Saying Goodbye to 2016

Hello again friends!

This is my first post in a while. Sorry about that - college got crazy busy and I decided to wait until the New Year to commit to this blog fully. That said, I have around twenty draft posts waiting to go; I have so much to talk about! Firstly, wishing you a really happy New Year. I hope your festive period has been filled with lots of love and good food. My family really spoiled me this Christmas, and we had a wonderful time.

That said, the pressure to be reflective can get overwhelming at this time of year. For me it always brings up feelings I can't quite name, but really dislike. I don't see the point in over-analysing and reliving the bad bits of 2016; I've learnt from them, and I have really good insight to move forward with. Instead I'll think about the positives, of which there are so many. What you focus on grows, right?

I live a sheltered, privileged life and I have a family who loves me. A roof over my head, a warm bed, good shoes and kitchen cupboards brimming with my favourite foods. My friends are fantastic, and I'm blessed with the means to connect with inspiring souls all over the world. I receive a wonderful education which challenges and expands my mind all the time, and I have a clear set of goals for myself. I am more compassionate, more grateful and more determined than I have ever been. When I focus on all of these things, I know that I should not regret any of this years' events; I am happy with where I am now and I am excited about the future.

Let's talk about New Years' resolutions. There are two parts of me, and these fall into battle as New Year comes around. On one hand, I am frustrated and bored by the empty resolutions of others around me, to "eat healthier" or "go to the gym every day" as soon the calendar flips to January 1st. I don't doubt that they genuinely intend to see this through; I've been there! But I can't help thinking that we are so often setting ourselves up for failure. I despise the notion that we must wait for a new year to come before we initiate positive changes. If we weren't able to go a week without fast food in 2016, how can we expect ourselves to abstain immediately and altogether, now that it's 2017? The subsequent and almost inevitable "falling off the wagon" leads to feelings of inadequacy. In the belief that we have "failed", we so often give up entirely and lose sight of where we truly want to be.

But (and there's always a but), I recognise that fresh starts can be hugely healing. Every day is a fresh start in my life and without this affirmation, I would stumble and fall constantly. And so if, for whatever reason, the New Year brings a renewed sense of motivation and positivity, then run with it! Just so long as your goals are realistic, sustainable and genuinely healthy. Also, check your reasons. For instance if you want to eat more whole foods purely in the pursuit of a thin body, then you most likely won't stick to it. Do it for the mental clarity, the internal health benefits and the planet also.

This morning's zoats - perfect start! 

With that out of the way, I'll share a few of my general goals for 2017:

• Start yoga
• Be more mindful
• Practice more gratitude
• Feed myself well 
• Show more love

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has supported me this past year. Your kind words and encouragement mean the world to me. Wishing you so much love and peace in 2017. Watch this space for more blog posts!

Love,

S x