I always feel optimistic at the start of a new year – gazing into the future, contemplating the twelve months ahead, quietly excited about the possibilities it brings for moving forward. I’ve never been one for resolutions but each year, as I’ve opened a new diary, I’ve felt compelled to write down some goals and plans, eager to ensure that I packed in as much as possible in the year ahead , ticking things off the list, seizing the day, moving onwards and upwards.
This year, naturally, I have some things I’d like to focus on…
a shed in the garden, better photos, personal fitness, my family history, mindfulness and simplicity
Management theory tells me my goals should be SMART – specific, measurable, action based, realistic and time bound. But here’s the thing, I don’t want targets or timelines. I have enough of that already in the workplace. I don’t really need it in my personal space as well. Yes, I want to move forward, but this year, I don’t want to plan too much either. I’d like to have more of an open mind, leave myself open to more possibilities, not set too many expectations or place pressures on myself and see what pops up along the way.
Maybe adventure will find me, maybe it won’t. I might read 100 books, I might just read 1. I might travel abroad, or I might stay at home. Who knows ? After all, January is named after Janus, the Roman god of doorways, journeys and beginnings. This year, I just want to open the door and see where the journey takes me.
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Little things I am enjoying this month…
I’m currently reading ‘How to Make Space – an inspired guide to a clearer mind and home’. This is a lovely little book, full of ideas on how to create more space in your home, time, mind and body. It’s beautifully illustrated and shows us how people from different cultures have sought to create space down through the ages. You can find the book here
I’m also enjoying this lovely Neom body oil.
Finally, I’m learning to embrace winter…the beautiful low light, the bareness of it all, the greens, browns and grey blue, the textures, the mood and the melancholy…
Happy New Year everyone. I hope you enjoy this post and have a lovely Sunday x
Lovely post and enjoyed reading your intentions for 2019. I always like to set a few goals but try to keep things open for spontaneity and the unexpected too. 😊
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Ah.. thank you. Sometimes it’s easy , for me at least, to get lost in the goals so this year there’s no real plan…apart from the shed !!!
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I feel the same. Opening the door and seeing where it leads feels like the best way to approach 2019. Happy Sunday!
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Happy Sunday to you too 🙂
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That book sounds interesting. I don’t have as much clutter as I used too, but it does creep up sometimes. It’s good to keep things simple. X
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It’s a lovely read. Agree – simple is best 🙂
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Beautiful post. Enjoy the journey!
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Oh..that’s very kind of you. Thank you 🙂
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Wishing you a good year’s journey 🙂
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Thank you. And you too 🙂
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This is such a beautiful and inspiring post! The pictures of winter move me. Thank you for sharing the book you are currently reading, Im going to find it. Wishing you a beautiful 2019!
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I’m actually enjoying the winter pics too . It’s rather lovely when you get a chance to look at it properly 🙂
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Great post for the new year! Got the wheels turning in my head a little bit…love the idea of new doorways opening and more space!!
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Ah..thank you. Yes I think more space is a good thing x
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Lovely post Paula 🙂
All the best for 2019.
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Ah thank you. And you too. Hope you are feeling a bit better 🙂
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