I guess that the New Year’s posts are a little cliched now but, as always, there is a reason why they are so popular. I’ve seen so many people saying how they don’t make resolutions anymore, I know I haven’t made any for years, and I think instead reflecting on the previous year and thinking how you want to do forward into the next is a nicer way to start January.
Each year I’ve done a little post like this and last year it was Come What May, there were a lot of big changes happening and I knew it was my last year with the twins at home full time. I wanted a year to enjoy and relax, to make the most of the little things before everything changed in September. We had so many lovely adventures including a lovely day out at Ambleside, walks through bluebells, beach days and of course our first big holiday in France to visit my mum. I slowed down, I read A LOT and I spent time with my family.
As much as I enjoyed last year I don’t think I massively pushed myself personally, my blogging slowed right down while the day to day life took over. That’s why 2018 is about being brave. Each year I do a word for the year, there is a lovely little email course I follow to find mine on Susannah Conway. The last few years it has been passive words, something that means I’m slowing down and appreciating all around me. I think this year is the time for me to go for something more outgoing. I still haven’t quite narrowed it down but it’s definitely going to be something that inspires me to do new things. I want to move outside of my comfort zone and see what I’m capable of.
I feel like after so many years of being a stay at home mum it’s too easy to let anxieties and lack of confidence take over. I struggle so much with this; it doesn’t come naturally at all to me to put myself out there and just believe in myself. I find it hard to say yes to things but I’m trying my hardest to do more each year. One of my good friends set up a little discussion club at the end of last year for other mums to talk to each other and it truly made me realise how important it is to share your fears and your hopes with others. It helped me to believe in myself a little more and I just loved how it was women building up other women. I have taken so much from those little chats each week. I always came away feeling invigorated just from taking the time to talk and listen to these other wonderful women. It sounds so cheesy to say they were inspiring but it’s absolutely true.
Now I’m facing a year when I need to ‘figure out’ what I’m going to do after being at home for nearly six years. I love being a mother and having my boys but there is so much more to me that I’m ready to explore. Getting that little bit of time back to myself at the end of last year has made me reflect more on that. I have dreams that I’m starting to feel ready to take out of the little hiding place in mind and think about more seriously. I’m setting a few goals which I have never done before and even if they fail I’ll have learnt something in the process. This year feels more like starting afresh then it has for a long time and I want to make the best of that feeling.
Wishing you all the best for the New Year whatever you wish to achieve!
6 Comments
Happy New Year! 2018 sounds like it’s going to be a fun adventure for you. After being a stay at home mum to your three boys you definitely deserve to get a bit of you back. Be brave! Xx
January 15, 2018 at 9:12 pmOh good luck Hayley I look forward to seeing what the year holds for you. I am in no doubt you will be brave
January 16, 2018 at 4:21 amSounds good to me Hayley! We can all forget who we are while we bury ourselves in being a parent, sibling, child, friend. But you’re right there is a lot of unknown potential in us, we just have to give it a whirl as my Nana used to say! Whats the worst that could happen? Xx
January 16, 2018 at 9:18 amLovely post Hayley and love the new picture. Sounds like you have lots of ideas for the future -look forward to hearing more about them – exciting times ahead! xx
January 16, 2018 at 1:56 pmIt sounds like the new year is getting off to some great footing for you, Hayley and I love the approach you’re taking for the year – it sounds like there may be some great things coming your way. I definitely understand about figuring out you and your aims after being a stay at home mum for a number of years – Alexander starts full time school in September and so I’m very much there myself in many ways.
The best of years to you & your family.
January 19, 2018 at 4:50 pmALL the best Hayley and I am sure you’ll be amazing in whatever you do. I have always loved following your blog and am excited for what you plan to do in the coming years 🙂 Good luck xx
January 30, 2018 at 7:03 pm