A new year comes with a lot of fears. Fears of what's to come, what I've left behind, who I'll encounter, what will become of me in the year ahead. It's not often that I do blog posts of the sort but I thought I'd like to start doing some more personal ones. You see, on my holiday I thought a lot about life and friendships and everything.
Tuesday's with Morrie will do that to ya (highly recommend this read, it was thought provoking and tear jerking). This year I've got a few things on my mind in the likes of bettering myself, my happiness, and the people surrounding me. These are my resolutions, I sincerely hope you enjoy reading about my plans for the new year.
01. Be honest and open. This is pertaining to a particular place in my life but it goes for everywhere. I'd like to be more open, more compassionate. I'd like to hear the story from the guy on the bus next to me... To talk with people, get to know different people, maintain deep relationships with current ones. This year is one for not holding back. Demi Lovato said something on her Twitter the other night that really struck a cord with me (it was at a time that I was thinking exactly what she was saying to her 11 million followers), she said, "Patience plus communication equals trust. When you learn how to communicate with others, there's almost no problem you can't solve. P.S. Only surround yourself with people who you CAN communicate with. Trust is a bond between TWO people that is found ONLY when they are able to listen/understand where the other person is coming from. That, to me, is the key to friendships/relationships." Such profound words on a social media website at 1.04 AM, but it was exactly what I needed to hear at the time. I want to remember this.
02. Read more, write more. On holiday, I read about six books in seven days and wrote over ten pages worth of thoughts, reflections, etc. I remembered how much I love to read and love to write. Sometimes I am so distracted by everything, twitter, television, YouTube, music, people, relationships, family, friends, that I forget that just sitting to read/write for a few minutes is relaxing and rejuvenating. The year ended on a less than great note, but when I began to read and write again, it felt like all of these toxins were released from me. It was wonderful to be able to relax in such a simple way. To be able to escape through a story is the ultimate goal, and to reflect on life is where I hope to end more days at. I bought a journal while in Mexico, though I'm not in love with it, I'm going to try to write in it every day for 365 days. It's hard, but even a little snippet of wisdom can be good to reflect on.
03. Weed out the toxic people. Take breaks. Sometimes it is needed. This was all pertaining to a particular area in my life but it goes for many areas. I need to remember that I deserve happiness, and more often than not, happiness comes from being surrounded by people who care about me. Flush out the bad guys, let in the light and warmth and love that comes from good people. Remember also that sometimes a little break is exactly what is needed for a friendship to be recognized as missed. After too long, things can get boring, dull, but with a bit of revamping, communication and trust can be built again.
04. Take risks in everything. Don't play anything too safe. Be adventurous, be spontaneous. While I flipped through the December issue of NYLON magazine, I realized how much I adored that magazine. Unique, fresh and full of innovative ideas for fashion, I was inspired to spunk up my wardrobe, and take more risks. Who cares if people are judgmental?! You won't be remembered for wearing a boring outfit. Wear heels, lots of patterns, a bow in your hair, red lips, false lashes. Mix things up every once in a while. You don't need a whole new wardrobe, just a new outlook on it. As for life, start saying 'Yes'. What a classic resolution that is but I mean it. Saying yes to opportunities with create far better memories than sitting at home. Be unique, be inspiring. Make people say, "I'd love to life live like her!" because you are living yours so fully. Be completely different from everyone else and do not be afraid to takes risks.
05. Let go of grudges. With a new year comes a breath of fresh air, a sudden realization of what needs to be fixed in your life. Here is the point: let go of the stupid grudge you've been holding. Make amends, realize that no one is perfect. Forgive and forget, they say. Make an effort to be more kind to people. There is nothing like the feeling of letting go of a grudge you held onto for too long. It's a new year. Breathe and let go.
06. Become a better sleeper. A little less serious than the ones above, I'd really love to become a better sleeper. For example, last night I stayed up until 3 AM and woke up at 8... I'm walking around like a zombie. That's no way to live. From now on, I'd like to try my best to be a better sleeper. Turn off phone, laptop, etc. Keep them out of the bedroom, even! Place a book by your bedside and for fifteen minutes before bed, read it. Get an alarm clock if you need to. You don't need to hold onto your phone all the time. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night, even on weeknights.
That's all for now, folks. After that long winded speech, I'm off to slurp some coffee down and read my new book. And hey, if you have any recommendations for books, feel free to leave them down below!
Much love to you all xx
