I’ve never been one to think too far ahead. When someone asks me where I see myself in 5 years or 10 years my answer is usually quite predictable with no real specific goals except to be settled and happy. In some ways this is good because I tend to live in the present moment. In other ways it’s not so great because it’s important to feel you have achieved something and to know that you can achieve things if you put your mind to them.
I thought I’d try something new this year and set some New Year intentions. Intentions are more gentle than resolutions, I’ve never really stuck with resolutions and often forget about them as soon as January is over. A resolution can leave you feeling disappointed with yourself if you’re unable to complete them in the time you have allocated whereas an intention is more encouraging, something to continue to aim for this year, and next.
Six New Year Intentions
Follow My Own Path
It’s so easy to look at and take direction from others who have gone before us but to be true to myself, and get the most out of life, I think it’s important to follow my own path.
Be Mindful of What I Absorb
With so much information coming from every direction I think it’s important to learn to filter what’s useful and inspiring from what’s not. I plan to spend time reading more of the magazines I find inspiring, to limit my time online to sites and blogs that enrich my perspective, and to continue to surround myself with kind, interesting people, I respect.
Slow Down
I tend to squeeze a lot into each day, rarely giving myself the time to enjoy the moment or appreciate what I have achieved. I think it’s better to do less but do it well.
Continue To Learn
If there’s one thing that drives me it’s the desire to keep learning, whether that’s in photography, cooking, designing or styling.
Spend More Time Outside
There’s something so refreshing about a walk in the park or countryside, switching off from everything apart from what’s in front of me. It really helps to clear my mind and I don’t do it enough.
Go With The Flow
I need to learn to let go a little and appreciate the incidental things that happen, rather than worrying about what I think I should be doing.