2017 – Come What May

January 4, 2017

At the start of each year I usually write a post, reflecting on the previous twelve months and looking forward to what is ahead. It’s quite a nice way to start the year and one of my favourite things to write. I don’t make resolutions, it doesn’t seem like many people do anymore – we all want to have a better year than the last one don’t we? The last few years I’ve set myself something I’ve wanted to focus on for the year, last year it was to keep it simple. I think we did okay on that front – each year we are becoming more focused on experiences rather than material objects, on being grateful for the little things rather than lusting after things we don’t have.

For 2017, I’m honestly not too sure what to focus on – it was a funny old year with things in the world throwing a huge anxiety over me at times, so much so that I’d shed tears over events in the wider world. However, I’ve found this year I have huge waves of appreciation for the people in my life. It’s nice to have people around you when you’re on top of the world but even better to have the people you can turn to and admit that you’re having a crap day.

It will be another year of change as the twins start nursery in September. Even though it feels like a bit of a deadline, and I want to cram as much as I can into the next eight months, I actually don’t feel too nervous about them starting nursery, not yet anyway. Maybe because they’ll be much older than Lucas was when he began – maybe because they are already so ready for it and most of the time they run rings round me! Maybe it’s just having done it all before I know that everything will be fine. I must admit I’m more than a little excited about a couple of hours of quiet. I’m not sure of the last time that I was ever alone in the house for longer than an hour, will be very odd and equally blissful.

Another big change this year is my lovely Mum is moving abroad which will definitely be a shock to the system, especially after having her so close to us for the last couple of years. As much as I’m going to miss her I’m just mostly incredibly proud of her, for taking the chance and starting a grand adventure. She always reminds me that I can do anything, at any point in life and no matter what happens to you you can choose to smile, be happy and live your dreams. She’s even thinking of starting a blog so watch this space on that one!

My space of the internet has changed so much over the last year and I don’t really know where it will go in 2017. When I started it, Lucas was one and I honestly had no idea what I would ever want to say beyond parenting and family. I really never imagined that I would write about much else but those babies of mine have grown up. Somewhere over the last twelve months I started to realise that I am so much more than a mother and I’d been keeping those parts of myself quiet. I’m trying to be a more outspoken about the things that are just for me. I’ve tried to make the blog reflect more of the true me and the things I love as a thirty something woman – not just as Hayley, mum of three. Sometimes it’s a little scary to step out from behind your children but I do want to do more of that.

When the boys were so young things were changing so constantly we didn’t even have chance to stop and reflect and now life isn’t quite as hectic, things change slowly over time and we are settling into the family we’ll be for many years yet. Me and my husband both say that, despite the usual grown up stresses, we are happier now than we ever have been, as parents and as partners. We went out to a local country park on New Years Day and it was beautiful. Even though we were still a little delicate from the night before and every now and then Lucas would comment that it was boring (teenager in the making) it felt good to be out and about, good to be together. This year I’m just going to take each day as it comes, to do more of what makes me happy and to make the most of this crazy family of mine. Happy New Year!

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10 Comments

  • Vicki

    Happy New Year – I can’t believe we are in 2017. Its utterly crazy how fast the years are passing. I don’t make any resolutions either. I think January is a hard month as it is without trying to stick to goals that are mostly out of reach. I love that your blog is evolving and a little more of the incredible lady I know is coming through. xxx

    January 5, 2017 at 10:15 am Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Thanks so much Vicki, I’ve felt much happier with my blog over the last few months so hoping I can keep that going. Happy New Year, lets hope for a better 2017!! xxx

      January 6, 2017 at 1:35 pm Reply
  • mummyofboygirltwins

    Happy new year Hayley. I too have just written a post about reflections on my 2017 – it feels like so much change. It must be hard with your Mum moving away but hopefully it is for the best. Here’s to the new year! xx

    January 5, 2017 at 9:18 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Thanks Jess and Happy new Year, I think my Mum will be fine, we’ll miss her but I would hate for that to hold her back from what she wants to do! Lets hope 2017 is a fun one xx

      January 6, 2017 at 1:37 pm Reply
  • Notmyyearoff

    Happy new year to you all Hayley. I love this post. I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting recently about myself too. I realised I wasn’t even taking any photos with just me in them. They always have one child or other and it’s rare I’m on my own. Taking each day as it comes sounds perfect. Well done to your mum for taking that big step. I know from when my best friend went, it’s scary at first but you become so much closer and you’ll be on whatsapp all the time, even more than before. Plus it’s a great excuse to visit!

    January 5, 2017 at 9:49 pm Reply
    • hayleyfromhome

      Exactly, I can’t wait to go and stay with her. It doesn’t seem to bad at the moment but I know once she’s gone ti will be strange. But I know we’ll be in touch just as much, espeically with facetime etc, like you’ve said we’ll probably make more of an effort. Yes to more photos with just you, I’m going to try and do the same this year!

      January 6, 2017 at 1:39 pm Reply
  • Topfivemum

    What lovely thoughts on your family. We’re still in the thick of it at the moment with a 26m and an 8m old and it is soooo hectic at times. But I also know it will calm down soon and I’ll look back at this time and wonder how it flew by so quickly. You’ve reminded me to slow down and appreciate the little things. I’m so with you on creating experiences and memories. Good luck with finding your new focus once the boys are in nursery. What an exciting thought to have a bit of time to focus on what makes you happy. Ironic that you probably never had enough time to blog when they were small and now they are growing, you have more time. Such is life eh?!

    January 6, 2017 at 11:45 pm Reply
  • Tracey Williams

    I loved reading this post Hayley and happy new year to you and your gorgeous boys. I really admire your mum for moving abroad, and I am sure you will miss her terribly, and thank goodness for face time and social media. And if she starts a blog I am sure she will be just as fantastic at writing as her daughter. Here is to 2017 xx

    January 8, 2017 at 10:25 pm Reply
  • Esther @ Inside Out & About

    This was such a gorgeous read. I loved it when you said you are happier than ever. Isn’t that the best? and to have three young boys to share it with. September will come in no time, and it will be nice to have some proper down time. I think it is great that you will be stepping out from behind your children. I’m really excited to hear more, and a really Happy New Year to you all xx
    p.s. I loved reading about your mum too. What a woman, just going for something. I hope you don’t miss her too much.

    January 15, 2017 at 9:42 pm Reply
  • Caro | The Twinkle Diaries

    Aaah happy new year lovely girl!! I feel the same as you — so many things are happening in the wider world that really put our own little lives in perspective and make us realise how easy we have things. Sorry to hear that your mum is moving away — although these days, with Facetime/Skype etc I’m sure it will be much easier xx

    January 23, 2017 at 5:03 pm Reply
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