5 Lessons I’ll Be Carrying Into The New Year

Happy 2018!

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and New Year celebrations, we certainly have.

I love waking up on New Years Day with that feeling of a fresh start and new opportunities. For my first post of 2018 I thought I’d collate some lessons learnt last year that I’ll be carrying with me into the next. I’m not one for making new years resolutions as such, but I am all for looking back, learning, and making intentional decisions for the year to come.

Things don’t always go to plan

I think this one could sum up our year! 2017 was supposed to be the year we slowed down at home, didn’t do any big scale projects, maybe take a nice holiday instead. That was short lived when our en suite shower broke, leaked through our kitchen ceiling, and there was no easy solution except a full en suite reno. Things went from bad to worse as we were met with never ending problems, even our faithful family plumber disappeared and refused to come back. Safe to say that nice holiday didn’t happen! We often had to make that conscious decision to just accept and not stress, things don’t always go to plan.

Decluttering is good for the soul

Last year I made it my mission to be more ruthless with what I keep and throw away. Having less stuff makes me feel more organised, less distracted and makes it easier to keep our home clean and tidy. Ebay has been my friend. I’ve sold unwanted items, home decor that no longer suits my style, and clothes that no longer fit or haven’t left the wardrobe in a while. Just by doing this I made enough money for Mr F and I to treat ourselves to a 5* luxury spa day. Clutter for relaxation – sounds a good exchange to me.

Get organised

I am a list person; I’m always more productive when I put things down on good old fashioned pen and paper. When I write a to-do list the night before, the following day is more productive and time is better prioritised. (It also gives a nice purpose to all that unused pretty stationary you have!)

Comparison is the thief of joy

I’ve heard this saying many times this year and found it to be so true. Someone else’s home, job, wardrobe, holiday, success will always seem better. Social media highlights this even more and can make the challenge a daily one. But we don’t know the struggles behind closed doors. Celebrate others achievements and then stay focussed on your own unique journey.

Count your blessings

There’s this idea I love but have never carried out. Throughout the year, every good things that happens, whether it’s as simple as a memorable day out with your family, a personal achievement, or a job promotion, jot it down, fold it up and put it in a jar. Then next New Years Eve pull them out and read them one by one. You may find your year wasn’t so bad after all :).