Wow. Is 2018 really over? Is that really it? I can't quite believe how quickly it's been and gone. It only feels like yesterday I was writing up my 2017 reflections blog post. As with all years, 2018 was filled with many ups and many downs but I truly believe I'm learning new things every month, let alone every year. I'm definitely getting more philosophical with age and seeing deeper meanings in everything in life. Today I wanted to write a post with 10 ways I personally think you can make 2019 the best. I don't really like this pressure of 'make it your best year yet' as in my opinion, the fact you're living and breathing means you're already winning at life. Equally though, I totally understand that people feel motivated with phrases like that, I personally do. So, whether you want to make 2019 your best year yet or, you just want to get the most out of it and spend it feeling positive, here are my ways to make 2019 your year.
1. MUTE - First things first, if seeing someone or something on your social media feeds upsets/angers/gives you any feeling other than happiness, click the mute button. I know Facebook also has a 'take a break' button, for those friends you may not want to un-friend but it means you no longer have to see them on your timeline. Trust me, it will revolutionise your life muting people who have hurt you in the past.
2. EXERCISE - Exercise truly is my saviour. If I'm having a bad day, I'm stressed or my mind needs a little TLC, I head to David Lloyd and smash out a workout. Even if you don't have a gym, going out for a brisk walk or doing a workout in your lounge is just as good. I'm a lover of David Lloyd, genuinely hooked on their Blaze classes (they make me feel SO strong and I leave all my stresses behind after a class) but when I don't have a gym, I do Body Coach workouts from my laptop, you just need yourself, some water, 15 mins and a little bit of space. Nothing gives you as good endorphins as fresh air and working out. A workout doesn't have to be hard either, I love yoga and pilates for my mind also. I know some people physically can't work out and I think that's where fresh air is your friend.
3. TREAT YOURSELF - Treat yourself, whether that's with time off, a holiday, a new perfume, a new handbag or a blow dry (I go to Sassoon in Leeds or SHOW dry in London and feel like a queen every time I leave - it's like therapy). Life is for living and as much as I'm an advocate for saving money and planning your future, life is short so if you want something and you've worked hard for it, go for it. I always like to set my bank accounts up with little separate accounts, including a 'dream fund' and a 'travel fund' and maybe even a 'handbag fund'. You can do something little where you add say £5 per week into an account and then reward yourself at the end of the year. The world can be tough on us so you've gotta be kind to yourself.
4. DON'T BE HARD ON YOURSELF - Be hard enough that you motivate yourself to hit your goals but there's enough pressure on us in society, so don't be so hard that you beat yourself up this year. We are guilty of beating ourselves up over so many things, be kinder to yourself.
5. BE SELECTIVE - Be selective in so many aspects of your life, whether that's what jobs you're taking (as a freelancer, I turn down many brands that I think are damaging or don't align to my values), the people you surround yourself with (they say you are the average of the top 5 people you surround yourself with) and even the events you go to. Don't feel as if you have to do everything, if you're exhausted, it's okay to say no to things. I was invited on some really exciting trips last year and a few of them I had to say no to as I knew I'd be too exhausted trying to cram them in, sometimes timings don't work but trust the timing of your life.
6. IT'S OKAY TO PLAY - One thing I learnt in 2018, on a trip actually, is that it's important to have fun. I'm a workaholic and definitely let work take over my life. It's important to shut your laptop, put an out of office on and do a few shots/dance/do whatever makes you happy. You are allowed to play.
7. STAY IN YOUR LANE - Rather than worrying about what others are doing, focus on you. Comparison is the thief of joy and it's better that you stay in your lane rather than get distracted by others. We all have our own stories, our own chapters.
8. GIVE BACK - Giving back will truly make you happy. Your greatness is not what you have, it's what you give. It's so easy to give back, whether it's smiling at someone in the street, complimenting someone you walk past or donating to charity. I give hampers to domestic abuse charities and a children's home throughout the year and receiving letters/messages from the recipients truly makes my day. It's nice to be nice. I was always told in school to compliment someone once per day, apparently it makes you and the other person feel great too.
9. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS - I really think tracking progress is a sure fire way to keep yourself motivated. I got a diary and ticked the days I went to the gym throughout this year and it's inspired me so much.
10. MINDSET - Every day truly is a blessing, you are the energy you attract. I really do think with some things, a switch of mindset can help. E.g, I've started being kinder to myself, believing in myself more but also, being compassionate for others more too. I guess going through bad things or tough times gives you a good perspective on life and can help alter your mindset. I guess before you judge someone (it's a natural, human reaction to do so) try and understand first. Remember: you don't know someones story.
So there we have it, I hope this is going to inspire you and help you make your 2019 fabulous.
Wishing you the happiest New Year!
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Lots of love, Em x
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