The mysterious thing about blogging is that time seems to have no meaning when you remember posts you've written - it feels like hardly any time has passed since my last wrote '4 simple goals' post but I'm sure when I go to check my archives it will probably have been at least two years... (edit - 4 years! whaa?!)
However a good idea is a good idea no matter when you do it and I'm glad to say that once again, I have 4 simple goals for the year ahead. Exciting huh!
(Photo from A Beautiful Mess way back in 2010! I love that its yarn, I wasn't doing crochet or knitting the first time I used this image... but now its relevant, how funny.)
1. Meditate and do yoga nearly everyday.
Every day seems crazy ambitious but nearly every day I like the idea of definitely. I've read a few things recently that have solidified this goal for me. One was an Instagram photo from my friend Che talking about intention and the other was a Lena Dunham quote (which I can't find now, typical) about exercise being for the mind and not the body. Last year I had a solid yoga routine before the wedding but it, along with some basic self care habits, went out of the window (I know, silly me) as the wedding became more and more of a focus. It was necessary at the time, I couldn't see anything else that could give but now my intentions are the health of my brain and I know now that it isn't something I can let be a compromise anymore. So I intend to practice yoga, meditate and ground myself so that my mind is prepared and able to cope with the year ahead.
2. Read at least one book a month.
It's kind of crazy to be making myself do this because I love reading, but its another thing I just haven't been making the time for in the past 12 months. I've started books but then lived up to my blog title and been easily distracted by other things and I'm starting to get frustrated with my lack of focus and dedication to things I start but don't finish.
Books I have on my pile to read include: Empathy by Roman Krznaric, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (which amazingly I haven't read, though I have read A New World), Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, 59 seconds by Richard Wiseman and The Monk who Sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma... if anyone has any recommendations for something similar, or something totally different, I'd love to hear them.
3. Take at least two film photos a day, every day.
I keep starting but not finishing 365 projects with my phone because I always get bored of the digital format. So this year I'm going to try it on film. I cant wait already. I shall be writing the photos down (either on my phone or in a little diary) so i remember which day was which and of course, sharing the photos here :)
4. Breathe... and relax
Last year was so hectic and stressful - but my goals above are all things I love - reading, yoga, taking photos - not things I hate or feel I must do for anyone else other than myself. I want to enjoy my year and the ways above are all things to help that - not hinder it. So if I miss a day - I'm going to try not to stress myself out about it and remind myself, that I'm earnest (2016 word, see what I did there?) and my intentions are good and come from a healthy place, not an unhealthy one. Relax and breathe!
Have you set any goals, intentions or even new years resolutions for the year ahead? Share them in the comments!