not everyone is keen on the whole new year resolution thing and I agree that you shouldn't just wait for an excuse to make a change. However, there's something about the fresh start that makes me feel reflective but also excited to push on forward and think about what I want from life in the months ahead.

So, what do I want from 2018?

Do you know, I haven't got a long list of goals or big proclamations to make. I want to do more of the good stuff, less of the bad stuff, like most people. I want to say yes more and push myself, and no more too, when my plate is getting full. 

In 2018, I'd like to...

Get outside more.

Read more - without falling asleep after one page!

Take more baths, and leave the phone behind.

Practice yoga at home.

Meal plan as a habit, to try out all those recipes I keep collecting or tabbing in my books and to reduce waste and hassle too.

Hire a cleaner - I think it's the only way to get a handle on things when school and work routines kick in again!

Support Ethan in his learning; I feel like I need to know more about what he's learning and where he needs to be.

Visit Center Parcs again.

And if I can possibly swing it, visit the Aqua Sana Spa. The most heavenly spa I have ever been to.

Complete my MA to the best of my ability.

Continue to invest in this blog, five years since it began, and give my Instagram content a boost as it's the platform I enjoy the most.

Print more pictures (my Instax Mini 9 should help with that).

Plan in dates so there's always something to look forward to, and use planning as a way to actually enjoy the moment when it comes.

So, whereas my motto for previous years has been 'good for you, not for me', and I really feel like I have been able to shift my attitude to this way of thinking (thank you Amy Poeler for the inspo, that woman is a legend), I think the key word for this year will be 'balance'. Planning my time so I have time for everything, and learning to let go when needed or push on where possible.

What are your hopes for 2018? Do you like having a fresh slate to start with?