New Years resolutions have always been something I would look forward to. A new year, a new start, a new me. I loved the excitement that I could possibly be a better person. But, it never lasted however great my intentions were. So the past few years I chose a bucket list instead (like this one in 2019). Even ended up in a magazine talking about it (). Turns out this didn’t work so well either. For 2022 I tried a mix of the two…

Boundaries

No social media

Read

Go outdoors

Welsh

Swedish

Mindfulness

Write letters

Finish quilt

Make a dress

I’ve managed to keep some boundaries in place, but still find it really hard to stick up for myself

Ha, I went a few months without social media and it was so good for me, but now I’m stuck on instagram again

I’ve read 60 books so far this year, pretty happy with that.

Well….. I’ve been on like 4 walks so I’d say this one’s a big no.

I’ve started speaking Welsh a lot more at home and on social media

Still haven’t done a proper course but my vocabulary is definitely growing and I can actually attempt to converse now!

My mindfulness practice is disappointingly irregular, I’ve definitely let my thoughts run wild… I did do an 8 week course but life quickly took over again

I don’t even remember writing any… I had such good intentions and time just disappeared.

I think I added 2 rows, and then completely abandoned it again… I’ll finish it one day!

Well, I bought the material, does that count?

I’m not even sure what to do this year, is there even a point? I guess it’s good to have goals, ambitions, dreams, but what about the feelings of failure that come when you don’t manage them?

I’m thinking perhaps some general intentions, with no specific ‘requirements’ or measurements of completion might work? For example…

I intend to be kind to myself and develop my self compassion.

I intend to spend time in nature.

I intend to look after my health and seek help when needed.

I intend to enjoy time with friends.

I intend to be there for others and carry on my work to erase stigma surrounding mental illness and disability.

I intend to balance my moral consciousness and need to fight injustice with the need to look after my mental health.

I intend to feel able and safe to be my authentic self.

Let’s see how it goes. I wish you a great 2023.

Love Louise.