I decided long ago that New Year’s resolutions are not my thing. I used to make really specific ones and fail miserably, but these days I generally feel that as long as I’m going forwards, not backwards – then all is well. I’m aware that this year will probably be one of our busiest and one full of change. We’re going to have to be a little more organised, a little more patient and a little more imaginative at finding time for each other.
Balance in our day to day lives is something I think about a lot. Of course we have weeks (and weeks) that can be totally out of balance, but I feel that reining everything back in regularly is so important. Stripping back, simplifying and evaluating. And with that, I wanted to note down a few personal thoughts for this year, which conveniently fit into either ‘more or less’. Nothing huge or fancy, but things (I hope) that will make a difference to me.
MORE
- Read – I was so incredibly lucky and received a Kindle for Christmas from Jared’s parents. I’ve made a wish list that I am hoping to plough through during night feeds and other spare moments. I used to be a huge reader and it saddens me that I seem to have waved goodbye to it in recent years. I feel like there is hope for this one!
- Dance – don’t get the wrong idea and think that I can dance. I’m not talking about routines or classes, I’m talking about dancing that you want no one to see, and makes you feel completely free. I used to do it regularly before having kids around the house along to my iPod or a CD. Excellent for stress relief and highly embarrassing if anyone other than a family member, or close friend catches you.
- Create – making things makes me happy. This is something I would really like to explore this year – with and without the boys by my side. Whether it be new recipes, sewing, styling or crafting. Anything really.
- Seek – new places and experiences. The simpler the better.
LESS
- Late nights – Jared and I are not good at going to bed early. Since becoming pregnant I have been better, but I am still terrible.
- Waste – whether this be food, packaging or money. I hate waste and could do so much better.
- Thoughtless eating – when I’m in ‘Esther world’ and in my day to day routine my eating is brilliant. I think about nutrition, health and am good at thinking about what goes in my body, but this all goes amiss when I’m not organised or I’m out being social. In 2015, I really felt like I tried new foods and recipes, and I would even go as far as to say I have completely changed the way I think about cooking. I’ve learned a lot about food and experimented, but I would like to be more mindful in the way that I eat, especially when I’m out and about.
- Buy – our house is almost exactly how we would like it and we all have absolutely everything we need, plus so, so much more. At this moment in time it seems completely ridiculous to buy anything else in the whole world, other than food. I’m far better at buying quality over quantity in recent years, but I could definitely improve on this one.
Have you made some resolutions? What thoughts are you having about 2016?
E xx
I found the first picture on Jared’s phone from a few months ago and had no idea he’d taken it. I quite like it.
Buying too much is definitely a problem I have! I want to empty out our house this year. It’s beginning to feel like an episode of hoarders!! Xx
Brilliant!!! Decluttering feels amazing though doesn’t it? x
I’m with you on these. We desperately need earlier nights. And yes, i buy far too much. I have actually printed off a money saving thing this year so hopefully that helps! x
We try to drag our evenings out as long as possible, but nothing beats an early night. I get so annoyed at myself! Good luck with the money saving xx
I love this list Esther – simple and inspiring! Number 2 is something I definitely want to do more of. I have made some resolutions but I’ve tried to keep them all about making positive changes rather than giving things up. My hardest one is getting up earlier, but I managed it this morning 🙂
Well done for getting up earlier – I could definitely improve on that one too. It does make the day so much nicer, I feel. Positive changes is such a wonderful idea – I enjoyed reading them earlier today. Good luck xx
Lovely photo, it’s nice when you come across images you never knew existed. And that quote is one I have on my computer, I love it, just sums it up in a nutshell.
I really loved reading this, (currently sat waiting to pick H up and P is fast asleep!) this is one of the best things I’ve found with blogging is that somehow, without meeting someone you can really relate and feel so alike in your personalities and thoughts. I’ve been thinking all these things lately and especially the fact that we will soon be a family of six. The late nights I am awful for too and to start reading again! The main one is knowing that doing/ learning new things with the kids is fab but it’s also really healthy to do the things I love too (something I have forgotten the past five years) so I’m with you on that. Fab post.
I think all families, especially those with close age gaps will have days of imbalance, I feel like I’m losing at this a lot but when I think about it, we can only do our best and move on from that step by step. Each day is a learning curve I guess.
Shame we live far apart, would be ace to meet in person X
Thanks Nat – I loved reading your comment and I so agree with you. It’s amazing how we connect with people in some ways and others in new ways. It’s really wonderful. It would be lovely to meet – really lovely. I love learning new things with my kids, but doing something new for me is really important too. It really improves my happiness! I love that you are going to be a family of six. Beautiful! xx
I agree with you on so many of these, I think it is so much easier to have a few things you want to focus on for the year rather than resolutions or rules. I so need to get better an early nights too, I get a second wind once the kids go to bed then I’m shattered in the morning! I’m trying to set myself a goal of being in bed by 9pm one night a week and reading, no phone 🙂 I’m trying to be more mindful about about waste and spending habits, all of these I was nodding along with. 2016 will be such a different year for you and I think these are perfect way to try and keep the balance right, lovely post Esther xx
Oh 9pm once a week! That sounds wonderful. Such a good idea. I never feel really chirpy in the morning, but if only I would go to bed early. I get so eager to squidge a million things in. Thank you so much Hayley and happy 2016! xx
I like the less and more idea, its so simple and easy to measure! Lets do more valentines Baking and mental kitchen dancing 😉 x
I agree! It makes me far less accountable! x