If you think about it, new year resolutions are designed to fail. For a start, there's so little time - isn't the 'New' year over by day two? Then we're back to just a regular, present year. But of course, we are duped into believing that a new year is in fact, a new START. The opportunity to begin afresh. Why, though? We make sweeping declarations that we'll do things differently, then live with the guilt that it didn't work out because shit got in the way.
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| no more one day wonders |
**SWEEPING DECLARATION**
This year, I'm doing things a little differently (oh the irony) and you're invited to join me.
Instead of making the usual pledge to "eat less" "go to gym more" and "clip toenails every week" I will instead pencil in a day a month for an activity of pleasure. I will not commit myself to an unsustainable, unattainable dream that I breezed up at Midnight after too many Martinis (Okay, I'm not that classy - it will be too many Moscatos on ice). I will pencil each activity in the calendar, so that I can't plan anything else, for twelve whole months. I do acknowledge that my idea of 'pleasure' will be different to yours - swap, change, delete wherever appropriate.
JANUARY: It's tough being the first month - there is so much expectation because we're feeling really positive and fired up to achieve things. Yay things! Let's keep it simple so the bar isn't too high. This month's activity:
Go for a leisurely walk at the beach or through the bush (somewhere with lovely scenery) and admire the beauty.
To be clear, this isn't a 'burn off a Mars Bar' type of walk. In no way strenuous, just nice and relaxed. I might take a friend, I might not.
FEBRUARY: Feb is a busy month for me - lots of birthdays, including my own. It seems only reasonable that this month's activity is:
Make and decorate a birthday cake from scratch.
Depending on your skills, 'decorating' might mean covering with Smarties, which is perfectly fine. Why not form those Smarties into a smiley face? Achievable people, let's keep it achievable. Also, if you have no birthdays to celebrate, it can be a regular cake. Or fancy dessert.
MARCH: Ah, the first month of autumn and the year is in full swing. Winter is around the corner but it's not depressing us yet - in fact we might even be looking forward to it! Soon though, you will be in deep hibernation, avoiding the world. Time for this month's social activity:
Get in contact with someone I haven't spoken to in a while, who I like.
Do you know someone who might not be in your regular communication circle, but you really like their company? Drop them a line, maybe catch up for coffee - while you're prepared to leave the house in clothing that isn't pyjamas.
APRIL: Sure, Easter is the mini-break we've been waiting for, but it's usually more stressful than it should be. Find another April weekend to squeeze in this activity:
Have friends over for pizza and board games night.
There's a reason why you loved Mouse Trap as a kid and it's because board games are awesome. More grown up versions I can suggest are: Cranium, the Logo Game (TV and Movie edition), Articulate, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit (2000s, NOT 1980s) or a good ol' deck of cards. Laughs aplenty guaranteed.
MAY: The last of the long daylight hours. An extra blanket a night. The days might still be sunny, but are getting crisp. You want something to look forward to and get you through the winter months. Activity:
Spend a day in the garden and plant flowers or vegetables that will bloom in spring.
May is good because it's not quite winter and the plants will have a chance to take with the first rains.
JUNE: Winter arrived and you know what? It's not that bad! Look at all the amazing coats and boots we were saving! We get to layer all our clothes! Gloves! Beanies! Things are looking up. Plus, more time indoors to:
Make a curry from scratch.
Look, I love korma-in-a-jar as much as the next person, but real authentic curries can't be beat. Find a recipe, head to an Indian or Asian supermarket, find the ingredients and get cooking. Hot dang, it will be worth it (allow at least half a day for this).
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| are we getting somewhere? |
Camping (outdoors) with a campfire to snuggle by. 'Glamping' is also acceptable.
Don't need to go too far - could be a tent in the backyard with a weber for a fire. There is nothing better on a cold night, than looking up at the stars with hopefully someone next to you to keep you warm. And toasted marshmallows.
AUGUST: The rain has probably set in and you've binge-watched all your favourite TV shows. Instead of wallowing in boredom, have a go at:
A simple art or craft project to finish in a day or weekend.
Spend some time finding a project you've wanted to do for a while - the time has already been scheduled, so make the most of it. Pinterest is great for finding quick, achievable DIYs.
SEPTEMBER: Spring is here and a slight increase in temperature has helped you realised that you haven't shaved your legs for three months. Never mind, we're probably not ready for sundresses anyway, but a good time to:
Get a mani / pedi / facial / massage / all of the above.
Do this at home or at a local business, either way you'll feel good and get a spring in your step.
OCTOBER: The days are longer (daylight savings for some) and our summer uniform is making an appearance. Shops are gearing up for the festive season (nooooooooooooooo), but we don't need to get organised just yet. Instead, it's time to have:
An outdoor movie night.
The hardest part about this activity is access to a projector, but I'm sure someone knows someone who has one. Hang a white sheet up, pop the popcorn, put out the beanbags. Cinema at home. Bam.
NOVEMBER: It's warm, but not ridiculously hot. The best fruits are in season and filling up our fridges: berries and stone fruits for our bellies. In fact, more fruit than we know what to do with. Time to get out the jars we've been saving and:
Make jam.
Not only will you have delicious preserves in your cupboard, but ready made gifts for the family members you will no doubt forget about on Christmas day. Win-win.
DECEMBER: Where did the year go? Just yesterday (wink) we were writing up a new year plan, and here we are at the end. Final activity for the year?
Find a quiet place, reflect on what was and be thankful.
Years go by so quickly - often the older we get the faster time goes. Give yourself room to think back and remember the good, the not-so-good and what you achieved. You squeezed a lot into one year. You are one of the lucky ones; flaws, failed resolutions and all.
To confirm my commitment, I will post about each of my activities every month. Let us know about your progress - what are you hoping for in 2015?
Happy New Year lovers! 2014 - it was a very good year.
Elouise x
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