The 2018 Happy List

Collaboration with AO.com

My aim for 2018 is to do MORE of the things that actually make ME happy. I’ve highlighted ME because when we think of resolutions/goals/intentions (whatever you want to call them) somewhere along the line we end up wanting to do things that others make us feel we need or want.

For example, in previous years I’d tell myself I’d like to learn calligraphy or start vlogging when in fact it was just an external pressure that I’d put on myself as I’d seen others doing it on online and think, ‘Oh, that’s something I should be doing’. What a silly notion. In truth, the only things you should be aspiring to do more of are the things that make YOU feel passionate, safe, excited, scared and inspired. All these other things we think we need to be doing because they are trendy or because we should look a certain way, serve as a distraction to your true passion. Now, that might be calligraphy, yes. But it also could be skimming stones, drinking a hot cup of tea whilst watching the birds eat outside or watching a favourite movie again, and again…(you know all three of those are on my 2018 happy list; I’m an ambitious lass).

This New Year, after some rest, I did scribble down some aims in my notebook for the months ahead because, as mentioned in my previous blog post, I left 2017 a little dazed and confused. I know I need to worry less, slow down, and value my time more so I thought I’d compile a list of things that truly make me happy, in the hope they would become more of a priority than the negative aspects of my life.

My friends at AO gifted me an Acer Linea Tablet at Christmas to help me kick ass with some of my intentions for 2018 and the best thing is that I’ll be checking in next month to see how I’m getting on, and how I’m using the tablet to achieve them. It’s all very easy doing the things that make me happy during the holidays, but fitting them in to a regular work routine is more difficult. But I’m the only person stopping me, so here’s to the month ahead and my 2018 happy list:

1| Drink good wine. We shared a gorgeous bottle of red on our anniversary and I got a silly amount of joy just choosing the bottle, as well as drinking it.

2| Pick up a book rather than my phone in the evenings. I read much more last year than in previous years but I know I can do better and when I do, I’m at my happiest. The main culprit is my mobile phone. If I felt happy at the end of an evening using my phone I wouldn’t care about books, but my phone only makes me happy momentarily when I use it purposefully (to edit a photograph, to message a friend, to complete a work task etc). I’m already on to my second book of the month though so I’m not doing too bad.

3| Listen to more podcasts I’d like to listen to more podcasts on dog walks (but not all the time as it’s nice to be present with Polly) as it’s a great way to start the day and feel inspired on a freelance working day.

4| Always have cake in the house. Er, obviously.

5| Use technology to my benefit I love the digital age we live in (I’ve written posts on social media and its benefits and finding balance online too.) but I am very aware of its flaws also. I want to ensure that this year I use it to my benefit. We are so fortunate to have the world at our fingertips.

6| Skim stones Not because Amelie does it (it’s MY happy list remember) but because it’s relaxing and I’m good at it. Oh yes.

7| Be more organised with freelance work so I can enjoy point no.8 below. I know exactly what I need to do in my permanent work so all my hours are accounted for and I work efficiently to get stuff done. But when I’m working for myself on the blog or on other freelance projects, I always misjudge how long projects take. Gotta get me organised chums!

8| Enjoy guilt-free relaxing I LOVE relaxing after a productive day but man do I get the ‘guilt’s’ if I have projects ongoing (freelance wise). Back to point no.7.

9| Wake up earlier when I can. No pressure. This is a big ask for me. I’m not a morning person at all. But on occasion when I do, I’d like to get outside earlier with Polly and enjoy the outdoors more. Or simply eat a better breakfast. I’m a cup of tea and banana kinda girl. Pastries on Friday. Ahem.

10| Wear more band t-shirts Because they really do make me feel good and we all should wear clothing that sparks delight! *Adds to birthday wish list*

11| Feed the birds regularly I never knew how much my dad loves feeding and watching wild birds in his garden until recently, and I realised it’s something that I love too. Sunday morning spent watching the birds having their breakfast whilst drinking my morning tea was a weekend highlight. Simple things.

12| Watch more movies because they are life to me. Good job I work for a cinema, eh?

13| Share a flask with the OH whilst out walking I don’t know why this pleases me so, but give me muddy boots, a hot flask and the promise of the Yorkshire countryside and I’m content. This year, we need to try longer routes no matter the weather and just keep on, keeping on.

14| Cuddle Polly more (if that is even possible)

15| Visit more book shops That smell. Is there anything better?

16| Post cards to friends (not necessarily on their birthdays, cos I forget those a lot).

17| Read poetry for days when I can’t manage to read a book; there will always be room in my brain for the likes of Emily Dickinson.

18| Solo shopping trips It’s rare I go shopping nowadays but when I do I prefer to go alone and quietly take my time. I don’t want to rush purchases, which I think you do more of when with others.

19| To listen to music daily I already do this (mainly radio, Apple Music, vinyl and Spotify) but I’d like to see more gigs this year if my bank balance agrees.

20| To not give up on Roller Derby I’ve had ups and downs with this sport but I’m in a really good place with it now and feel I’m actually OK at it! In 2018, I’m aiming to be better than average at the game. But most of all enjoy it, it’s fun!

And there we have it! I could actually add to this list very easily but for now, I’ll aim to do a lot more of the above and report back next month. There’s nothing majorly ambitious on the list which suggests I’m happy with my career, relationships, and health (adds drink more water to the list), so that’s a good thing, right?

What are your intentions/goals/resolutions for the year?

Disclosure: Collaborative Post