Happy New Year to you all! It’s crazy that this is the third time I’ve been able to write those words here on the blog. Where on earth has the time gone? When I look back on it, I can honestly say that it’s been time well spent. I’ve been doing something that I love and because of that, so many doors, opportunities and possibilities are opening up to me. I look to the future and it seems exciting, which is a good place to be.
It hasn’t always been like that though. There was a time where I wasn’t doing a lot for me and I remember having a conversation a few years back with Guillaume about this yearning that I had to do something, I wasn’t quite sure what it was at that point, but it felt incredibly frustrating. Was it a business? Something creative? It took a while to realise what I knew deep down, and that was that I wanted to write. And so the journey began. Armoire Pegs and Casserole was thought up, so much time, love and energy was put into the design of the blog and I just wrote. It took a while to find my voice and to be perfectly honest, I’ve done some posts that I’m really proud of and a few silly ones along the way. Most importantly, I haven’t deleted the ones I cringe at, they’re part of the evolution of this blog.
I look back to those early days because in a way, I’m doing it again during the rebranding. I’m just as excited, if not more so about the restyle of this blog. This time though, I’m going at it with experience and after finding my voice, which really does change a few things. I’m very clear about the brand and where I will take it.
Reading this you probably realise that the rebrand of the blog is high up on the agenda for me as far as goals go this year. It truly is, but it’s not the only one. This year I’m working with a more holistic approach and I’m dividing them into categories that I believe completes a person’s happiness.
They’re not equal in the time and energy needed; and as life goes on, they will take turns in importance. Some, just like these spinning tops will keep going along effortlessly, while others stumble and will need more attention, but I believe, if I keep trying, I’ll have some nice balance going on.
So this is what that represents to me…
Health
I made some changes to my life last year and reached my weight goal. As a forty year old, I feel the best I’ve felt in years. This has done an enormous amount to my self-esteem and energy levels. So I will continue to exercise and eat well (within reason of course).
Family
Switching off and truly being there for my family has been a big challenge and one that I know a lot of you struggle with also. With all of its good points, social media is the killer for this. Last year I implemented an internet free day on Sunday and I stuck to it for a few months, which I really enjoyed and my family benefited from. At the end of the year, I started slipping up and took little peeks every so often. I’ve noticed that a lot more people have been doing digital detoxes over the Christmas/New Year break, which is great to see. I will bring this internet free day back to my life, along with trying to separate work and family time – a challenge for us bloggers and people who work from home.
Social
Life got so busy that I forgot to have fun for a while. At the end of last year I began to make time to grab a coffee with a friend or have them over to dinner. What’s life without friendships? More of that please.
Business
The rebranding will be at the forefront as will be quality and interesting content. I also intend to work on my social media skills, publish a couple of e-books on the blog and venture into the exciting world of collaborations. I’ll also dedicate more time to freelance writing work. Excited for this next year is an understatement!
Finance
Oh yes, budget time. This year I’ll be making some long term financial goals and sticking to it. The future is actually not that far away.
Creative
I feel like this side goes hand in hand with the blog, but I believe that it really is such an important part of human happiness. Whether it’s with a paint brush, a wooden spoon, a camera, a hammer, the movement of your body or the song of your voice, creativity is something so deep and satisfying and almost spiritual, which brings me to my next point.
Spiritual
This is very personal and it could be anything from meditation to taking a walk in the nature or a yoga class. It’s taking the time out for myself and just “be” so that I can feel the wonder of life.
So there you have it. What have you got planned this year? Have you set some goals? Perhaps you might relate to one of these points?
Two thousand and fifteen is going to be a great year. I wish you all much happiness, good health and success this year and into the future.
Before I go, I have a monthly newsletter in the making. I’d love it if you sign up for it and be the first to know of any of the big rebranding news and much, much more!
Mel x
21 Comments
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What a great list Mel – looks like you have everything covered and some great focus there!
you are on the way to some great changes and I cant wait to see/hear more about your blog direction…all the best!
Yes this year will be a big one and for you I imagine too! I’d love to pick your brain about Pinterest one day. Have you noticed more traffic to your blog? Mel x
Wonderful goals – a lot of them overlap with my own for this year, too.
I love what you said about creativity, too. I’ve found it’s completely essential for my wellbeing and mental health – whether I’m good at it or not!
x
Hi Sara! Oh yes, I realised the need for creativity after I had such a break from it. Thanks so much for stopping by. Mel x
All worthy goals Mel, good luck with achieving them all this year. Looking forward to seeing your new blog design. xx
Thanks Catherine! Hope you’re well! Are you settled yet? Mel x
Happy New Year Mel. I’m so looking forward to seeing what this year brings for you, exciting times x
Thanks so much Emma xx
Yes to everything, you are spot on again with this post. Sigh, going to implement a few myself right now ;)
Good luck Mel, you’re doing great! x
Thank you dear Yvonne! It seems that you’ve got some exciting things happening on your end too. Can’t wait to see xx
Oh yes, I’ll be launching at the end of this week! Coffee please ;) x
Happy new year, Mel! It’s definitely going to be an exiting and great one :)
Your post was so inspiring to read, just what I needed today to lift my energy levels a bit… Really excited to see your redesigned blog and all the things you have in your mind for the future!
Oh it made me so happy to read that Anu, thank you. Happy New Year to you, wishing you a wonderful fulfilling year in every area. Mel x
Fabulous post Mel and welcome back! Love your set of goals and so good to hear you’ve found the right path for you. Look forward to following your newsletter and blog this year. Big hug Cxx
Thanks Caroline. Hope that this year is another great one for you – you’ve certainly gone so well with your styling career. Mel x
WOW! I feel so inspired. Guess what I’m doing tomorrow? Documenting my goals and holding myself accountable. MJx
Oh yay, that’s so great Michelle. Have a lovely weekend. Mel x
Well, Happy New Year lovely Mel!
Looks like you had an amazing holiday and that you’re properly fired up for 2015!
I always comment on this but things change when we turn 40. Our confidence, our goals, our self-understanding! So your list is not surprising to me and I’m delighted you want to take some ‘me’ time too which is so important.
It’s upwards from here on. Look forward to the big reveal and sharing the journey with you.
xx
Thanks Tina and Happy New Year to you too! Other than the extra lines, turning 40 really has been a positive experience, I agree. Big hugs, Mel x
great article Mel! You’ve inspired me to look at a few changes I need to make! Xx
Oh good! I hope you fill me in on them one day soon xx