Happy New Year bloggers and welcome to 2021! I think it goes without saying that we are all hoping for a better year after a difficult 2020. New Year always bring me great optimism for what the year might hold and this year is no different. I often make a list of resolutions or tasks for the year and I usually never document these for fear that when I look back half way through the year, I can see a list of tasks that I gave up on or forgot about!
This year however I'm feeling a slightly different attitude to New Year's resolutions and I do have a few things that I want to achieve and persist with throughout the year. I'm also trying to think about things that I know are realistic for me to achieve or maintain so that I'm more likely to keep it up and stay on track. I thought I would actually share these resolutions with you this year to maybe spark some inspiration for yourself and to document for me to look back on in a few months time.
So in no particular order, these are my 10 resolutions for 2021...
1. Start selling on Etsy
So the first task or hope for 2021 is to start selling on Etsy. Me and mum have talked about this for a long time (years and years.....and years!) but we finally want to make this happen. With the restrictions of Covid-19 last year, it was difficult for us to sell our makes at Christmas fairs and it became much clearer that we needed an online outlet, and an opportunity to reach more people. The items we sell may also include project kits as well as stationery items such as cards and invitations. The sky is the limit and we think we are finally ready to jump on board the online selling train. Of course there are other platforms we could use but we feel like Etsy may be the perfect starting point.
2. Paint my nails once a week
It may seem like this resolution is a bit small in comparison to the first one we listed above, but it is actually something I want to do as a pick me up for me! I was inspired by my sister's love of nail art and it occurred to me that I wanted to do something for myself that will make me feel better and look pretty! As a crafter I very often don't bother with nail polish as it will literally last 5 minutes sometimes by the time I start painting and inking etc. However if I give myself the task of painting them once a week then it doesn't matter how long it lasts because I can just take it off and re-apply!
3. Write a daily diary
Now we are not necessarily talking Bridget Jones style here, but instead maybe just a few words about what I've done that day, how I'm feeling or a thought or two that has occurred to me that day (which will tie into my next resolution). I've already completed the first step... which is buying a diary, and now all I have to do is write in it. In past years I have purchased fancy Heidi Swapp journals or planners which I have had enthusiasm for when I want to document my life, e.g. going on holiday, birthdays, Christmas, reaching milestones etc. But if those events aren't happening, such as the mundane of going to work etc, then I often pushed the planners to one side and left weeks of pages empty. This time I've gone for a plain old diary with a full page for each day - let the writing commence!
4. Write down one positive thought every day
2020 may have taught us a lot of things, but for many of us, it will be to take care of our mental health. This can mean a lot of different things to many people and we all have our own ways of dealing with it to keep us going. For me, I want to embrace positivity and make myself see the world in a more positive light. We had to cope with a lot of negativity in 2020 and at times when I felt lonely, it was easy for me to begin thinking that way and get lost in a negative spiral. This year I want to try this exercise of writing down a positive thought each day to remind me of the good in the world and the good in me. I've tried a few positive thought books before and if I'm honest they haven't lasted and I have yet again brushed it to one side. However I want to incorporate it in my daily diary this year and in doing so it will hopefully mean I will at least fill each day of the diary with a positive thought if nothing else!
5. Go for 3 walks per week
This resolution also ties in with mental health and is an activity a lot of us have probably found ourselves doing lately. As idyllic as the picture above looks, I know that not everyone can access a beautiful nature walk easily and even if it's a walk around your neighbourhood, it is an activity that will stimulate your mind and body. I am lucky that I have a few nature walks local to me and I will often drive to a location if I know I will gain some beautiful scenery. I chose walking as an activity rather than just saying "I'm going to exercise more", mainly because I know I won't complete the exercise more resolution. I was one of those people who woke up and did PE with Joe in the first lockdown, and as much as I enjoyed it, it only lasted for the first couple of months before the enthusiasm started to dwindle. Walking is also an activity that doesn't have to be too strenuous and I know I will still be able to fit in three walks a week when I'm back at work.
6. Write 4 blog posts each month
Over the past 2 years, my joy of blogging has grown again and I really love to share items that we make, project kits we have designed and also things that have been happening in our lives. I know that our blog doesn't necessarily reach a lot of people, but the people that it does reach, often communicate with us about what we have written and how it may have inspired them or that they simply enjoyed reading it. For us it is also a way of documenting who we are and what we are doing. I have had thoughts of moving from a blog to vlog (video log) but I'm not sure I have the confidence just yet to get in front of the lens! So for now I want to try and keep the posts going and for 2021 I want to try and share with you at least 4 posts per month. So one down and three to go for January already! :)
7. Donate to one charity every month
If I'm honest, I thought twice about writing this resolution on the blog as I was worried how people might respond to this. I know lots of people that donate regularly to charities and often have long running direct debits with particular charities that are close to their heart. I'm not a person who donates regularly, nor am I someone who doesn't ever donate to charity. I have participated in quite a few charity events and made donations to different appeals as and when it suits me. However this year I want to engage more with charities, who we all know have had a difficult year in 2020, losing out on a lot of funding they may usually have gained from fund-raising events and of course money raised from charity shops. I am hoping to donate to 12 different charities in 2021 (one charity per month), with the same amount being donated to each charity.
8. Try one new recipe per month
When it comes to cooking dinners or baking cakes I am that person who opts for an easy life and sticks to the same old recipes and flavours. This year I want to introduce some new meals into my life and shake it up in the kitchen. Being realistic I have only given myself this task once per month as life often has a way of getting in the way of such tasks and I know I will end up sliding into old patterns if I over commit myself. The recipes can range from breakfast to dinner or even a sweet treat in-between so I can make it as easy or complicated as I like, it just needs to be different!
9. Spend More Think Less
So I'm not talking reckless spending and getting myself into debt. I also realise I have a mortgage and house to upkeep so I'm not thinking anything irresponsible. However those people that know me, know I am someone who consistently watches the pennies and would rather save then spend. I am still going to be hunting for the best bargain, but rather then let that bargain past me by, I am going to snap it up instead. This will also co-incide with my need to become more decisive, but I couldn't quite get myself to commit to that in my resolutions! Remember I am choosing resolutions that I know won't overwhelm me and that I can commit to!
10. Enjoy Life
2020 acted as a constant reminder that life is short and therefore we all need to make the most of the life we have and ENJOY it!! Understandably there are still restrictions in place regarding Covid and we can't just jump on a plane and enjoy life in the sunshine for an eternity. But take in those little moments that might usually pass you by and embrace what you do have! Dance in the rain, feel the wind on your face and laugh yourself silly whenever you can!
So that sums up my resolutions for 2021 and looking through the list I think I have a good variety of resolutions and hopes for the year ahead. I tried to choose things that will need to be kept up through the year, rather then just ticking things off the list. I'll see how I get on and keep you posted...
Happy New Year!
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