fresh 2014

The end of the year for me signifies a number of things - usually the end of several weeks' indulgence involving a daily dose of vino, my birthday - not the highlight of my year and an annual round up of what I've achieved during the last 12 months. Most years I feel satisfied I have progressed and grown myself to some extent of my previous New Year's expectations, but there is always some panic that I have not 'grown up' enough or done as many of life's significances as I pressure myself to achieve.

The few days before Christmas and New Year's Eve I usually feel daunted by the blank canvas of the new year ahead and somewhere around the 29th or 30th December I hit a seasonal low. Fortunately I know that a day or two of contemplation (read mood swings) helps me find some goals and a direction or attitude for the coming year.

This year I read this post by Elise Blaha which really prompted me to choose one little word to inspire me in 2014.

My word for the coming year is fresh.

Of all words, this is actually very un-me. I like to be organised, plan my way out of surprises and create a set of routines around me - not characteristics that I associate with the word fresh.

However, heading into 2014 I feel I have no choice but to get out of my box and FRESH feels good. You see life is so different from last year with changes that would normally scare me, but fresh is a great feeling!

2013 ended for me with redundancy from my job due to office relocation overseas. I come from a very corporate background and being let loose in the world is rather a lot unnerving. But this year, most specially, we have our baby girl, little Daisie Anais.

Being a new mother brings surprises everyday and it's helping me loosen up on the structures I have such a penchant for. I spent the last part of 2013 getting to grips with 'mummy mayhem' and feel ready to take hold of life as a whole.

2014 will mean I need to take a fresh look at work and family life, my health and how I can build fitness into the 24 hour job of having a little one. The redundancy can only be put down as an experience and marked as an opportunity to find a working life that I enjoy alongside having a family.

I need to find a fresh way to become the best mother, partner, sister, daughter and friend I can be.

I am so lucky to be facing such an exciting time! Roll on 2014.

Five things I would tell my younger self (or the 'benefits' of hindsight!)

Hindsight is pretty pointless really isn't it? It usually makes you feel like you missed an opportunity or made the wrong decision. That said, I don't have any real regrets in life.

BUT, if I had to live my life again (and that's possible - isn't it Karma?), here's a few pointers I would give myself:

1) Exercise :-) Get out there and move a bit. It does wonders for your mood and I find it really helps put some distance from the things I am wallowing at home worrying about. You don't have to be a super-fit bod who works out 5 times a week and watches everything that goes in your mouth, but commit to one class or session a week. And stick to it. Aim for 2 times a week (or even 3, but we don't want to pressure ourselves do we?) but if you do nothing else, do one class or run or DVD at home each week - no matter what. It doesn't sound like much, but it will do as much for the mind as it will for the body - maybe even more. And when you find you REALLY don't want to do your chosen activity any more, change it up. I find my attention span for an activity (running, spinning, yoga) lasts about 3 months, then I move on.

2) Say yes 75% of the time. People like to hear yes. If you say yes, more things come your way and that effect is cummulative. You would only be saying no because it is more comfortable or less scary for you. You can usually make the time to do things. Embrace the opportunities for new experiences, to show kindness, to meet new people. Don't, however, let people take advantage of you (and you, pinklovenugget, are not the kind of person who people take advantage of and people know that, so nothing to worry about there!).

3) Know that everything will be ok. Life puts in front of you only the things it knows you can handle and you are far stronger than you think you are. And when you look back on all you have achieved, you will feel proud of how strong you are. The energy you are using now for panic attacks and worry is a complete waste. Put your logical, sensible head on more and remind yourself to have faith.

4) You are thinner and prettier than you think. Looking back on picts from even last year, you can see you look pretty good! Remember that. Make the most of what you have and what you are and don't let your lack of confidence spoil the fun times!

5) Do not diet, but do look at what you eat. Caffiene, booze and instant food don't make you feel good, they add to the panic attacks and suck energy from you. Eat well 75% of the time and give yourself those treats - you totally deserve them :-)

6) Money - you don't need all those things you think you do. Most of them are treats. Save your money, treat yourself occasionally, not every week.

Ok, so 6 things I would tell myself! In fact, it seems like these are good rules to live my life with now - and forever more.

I think I try to regularly take time to reflect and remind myself of these things. Perhaps that should be number 7...?

Yours,
Pink