A year ago, I decided that 2016 was going to be the year I had fun and really made something of my life. 365 days later and I'm probably worse off that I was back then! My health has taken a turn south, I've struggled to know who my real friends are, people I care about have been taken from this world by cancer, my career hasn't taken off and I didn't get swept off my feet by Mr Right.
I learned a lot from all of that in 2016, and I certainly won't let myself say I failed again this time next year.
So 2017, here's how I'm going to make you mine.
No more giving a shit.
I spent far too much effort and emotion on people in my life who haven't deserved it. I've come to realise that those I thought were real friends, are nothing but acquaintances. People I didn't think I was particularly close to who have learned more about my life, have genuinely cared and offered a branch of support. The first step to a better, happier year is to stop giving a shit and getting upset. My happiness comes from me. My effort will be spent on the people that show they are genuine.
More exercise.
When I say more, I should probably be honest that I didn't really do any exercise in 2016. Apart from the occasional squat or sit up to pretend like I made an effort. I don't like my body currently, and that's ok. I can't, however, blame anything other than my lack of exercise and poor diet. Yes I'm getting older, yes my metabolism is slower, yes I had a child (nearly four years ago!) - those are excuses that are masking the fact that I need to adapt to those changes and get my arse off the sofa. My health will significantly improve, my body will look better than ever, and I will feel happier.
Get behind the camera.
I love photography, and I've got people that actually want to shoot with me. Money troubles are getting in the way of finding locations but that doesn't mean I can give up. Time to just make it happen!
New Job, New House.
I love my job and I'm good at it, but I'm bored and can no longer afford to live in London. I've been comfortable in it for over four years now, it's time to make the next move in my career. Along with changing my job I've also been looking for new house over the past year with not much luck. Within three months I want to be in a new house with a new job on the horizon.
Love myself.
The biggest and probably hardest resolution. I need to learn to love myself. I've spent all my life being told I'm not good enough; I'm too ginger, too flirty, not flirty enough, too gothic, too emotional, ice queen, too thin, too fat, too loud, too quiet....the list goes on. I'm 28 currently and I've spent my life listening to what other people say, reading into every little expression or action. Focusing on all of that has meant that I don't know who I am anymore. I don't know what makes me happy, who I want to spend my time with, how to make someone else happy. Before I can love someone else, I need to love myself. That means no more listening to other people. It means realising how I feel sexy, how I want to project myself to the world, what I want to spend my time on.
What are your resolutions?
@missy @rambo