'New year, new me' posts get slated on New Years Eve every year and then the following week is filled with people posting them. Why do I want a new me? I've worked pretty hard on this version of myself and she's doing all right for herself - isn't she?
Yes Natalie, you're doing fine - but lets try and build on what's already there. I feel like the aspirations I hold for myself in 2015 can do for me what accessories do to an outfit, highlighter does to make up, and gorgeous end papers can do to a book - make it extra special and stand out.
So my 10 aspirations to make 2015 extra special and stand out are as follows:
- Read one book a week for a year
In 2014, especially towards the end of the year, I was stuck in a terrible reading rut. Anything I tried to read or re-read just lay unfinished with a bookmark a third of the way through. I think it may have been due to my reading experience on holiday this year. I took a fair few books with me that had been massively hyped up and I didn't really think they lived up to the expectations. This left me feeling like my judgement was all wrong and that I'd been replaced by some body-snatching alien or something of the sort.
One day, I hope to be a successful writer. Until that point, I intend to write as much as I can, whenever I can. I do struggle sometimes though, as I have to have the right working environment. At the moment, I'm really into poetry writing as I find it so open and expressive.
This year, I intend to focus a lot more on myself. By that, I mean being a bit selfish and doing more of what makes me happy and not just trying to please other people. It also means prioritising my needs in regards to health and well-being.
In November, I decided to try being a pescetarian and eating no meat besides fish. This decision was party influenced by a documentary I watched on Netflix about the American food industry, and it focused quite heavily on the meat industry. I found it quite easy as I don't usually eat too much meat anyway, and I found that I wasn't really eating fish and didn't really want to eat it. This lead to me becoming full veggie on New Years Day. (The only thing I'm missing is Skittles)
Expanding on the previous aspiration, I'm trying to eat a more balanced diet and I'm aiming to eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day and cutting out junk food. Sorry pizza, I can't do this any more - you're smothering me.
In the past year I've come to realise I've become the annoying person that's never fully listening because I'm always on my phone. I don't want that to be my 'thing', so when I'm spending time with my loved ones I'm going to make more of an effort to leave my phone in my bag or in my room rather than in my pocket - so I'm not tempted. This means I really get to enjoy my quality time with people.
I don't care when, where, or how, but I want to see the world, and not just through a screen. It could be a holiday, taking the scenic route somewhere, or even just a walk through my local park.
When I was in Secondary School, I was quite sociable, That was, until I started Sixth Form. I hated Sixth Form so much - which is why I left after my first year - and I became a serious recluse. I became so comfortable either spending time alone or with my boyfriend, Matt, that I just stopped doing things. That was over 2 years ago, and I'm still a bit reclusive so I'm trying my hardest to say yes when people try and make plans - even if I'd rather be at home in my PJs reading a book.
What can I say? Most people have this on their to-do list, but as I'm hoping to go to Uni in September I'll have to start saving some serious dosh and get extra thrifty.
This doesn't really need an explanation now, does it?
A bit late on these posts but have you got any resolutions?
I'd love to hear them!
